How to Play "Dreams" by Diana - Winner of The Piano Final (Channel 4)

Learn how to play Dreams by Diana on piano, the beautiful piece that moved the nation to tears, using DecPlay's revolutionary pattern recognition method that makes complex music accessible to everyone.

When 87-year-old Diana from North Wales performed her self-composed masterpiece Dreams in the finale of Channel 4's The Piano Series 3, she didn't just win a competition—she proved that beautiful, emotional music can be created and played at any age.

Now you can learn to play Diana's touching tribute to her late husband using the DecPlay method's unique pattern recognition approach that reveals the hidden simplicity within complex-sounding music.

Watch: How to Play "Dreams" by Diana on piano

Quick Tips Video:

Please note: This videos is designed for intermediate players. We have created tuition videos in the unique DecPlay numbers style, for our piano community, which makes playing Dreams even more accessible for complete beginners. 

To view the free training videos on how the DecPlay method works, enter your email in the form below:-

Why Diana's Story Resonates: From Grief to Musical Glory

Diana's courageous performance wasn't just about musical skill—it was about using piano as a healing force after loss. Her story mirrors the transformational journeys of thousands of DecPlay students worldwide who've discovered that piano isn't just an instrument—it's a pathway to healing, joy, and renewed purpose in life, especially for those aged 60, 70, 80, and even 95+.

Why Diana's Story Matters: Piano as Medicine for the Heart and Mind

Diana's courage to compose and perform at 87 proves what we've witnessed countless times in our DecPlay community: music has the power to transform lives at any age. But Diana's journey also highlights something crucial—she didn't let traditional barriers stop her from creating music that came from her heart.

This is exactly what the DecPlay method enables for older adults who might otherwise think piano is beyond their reach. That is why we created the videos above , to show how easy it can be to learn how to play Dreams by Diana on piano, when you use the unique DecPlay method.

The DecPlay Difference: Learning Piano Without Traditional Barriers

While Diana's natural talent shines through, most older adults face significant challenges with traditional piano lessons:

• Complex sheet music that can take years to master
• Frustrating finger exercises that feel disconnected from real music
• Age-related challenges like arthritis, vision changes, or memory concerns
• Fear of starting "too late" in life

The DecPlay method eliminates these barriers entirely.

How DecPlay Works: Unique Patented Method

DecPlay is the only piano learning method to receive a patent for its revolutionary approach. Instead of struggling with traditional sheet music, DecPlay uses:

• Simple number patterns (if you can count to 7, you can play piano)
• Patented song sheets that you can understand within minutes (no reading traditional sheet music)
• Instant song recognition - play recognizable music from day one
• Arthritis and vision-friendly approach designed for older learners

The DecPlay method uses numbers one through seven to help identify both the melody and accompaniment of a piece of music. Using a lead sheet format (showing just the melody and chords), DecPlay enables absolute beginners to play popular songs on piano incredibly quickly. The method utilizes the simple patterns that exist in songs, and enables beginners to play accompaniment and melody from song sheets, easily and quickly (often playing your first song within 1 day).

This breakthrough method has been featured on BBC TV and Radio and holds the highest rating of any piano course on Trustpilot, with over 90% of students awarding the maximum 5 stars.

Real DecPlay Students: Stories That Echo Diana's Journey

Krys Bather: "I Never Thought I'd Smile Again"

After losing her husband to cancer, Krys thought joy had left her life forever. Like Diana, she found solace in piano music. Using the DecPlay method, she was playing recognizable songs within days.

"This has really lifted me... I never thought I'd smile again, but it's been so wonderful," Krys shares. Her story proves that piano can be a powerful tool for processing grief and rediscovering happiness.

Alex Robson (Age 85): From Stroke Recovery to Piano Mastery

After suffering a stroke that left him unable to move his left arm and struggling with depression, Alex discovered DecPlay. The method's gentle approach allowed him to gradually regain movement while building confidence.

"DecPlay saved me. I don't think I would have got this movement back if it hadn't been for the piano," Alex explains. His arthritis improved, his depression lifted, and he even played a grand piano at a hotel—his "yes" moment that proved dreams don't have expiration dates.

Dee Bushell (Age 95): Rediscovering Joy After 30 Years Away

At 95, Dee proves you're never too old to start—or restart—your piano journey. A former Grade 8 classical pianist who hadn't played for 30 years, she found new joy through DecPlay's chord-based approach.

"If you're in a situation where you've lost somebody, this is absolutely wonderful. You've saved my life," Dee says. Now she sends piano videos to her grandchildren, who proudly share them with friends at work.

Fiona McIntosh: Creating Joyful Connections Through Music

Fiona uses her DecPlay skills to play for her mother who has dementia, creating precious moments of connection through familiar songs and sing-alongs. Her story shows how piano can bridge generations and bring comfort to families facing difficult times.

The Health Benefits: Why Piano Is Perfect for Older Adults

Research consistently shows that learning piano offers remarkable benefits for older adults:

Mental Health Benefits

• Enhanced memory and focus - piano exercises multiple areas of the brain simultaneously
• Improved mental agility - learning new songs creates new neural pathways
• Reduced symptoms of dementia - musical engagement supports cognitive health

Physical Health Benefits

• Improved fine motor skills - gentle finger movements support dexterity
• Arthritis relief - many students report reduced stiffness and pain
• Enhanced coordination - playing piano is like physiotherapy for your hands

Emotional Health Benefits

• Mood enhancement - music naturally releases endorphins
• Stress and anxiety reduction - playing piano is meditative and calming
• Social connection - the DecPlayer Club community combats loneliness
• Renewed sense of purpose - creating music gives life new meaning

Learn Diana's "Dreams": See How Easy DecPlay Makes Beautiful Music

In our step-by-step tutorial, we break down exactly how Diana's emotional piece Dreams can be learned using DecPlay's simple number system. You'll discover the hidden patterns that make this beautiful composition accessible to complete beginners. 
Here's the video of Diana's performance in the final of The Piano

Join the DecPlay Community: You're Never Too Old to Start

Diana's courage at 87 should inspire anyone who thinks they've missed their chance to learn piano. Our community includes students like:

• Harry (Age 90) - "DecPlay is the way to go. I never thought I could do this, but I can."
• Pamela (Age 74) - Went from complete beginner to playing recognizable songs in just one day
• Claudine - Used piano learning as therapy during cancer treatment

The optional DecPlayer Club connects you with this supportive global community spanning 72 countries, where members share their progress, encourage each other, and form lasting friendships.

Your Musical Journey Starts Today

Like Diana, you have music inside you waiting to be expressed. Whether you want to:

• Play beloved songs for family sing-alongs
• Process grief and find healing through music
• Keep your mind sharp and fingers active
• Create a musical legacy for your grandchildren
• Simply experience the joy of making music

The DecPlay method makes it all possible, regardless of your age or experience level.

Ready to Begin? Get Your Free DecPlay Starter Pack

Don't let another day pass wondering "what if." Diana proved that 87 is the perfect age to share your musical gifts with the world. Your journey can start today.

Get your FREE DecPlay starter pack and discover why thousands of older adults have chosen DecPlay to fulfill their piano dreams:

• Instant access to beginner-friendly video lessons
• Step-by-step guidance from our expert instructors
• No sheet music required - start playing songs immediately
• Join the supportive DecPlayer Club community
• Discover the health and wellness benefits of piano

Get Your Free Starter Pack Here →

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - The same is true for learning piano. Your musical journey awaits.

About DecPlay

DecPlay is the world's only patented piano learning method, specifically designed for adult learners. Featured on BBC TV and Radio, DecPlay has helped over 55,000 students worldwide discover the joy of playing piano without traditional sheet music.

With the highest rating of any piano course on Trustpilot, DecPlay proves that it's never too late to learn piano and transform your life through music.