Learn a New Skill with Non-credit Workshops
Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People
FLAGSTAFF, AZ -- Your former piano teacher might not approve, but thousands have learned the secret of how to play piano without reading music. If you’ve ever wondered how it’s done, mark Saturday Sept. 6 on your calendar. That’s when Coconino Community College instructor Craig Coffman will present the nationally renowned Instant Piano Workshop.
Coffman’s approach reveals how the pros play. He has extensive experience as a professional pianist and music director. Having taught piano privately for many years, Coffman will share piano players’ tricks of the trade. For more than 22 years this workshop has brought seldom taught and highly sought after information to more than 100,000 people nationwide.
“While the classical approach stresses discipline and precision in playing, this approach stresses enjoyment and getting great sounds early on. While precision is vital for classical music, this pain-free method is more suitable for pop music of all kinds, from Broadway to rhythm and blues,” he said.
Coffman says the class will teach students, with little or no experience, how to get started on the journey to achieve professional playing skills. Many students take the workshop with no prior piano experience. “They will learn how to use chords instead of traditional note-by-note music reading,” he said.
The workshop is taught in two separate sessions. Session 1, Piano for Hopelessly Busy People, is scheduled for 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday Sept. 6. It covers the basics of playing the piano using the chord method. Session 2, How to Play Piano By Ear, is scheduled for 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday Sept. 6. It builds on the information taught in the first session and teaches students how to play without written music.
“Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is a very easily learned skill based primarily on some simple knowledge about chords and melodies,” said Coffman.
The cost of one class is $30; $50 for both and $28 for materials. To register, call CCC at 928-526-7644.
A Fast and Easy Twist On Walls Flagstaff, AZ
Have you ever wanted to have professional looking faux-painted walls but just couldn’t afford to have it done? Coconino Community College non-credit workshop instructor Linda Coffman says it’s not as hard to do as you think. If you have ever thought of doing this yourself, set aside Saturday Sept. 6 for the A Fast and Easy Twist on Walls.
The class is taught in two parts. Part one covers the basic looks such as faux suede, marble, granite and old plaster walls. This class will run from 9:30 a.m. - noon. Part two is scheduled for 1 - 3:30 p.m. and combines popular approaches such as glazes, tissue paper, dry brushing and faux brick looks.
Coffman’s approach reveals secrets of the pros. She has been in the wallpapering and faux-painting business for more than 18 years. Her work is featured in businesses, hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and fine homes throughout the Minnesota area and now in Arizona. Hundreds are now using her dual-roller techniques to create their own professional looking faux-painted walls.
Coffman says students will be able to have perfect ceilings and corners, to use glaze with double rollers, and learn how to do a number of treatments such as leather and old-world looks.
“Beginners, you will amaze your neighbors and may be asked to do their walls!” said Coffman. “It just takes a twist of the wrist and tricks of the trade that you’ll learn in this very practical and money-saving class.”
The fee for one class is $30, $50 for both; and $29 for materials. To register, call CCC at 928-526-7644.