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Priorities...

Welcome to the 8th issue of my weekly newsletter.

Busy week here! At the current moment, I'm packing up stuff as we prepare to move into our next home, getting ready to shoot another segment for HGTV's "House Hunters" (yes, we're going to be on House Hunters!), attending a funeral of a dear friend, gearing up for week long travel, and playing piano for a high school friend's wedding.

But in all that, I've found time to assemble this week's newsletter because it is a priority --- and priorities get done. Period.

Is reaching your musical goals a priority? In all your tasks and responsibilities, do you force yourself to make time to study and practice? Or is it a lackadaisical kind of thing?

I've learned over the years that when you find someone who excels above average at something, it's ON PURPOSE.

"But they're gifted!" Sure! But that can only go so far. You better believe that gift is honed over hundreds and thousands of hours of practice and cultivation. I wrote about this not too long ago.

But this speech is obviously not for you because you're reading my newsletter right now. :-) Congratulations, just by reading this, you've set yourself apart from majority of "would-be, could be's."

This issue is absolutely stuffed! From advice on how to learn songs quickly to tips on playing in all 12 keys, from golf insights and how they relate to the piano to altered chords, I've got you well covered in this issue!

Also, I'm about to raise the price of Song Robot (as there have been tons of new updates and more coming) so if you haven't invested yet, don't wait too much longer.

Song Robot is my new song learning tool I just released. In fact, I built this tool several years ago but never revealed it to the mass public... until now. Only certain inner circle members have used it and after so many rave reviews, I decided a month ago to offer it to the world! You can go check out a free video I made about it here. (I've since invested even more in the software and it is loaded with never-before-seen song learning features; see update video on right side of this newsletter).


Don't forget to comment! I get more personal e-mails than comments. It's ok to reply to my e-mails but my real home is the blog so stop by and leave me a note sometimes. It really keeps me going.

Enjoy this issue and I'll see you next time.
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   "The Ear Doctor"

 
 
What Golf Can Teach You About Mastering The Piano
by Jermaine Griggs

As you may know, I took up golf last August.

My instructor, Tracy Roberts (a.k.a. - "Coach"), is an amazing teacher. Like me, he really illustrates the "what," "how," and "why" and I'm pleased to be under his guidance, now on the other end as a beginning student.

I've even introduced my oldest daughter, Jadyn, to the sport. I figured I could get her started early, seeing that she picks up stuff extremely fast.

This week, we started working on my "short game." Read More>>>

 
 
The Key To Learning New Songs... QUICKLY!
by Jermaine Griggs

Let's not kid ourselves.

The whole point of learning all these theories, principles, and shortcuts isn't because we're in love with this stuff (well, some of us are). But for most, learning this stuff is a means to an end.

And without a doubt, the ultimate "end" (at our website at least) is to hear a song and in a matter of minutes, be able to play it.

There's a lot that goes into it, don't get me wrong. But here, I want to give you a really concise blueprint... Read more>>>
 
 
My Advice To A Student About Learning Songs
by Jermaine Griggs

After yesterday's post, I received an awesome comment from Chris Johnson. I quickly replied and after re-reading our exchange, thought it appropriate to share with you.

Chris wrote:

Well you've done it again Jermaine. You know how close I am to my goals! I pretty much do all of this already but I still struggle at times and I always struggle with the bass.

I have all of these skills under my belt except for picking out those darn bass notes...
Read more>>>
 
 
The Easiest Way To Learn All 12 Keys
by Jermaine Griggs

When it comes to learning all 12 keys, there's a few ways to do it. You can use the number system and chord approach. In this approach, you simply ask yourself two questions:

1) What number of the scale am I on (aka "scale degree")? 2) What kind of chord am I playing?

If you were in C major...
Read More>>>
 
 
There's always a "major" in a "minor"... and a "minor" in a "major!"
by Jermaine Griggs

Today, I want to share a concept that a lot of beginners still don't get.

There's not much difference in playing major and minor chords when you think the way I think.

In fact, as the title loudly declares: There's a major chord in every minor chord and a minor chord in every major chord.

Sure, this isn't apparent in smaller triads, but it's clear in seventh chords and up, when carefully analyzed.

First, let me start this discussion by showing you how... Read more>>>


 
 
Ask Jermaine
Ask Jermaine: "How To Play #9 #5 Chords"
by Jermaine Griggs

This week's question comes from Sunny: "Thanks Jermaine, please can you spell out the C7 (#9#5) chord?"

My answer... Great question Sunny because tons of people still struggle with altered chords.

When you see a "#" (sharp) or "b" (flat) appended to a chord, it's signifying that... Read more>>>

 
 
archives
Every week, I rummage through our years of archived articles and dig you up a gem. Enjoy!

How to play pretty ballads with just two chords
by Jermaine Griggs

Full songs played with just 2 chords!  Read more>>>
 
 
next issue

Remember, this ezine releases EVERY Wednesday. Join us next week for another issue. See ya next time!

 
 
 
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Hear & Play Wednesday Weekly
Issue 8 - March 9, 2011
 
 
 
Subscribe Now
Not a subscriber yet? What are you waiting for? Click here to start receiving this newsletter every Wednesday (no cost).

 
 
hot
New SECRET Tool Breaks Down Songs... TURTLE SPEED (a "must-see"). Free video explains everything... Click here
 
songrobot
 
 
This thing keeps getting better! Another Song Robot Update!
by Jermaine Griggs

Check out this 5 minute video of me

And remember, if you've already invested in it, you get lifetime updates for free.

Just open the program and it should say a new update is available. If not, then you need to log into the digital center with your e-mail and dob to pick up latest update (then after that point, the software will look for updates every time you run it).

If you haven't joined the group of proud Song Robot users, what are you waiting for? :-) Click here for more information.
detailing the latest changes to Song Robot.
 
 
 
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Upcoming Events
Musician Breakthrough 2011 - COMING IN WEEKS!

If you haven't checked out the Musician Breakthrough website, you're in for a treat.

It features 7 musicians and over 70 minutes of online video clips so far. Each of these musicians are competing for a trip to the Bahamas! And a few lucky visitors (like you) will win an iPad and full suite of Hear & Play Products.

Head over to the site, vote on your favorite clips, learn a bunch, and get in on the action! Click here...


 
 
Take Action
Want to take your church playing to the next level? Check out this video...
Video clip
 
 
Social links
 
 
hot
 
Musician Breakthrough - Coming Soon!
watch video
This clip features Kevin Nickelson from our Musician Breakthrough collection teaching his approach to contemporary worship.

For more information on Musician Breakthrough (coming soon),
visit the website.

 
 
member spotlight
watch video
This week's Member Spotlight features loyal student, Sophia Powell from Wisconsin.

Since joining us, Sophia has been excelling at an incredible pace. She's now publishing youtube videos, teaching others, and letting her light shine! We love to see our members out there reaching others! Keep up the great work!


*If you'd like to be featured in a future Member Spotlight, send us a youtube link and brief introduction by clicking here.
 
 
Want to re-publish this newsletter?

Go for it! As long as you include everything in tact (with all links active), feel free!

Click here for the web version (always use web version, not version that comes to your e-mail as it is heavily personalized).

 
 
 
 
 
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past issues
 
 
 
Editors Note
How Would You Like To Get Helpful Music Tips & Advice Sent To Your Mobile Phone Weekly?

Introducing... "The Mobile Music Minute!"
And it's FREE! click here

Mobile music minute ad
This newsletter is published by HearandPlay.com, the leading resource and voice for "Ear-Musicians" around the world! If you've always wanted to learn your favorite instrument without years of boring and frustrating "sheet music" lessons, we've got you covered. Our specialty is teaching you how to play to play by simply LISTENING. Our motto is simple: If you can hear it, you can play it!

For more information, visit www.HearandPlay.com


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