Makes a lifelong dream come true

without having to suffer through

years of “traditional” lessons.

Start playing familiar songs in

mere weeks and discover a

new sense of health, happiness

and fulfillment.

INSIDE:

So easy anyone can do it

Surprising benefits from playing

piano

A new fountain of youth

Amazing success stories

Self-scoring musical ability

survey

Especially for adults:

How A New Way Of

Playing Piano Can

Change Your Life

Have you always wanted to play piano but thought

you’d missed out on any opportunity to learn how?

Well, it’s not too late! A new, revolutionary way of

playing is changing everything!

Are you one of the millions of people who took pianos lessons as a child and

finally got fed up and quit? Or, perhaps, for one reason or another, you

didn’t get put into lessons.

But now, as an adult, you wish you could play. Many people have harbored

this dream for years.

But as children we learned that playing the piano was really hard. Whether

we took lessons or not, we all knew from other kids it was extremely difficult

and took years to learn.

You see, everybody who took piano lessons was put into a “traditional”

program, a system of learning and playing classical music designed more than

a hundred and fifty years ago. That was the only choice.

And it was designed for one thing only. To turn someone into a concert

pianist. And the way it was taught (and still is) it was difficult.

It was about strict discipline, endless scales, boring theory, monotonous

finger exercises, hours of tedious practice, the stress of trying to read a

gazillion notes on a page of music and play each one perfectly.

Fun and creativity didn’t really enter into it.

Maybe you had this experience as a child or at least know someone who did.

Sure, a few (very few) went on to become concert pianists. But for the most

part, it’s been a great tragedy!

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It’s robbed millions of people of the fulfillment and pure joy of making music

on the piano and all the miraculous health and wellbeing benefits the piano

can give you.

Worse, because it was so difficult, most students quit and went into adult life

with a nagging sense of failure.

Just ask a dozen people if they took piano lessons as a child. You’ll find

about half of them did.

Then ask them if they play now. You’ll find almost no one does, even though

they may have gone through years of piano training.

Most adults believe there’s no hope of ever playing. Now, two things have

changed that:

1: Research has proven that anyone can learn the piano at any age (The

Russell Academy has many students in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even

their 90s).

2: A whole new approach to playing that’s so easy, anyone can do it.

Finally, you can make your dream a reality!

Rod Russell, internationally renowned music coach and entertainer is putting

the piano within the grasp of anyone who wants to play. He’s made playing

the piano easy, fast to learn, and most of all, fun to play !

When approached this way, making music can give you a whole new life full

of joy and profound fulfillment.

After years of work he still couldn’t play the

music he wanted!

Like millions of other kids, Rod was put in a program of traditional lessons.

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After eight years of hard work, all he could play were a few classical songs

that took hours and hours of practice if he was going to play even one of them

for anybody.

Then came a new revelation

In his mid-teens, through a stroke of luck he was introduced to an amazing

but little known method of playing popular music by chord.

Within less than six months he was playing in a dance band!

Playing this way was infinitely easier than what he’d been struggling with for

years!

He realized that anyone could learn to play this way without going through

years of heart breaking “traditional” lessons.

It was quick to learn and it allowed him to play popular songs he heard on the

radio.

And it was FUN!

Through years of playing professionally, he refined and added to this break-

through method and has taught it to thousands around the world with

incredible results.

What this could mean to you

If you’ve always thought playing piano would be too hard, or you wouldn’t

be able to do it, or it will take too long, or you didn’t have musical talent, we

want you to know that none of this is true!

You can learn to play. And it won’t take you years to do it.

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We know because we’ve worked with thousands of adults who thought the

same thing – all because of what they’d been told, or actually experienced as

children.

The magic of playing by chord

The playing method Rod discovered at age 16 is based on playing by chord.

Compared to the old traditional method it’s incredibly easy, yet your music

sounds wonderful.

Here’s what one student from The Russell Academy said when he discovered

how quick and easy this way of playing really is:

“I didn’t know one note from another until your lessons arrived.

Imagine my surprise and sheer delight when, at the end of Lesson

One, I was able to play three complete songs!”

It can be life-changing, but very few people (other than our students) know

about it.

Makes a world of music available to you

All sheet music and most popular song books available in stores or online

include the chords to play for each song.

But most people don’t know what to do with them nor do they realize that

chords are the secret to making a lifetime dream of playing piano come true

Proof that playing music, especially on the piano is

the best thing you can do for yourself

Everybody knows that music makes you feel good. But until recently no one

realized just how important it is in our lives.

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In the last few years, scientific studies have shown music can do remarkable

things for our health, happiness and wellbeing. It’s so important everyone

needs to have it in their life.

Listening to music is great and everyone should do it. But playing it –

making music yourself, gives you almost magical benefits that can be had

nowhere else.

You’ll be amazed

In the following pages, you’ll find out what the piano can do for your mind,

your health, your happiness and sheer enjoyment of life. You’ll hear some

astonishing stories of what it’s done for others when approached the right

way.

One of the surprising things we’ve discovered at The Russell Academy is that

you don’t have to play like Liberace or Elton John to start enjoying these

benefits in your life. You start gaining them right from the beginning and it

just gets better.

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Play Piano & Change Your life

By Rod Russell

The piano is not new. We’re all familiar with it. After all, it’s been

around for more than 250 years.

What we didn’t know until recently is that this amazing instrument can

change your life in miraculous ways, even when played at the most basic

level.

It’s capable of making us healthier, happier, and smarter. What’s

more, anybody can play one and if you approach it the right way, it will put

incredible fun and joy in your life.

And the benefits you get from playing the piano can be achieved in no

other way. No activity, no sport, no social group or the internet can do for

you what the piano can.

Miraculous improvements - - after only three

months!

When Patsy Wright wrote to me to enroll in my home study piano

course, she had been suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis for more than

eight years.

It was so bad she had to give up a job she really loved.

Her hands would get so swollen she had difficulty picking up a cup of

coffee. “Even combing my hair was a nightmare” she confided.

She enrolled anyway.

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Three months later, Patsy wrote: “Since starting the piano lessons, my

fingers are very flexible. I can firmly grasp silverware and am not always

dropping things. I no longer have difficulty combing my hair.”

But it didn’t end there. She went on to say: “I feel that learning piano

has also improved my memory. I feel more alert and more able to get on with

my other work. It has truly been a blessing for me.”

Incredible – after only three months?

I’ve received many such letters telling about how music and the piano

in particular have made remarkable improvements in people’s lives.

Surprising changes – at 62!

Bill Taylor is a retired heavy equipment operator. He decided, at 62

years old to take up the piano.

When he started, Bill was facing several problems brought on by

retiring after years of working. He was troubled by suddenly having nothing

to do with his time.

He began to lose confidence in himself and really wasn’t very happy

with his new life. Not only that, after operating heavy machines for years, his

hands didn’t work like they should.

Only a few months after Bill started learning piano, I got a letter from

him. He had his old happiness and confidence back and his hands were

working much better.

And he was loving his new hobby (he had never played a note before).

But perhaps the most important thing… he had peace of mind !

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A whole new degree of joy!

Over the past twenty five years, The Russell Academy has worked with

more than 27,000 adult students in five countries.

In almost every instance, the very first thing that a student experienced

was a profound sense of joy!

That seems to be the starting point for all the other miraculous benefits

people achieve by playing piano.

Startling new findings

In recent years, there’s been a tremendous amount of research into the

effects playing music can have on our life.

Researchers are discovering the therapeutic benefits that are available

to anyone who takes up the piano as a hobby, regardless of age or musical

background.

Studies have shown that learning to play the piano can:

1: Reduce stress and anxiety – sometimes dramatically

2: Lower blood pressure

3: Reduce effects of arthritis in the fingers and the effects of osteoporosis

4: Improve memory and cognitive functions

5: Improve math skills

6: Enhance your creative abilities

6: Strengthen your immune system (by lowering stress levels)

7: Reduce or stop feelings of loneliness

8: Make measurable improvement to the brain

9: Give person a whole new zest for living, and….

10: Possibly even help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease!

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Pretty exciting stuff ! And you start getting these benefits right away!

These studies have shown – and my own students have confirmed - that

it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can enjoy the same mental and

physical improvements.

One researcher noted that playing music appears to “make older people

young again”! Can playing piano actually be another path to the “Fountain

of Youth”?

Well, maybe so. We got a call a few months ago from a student in

New Mexico who had enrolled in our course about 15 years ago.

In talking with him I found out he was 103! He was still playing piano

and loving it. In fact he attributed his long life to making music.

I’m including a few of the other real life stories I’ve received from our

students a bit further on. Some of them are nothing short of miraculous.

Proof of a beneficial link

But one of the most significant studies showing a connection between

keyboard lessons and health took place in Miami in 1998.

It was called The Music Making and Wellness Project and was carried

out by a group of internationally known experts in the field of medicine,

biochemistry, psychology and psychiatry.

The study measured the changes that occurred in 130 middle aged and

older adults who took keyboard lessons against the same number of people

who didn’t take lessons. Significant positive changes were noted in those

who took lessons, including:

Decreased anxiety – after only 10 weeks of lessons! This can lead to

improved cognitive performance, enhanced learning ability, better

decision making and general feelings of well-being.

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Decreased depression. What researchers have found is that a brighter

mood and a more positive outlook gained by playing music often has a

lasting effect throughout the rest of the day. My own students have had

the same experience.

Reduced feelings of loneliness. Participants changed the way they

perceived loneliness and being alone. More about loneliness later in

this report.

Participants showed a 92% increase in human growth hormone (HGH).

This hormone (or lack of it) drastically affects your energy, wrinkling,

osteoporosis, sexual function, muscle mass, aches and pains and much

more.

The general finding of this study confirmed that learning music promotes

physical and psychological well-being.

Stress, anxiety and boredom are reduced giving the student physical health

benefits as well as a great sense of accomplishment and pleasure.

More proof

Another recent study by the University of Miami School Of Medicine

and six other universities discovered measurable health benefits in people

who played music.

As in the Music Making And Wellness Project, feelings of loneliness

and boredom decreased among the participants who learned the keyboard.

But get this… researchers in this study noted significant improvements

to the immune systems of their subjects. Again, reduced stress and anxiety

could very well be the reasons.

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Our own research, conducted with a large number

of adult students confirmed all of this.

With all the challenges to our health that we face these days, we

certainly need to do everything we can to keep our immune system in tip top

shape.

Music and the brain

There has been some exciting research into the effects music has on the

brain. One of the most fascinating studies was done by Environmental Health

& Longevity Lifestyle Research Science

When researchers got people to listen to music, the brain lit up in

multiple areas. But get this: When people played music, they saw fireworks!

The brain lit up everywhere!

They claimed that playing music is the brain’s equivalent to a full-

body workout.

Playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the

brain at once, especially visual, auditory and motor cortices.

What’s more it improved the connections and pathways between the

brain’s two hemispheres, allowing messages to get across the brain faster.

They found that by giving the brain a “workout”, by playing music, it

improved levels of:

- planning and attention to detail

- cognitive function

- emotional wellbeing

- memory and organizational functions

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Neuroscientists have studied this phenomenon thoroughly and have

found learning to play music, and the effects on the brain is different than any

other activity including the arts.

It appears that the biggest favor your can do for your brain is to start

playing the piano.

Stress – a major threat to your health and your life

We live in stressful times. I don’t think the human body was designed

to withstand the emotional pressures of modern life in the 21st century.

We’ve got a lot of problems to worry about – in almost every country

of the world – in our own country – at home – with our relationships.

Then there’s money problems, health worries, threats to our

environment, crime, etc., etc., etc., And the news media makes sure we’re

reminded of it all every day!

This can all add up to continuous stress!

Too much stress can have devastating effects on our physical and

mental health. Long term stress can even have a “burn out” effect.

Besides the more obvious effects on our emotions, an over-stressed

lifestyle can have complex adverse effects to your physical health. Here is

what experts have to say about stress and its effects on the human body.

Actually, the stress response in the human body is a very useful thing.

Given a certain set of circumstances, it’s what prepares us for a “fight or

flight” reaction.

Certain chemicals in the brain and body are elevated, such as adrenalin.

Functions of the heart and blood vessels, the immune system, the lungs, the

digestive system, the sensory organs, and brain are modified to meet the

perceived danger.

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In days past the stress response was critical to survival. The problem,

in today’s world, is we seem to be bombarded constantly with events that

trigger a stress response.

Serious health consequences

One of the most serious effects of stress is an increased risk of heart

disease. Stress has long been associated with high blood pressure.

Stress has also been found to impair the immune system. We’re more

prone to infection – colds and flu, and perhaps more serious illnesses – when

we experience stress for extended periods of time.

Stress has also been shown to worsen arthritis and head aches and

interfere with sleep and digestion, all of which can have a compounding

effect on your health.

According to experts, stress causes the release of a chemical in the

brain that suppresses an area concerned with short term memory,

concentration, and other cognitive functions. There have even been

suggested links between stress and cancer.

Loneliness – a plague of the 21st Century

Experts estimate that at least one in five people suffer from chronic

loneliness. The causes vary but the consequences can be severe.

Here are just a few of the negative effects loneliness can have on your

mental and physical health. Older people are particularly susceptible.

1: Loneliness can affect the brain like physical pain

Loneliness can actually cause the brain to experience physical pain. The

brains of lonely people often feel pain as if it is real physical pain. The stress

hormone cortisol can increase to a level that, over time, can lead to real pain

and serious illness.

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2: Increases the risk of dementia

Chronic loneliness has been shown to greatly increase the risk of

neurodegenerative disorders like Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In fact

studies have shown that people who suffer from loneliness have a 64%

greater chance of getting dementia.

3: Increased risk of heart disease

Here’s one of the more surprising results loneliness can have on your health

that researchers have discovered. Loneliness can cause inflammation in the

body that can damage the blood vessels of the heart. This leads to increased

risk of heart attack and stroke.

4: Sleep disorders

There’s no doubt that good, restful sleep is one of the pillars of health and

wellbeing and the lack of it can have dire consequences. Studies show that

loneliness has a very negative effect on sleep.

Because loneliness causes a depressed state, it can prevent you from falling

asleep and staying asleep. Often lonely people wake up several times during

the night.

5: Reduce life expectancy

Being lonely can shorten your life! Besides an early death caused by a heart

attack, stroke or other health disorders, research has shown that people how

feel lonely just don’t live as long as those who don’t.

There could be a variety of reasons but perhaps the will to live just isn’t as

strong.

So the message is clear. If you’re experiencing feelings of loneliness

on a regular basis, you’ve got to do whatever you can to eliminate it from

your life. People die from loneliness.

If you’re affected by loneliness, now you can do something about it –

and have fun doing it.

Over the years I’ve had many, many adult students say their loneliness

simply went away when they started playing piano. There are a number of

reasons for this:

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- When you play music stress goes away and your mood gets a lot better

- Because you are happier, you have a greater desire to get out and

interact with people

- You get a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and your

self- confidence increases

- But here’s the most important factor backed up by recent

research: Playing music changes your mind’s perception of being

alone ! It can change you from feeling lonely and miserable to being

happy with just being alone. Amazing!

Now, there’s a new threat invading your life

– the internet

Who can argue that the internet is a wonderful thing in today’s world.

Who would have thought 25 years ago that we’d be communicating in real

time with someone on the other side of the world, face to face!

Email, Facebook, other social media, Google, etc, etc. - information,

communication, shopping, banking, travel arrangements – it’s all at our

fingertips.

But there’s a dark side to all of this.

People are increasingly spending more and more time at their

computer, smart phone or tablet. Just walk down any street or go into a

coffee shop and see how many people are glued to their phones, even when

they’re with other people!

Experts are now finding that spending too much time on our electronic

gadgets can be very detrimental in a number of ways.

People are suffering from depressions, sleep disorders, headaches. Too

much screen time can have a detrimental effect on your eyesight and

hormones. Studies have also shown that internet use has a negative effect on

memory.

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And it gets worse… new research is showing that too much time spent

in front of a screen playing games actually shrinks the brain !

Learning music doesn’t do any of those things – just the opposite.

Why you absolutely MUST add music to your life

You’ve got to reduce and counter the stress in your life as much as

possible. And what better way than learning to play the piano for fun.

There are many things over which you have no control, but you can

create an island of inner peace and happiness for yourself, a time in your busy

day when there’s just you, your piano and your music.

When you do this, the effects can be truly astonishing.

When asked, almost without exception my students have said their

stress and anxiety all but disappear when they’re at the piano and their spirit

soars. Furthermore, this feeling seems to carry on throughout their day.

They simply feel more alive, positive and confident. Pretty good

reasons to choose the piano, wouldn’t you say?

Here’s what a doctor in Georgia said:

“I would just like you to know how much you and your piano course

enriched my life. I play at local nursing and retirement homes, and friend’s

homes. Where I get the most pleasure is playing for entertainment and

relaxation. I am a physician who needs the calming and relaxing effect of

playing the piano after a long and stressful day. Thank you for teaching me

to play.”

Dr. Hugh Johnson, Georgia

It’s been five years since Hugh started his course and we still stay in

touch regularly. He’s still playing – lots. He’s developed a sizable repertoire

of songs he plays for himself and others.

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Abolishing the age and talent myth

Let’s clear up one thing right now. It’s never too late to start playing

the piano. There’s been a general feeling that once you reach, say middle

age or older, there’s no hope of you ever learning a musical instrument. That

simply isn’t true as numerous studies show and our students in can attest.

You can start at any age and you’ll do just fine, discovering an exciting

new hobby that profoundly brightens, improves – and perhaps even extends –

your life.

And talent? We’ve worked with thousands of adult students and I can

tell you there’s very, very few who simply cannot play music.

If you approach it in an easy, fun way, you have all the talent you need.

I encourage you to complete the self-scoring musical survey at the end of this

report. I can almost guarantee you’ll surprise yourself.

A Few Extra Benefits You’ll Enjoy By Learning

Piano

I would be remiss if I didn’t point out a few of the side benefits you can

get when you embark on your musical adventure. Over the years I’ve had

many, many letters from students telling me about their musical experiences.

I’m sometimes surprised that they’ve discovered an advantage that I

never even thought of. Here are a few that come to mind.

Learning piano can make you more interesting to others. Tell your

friends about your music, the songs you learned that day, your musical

goals and the positive experience you’re having.

A regular practice session at the piano helps to organize your day. It’s

easy to sort of let your day drift by and you wind up with the feeling

that you didn’t accomplish anything.

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By establishing a daily time for playing, you will have something to

look forward to every day plus you can organize the rest of your day

around it, thereby accomplishing even more.

Believe it or not, more than a few of my students have mentioned an

improvement to their eyesight from learning and playing piano! I have

no idea why this may occur and I can find no research about it.

One student, a retired priest, was actually legally blind when he started.

He wrote to say his eyesight had improved substantially.

Then there are increased social opportunities. Several students have

told me about playing at church or with a choir. One lady joined an

“old time fiddlers” group as their accompanist and has traveled all over

the country with them. You just never know…

Choosing the right program for you

To make this work for you in the best possible way, giving you all the

marvelous benefits available, you must choose the right program.

Whether or not you choose our program at The Russell Academy, I

highly recommend you pick one with the following features:

- It must be well organized, going step by step so you enjoy rapid, steady

progress without getting overwhelmed and confused.

- It must be easy to follow and understand

- It must get you into playing real songs you recognize quickly. If it

doesn’t you’ll simply get bored and lose interest

- It must give you a constant feeling of accomplishment

- It must give you what you need so you’re able to play your favorite

songs – regardless of the type of music you like (popular, blues, gospel,

country etc.)

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At The Russell Academy we’ve tailored our correspondence piano

program for adults. It has all the features you need to easily learn to play

good popular piano.

It costs considerably less than taking private lessons, provides extra

help when you need it by email, and it’s proven – it works. If you choose to

try our program, I would be delighted to have you as a student.

Amazing, real life stories

The following stories are just a few from my many files. They’re

written by ordinary people just like you and me – and they will surprise you.

The changes music and the piano have made in their lives are profound to say

the least.

NOTE: The loss of a loved one, a separation or even having your

children move away from home can leave a real void in your life. Feeling

lonely isn’t much fun and can even lead to serious health problems. This

student’s comments are typical of many I’ve received. As you’ll see,

putting music in your life can brighten your spirit and give you a

renewed sense of purpose.

Dear Rod

Four years ago my husband passed away. This past December I gave

myself a keyboard and your music lessons for Christmas. When I sit down

and practice in the evenings, the house seems full of life, love and joy instead

of silent, empty and lonely. Besides fulfilling a lifelong dream, this is an

unexpected blessing. Thanks.

Katherine Young, NC

NOTE: There’s nothing like a life enriching project to put a spark back

in your life. And a musical project gives you multiple benefits. The

result? More joy in your life as you’ll see from Gladys Beck’s

experience.

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Dear Mr. Russell,

With our six children grown up and gone, and with my husband being

retired, my life became a little stagnant. I live in an area where music is nil.

When we saw your ad my husband encouraged me to send for your

lessons. This program has been a God send for me. I am happier, more self

confident, alert and challenged. I thank you for making this possible for me.

Gladys Beck, OH

NOTE: I started my music teaching career instructing adults one-on-one.

I found that for a large percentage of them, it was a stressful experience

– especially if they hadn’t had time to practice and felt unprepared.

That, more than anything else is the reason I dedicated a year of my life

to create an easy home study course people can do at their own speed.

If you can find the right teacher and are comfortable with weekly

lessons, by all means go that way. But if not, consider learning with a

home study program that you can do at your convenience.

Dear Rod,

I went through the typical music lessons for many years during my high

school days, but was really a nervous wreck every time I visited my music

teacher. I have found learning piano at home is an exciting adventure! I’m

enjoying every lesson and am realizing a sense of accomplishment that I

never had before.

I suffer from Asthma but this new hobby of mine makes me forget I

have this problem. I think it keeps me young and vibrant the rest of the day.

It certainly is a joy in my life and something I look forward to every day.

Many thanks.

Shirley Holzberg NJ

NOTE: As we get older, it seems we start believing we can’t do some of

the physical things we want to do. And, of course there are activities we

can no longer consider, but playing piano isn’t one of them.

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Dear Rod,

I am beginning to feel a fulfillment that I thought I would never

experience. My joy at being able to read music and turn it into something

people are happy to listen to, is unsurpassed.

I am in my 50s and I admit I was somewhat concerned that I would not

have the finger dexterity required to play piano. In fact I was actually told

this two years ago by a professional teacher! After taking your lessons for 10

months, I have no problem whatsoever with finger dexterity.

I also had misgivings about my ability to read the score and maintain

the correct timing, but it’s happening! It’s made me so happy. It has been a

challenge but the success I have had so far has certainly given me immense

joy and I am well on my way to achieving a lifelong ambition.

Your encouragement has made all the difference, especially when that

tendency to “give up” comes around. Many, many thanks.

Antonia Smythers UK

Dear Mr. Russell,

I am having a wonderful time with my lessons. I had my 80th birthday

last September and I have found that with music in my life, especially the

piano, I am never lonely.

By the way, I have arthritis in my right thumb and by playing octaves it

has improved immensely. Thanks you again

Dorothy Martin, NC

NOTE: There is no greater feeling than that of accomplishment. It’s

empowering. Many of my students have said that their session with the

piano every day helps to keep them motivated and accomplish more

through their day. We all need that, wouldn’t you agree?

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Dear Rod,

I am enjoying my lessons and making real progress. There is a real

feeling of accomplishment to master each new piece. I like being able to

work at my own pace and not have to run off to a lesson.

I have had cancer and am on a medication that causes memory

impairment. I feel the lessons will counter that. Thank you so much for your

excellent product.

Marlene Loring BC

NOTE: I mentioned that you can create your own “island of inner

peace” every day when you sit down and spend time with your piano.

Sherri Belluz eloquently describes what so many of my students have

said. Playing the piano reduces stress and can become a treasured part

of your life.

Dear Rod,

I am married and have two sons. I have been and still am a secretary

for the past 22 years.

For my 40th

birthday I pledged to learn to play the piano. I let the

piano sit in my dining room waiting for lessons to begin but couldn’t find the

right teacher. I’m so glad I found you.

When I started I was terrified that I would never be able to learn this –

my first musical instrument. To my surprise and delight I was playing the

first song, Beautiful Brown Eyes in no time. Needless to say, I have mastered

this song and many more!

The piano has become my biggest stress reliever and it is something I

have become dependent upon. I don’t feel right unless I sit down to play

every day.

It is the greatest feeling in the world when you are able to play –

especially songs that have previously given you some difficulty. I have

surprised myself on many an occasion. I look forward to each lesson.

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I am truly enjoying learning this lifelong skill and look forward to

many years of enjoyment. I only wish that I had started sooner.

Sherri Belluz ON

These letters are just a small sampling of the many, many comments I

have received from people who have embarked on their own personal musical

adventure.

As you can see, the life changing benefits people have achieved are

amazing to say the least.

In almost every case, my students have found a profound sense of

excitement, accomplishment, purpose and pure joy at being able to make their

own music. Learning and playing the piano can do the same for you.

I would be delighted and honored to be your coach on your new

musical adventure.

SELF SCORING MUSIC

ABILITY SURVEY Have you had misgivings about your ability to play music? I can’t count the number of

people who have said things like “I don’t have any talent for music” or “I took a few piano

lessons as a kid and there’s no hope for me”.

Many of us grown ups (maybe most) have developed the erroneous belief that playing

music, the piano in particular, is beyond our capability, that somehow it’s too late. For

most of us, nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve proven it over with thousands

students.

The truth is, you as an adult can often learn faster because you want to learn. And because

you’ve been exposed to a large variety of music for many years, you’ll often find you have

better sense for rhythms.

More Than Just The Music

Making your own beautiful music on the piano is thrilling, exhilarating and fun, without a

doubt. It’s all that and a lot more. It’s about creating your own special time each day for a

profoundly peaceful experience that will chase away stress and make your spirit soar.

It’s also about pride in your accomplishment – and it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting

out or if you’re an accomplished pianist. Every new note, new technique, or new rhythm

you add becomes part of a skill you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. Many students say

it’s the best thing they’ve ever done for themselves.

Discover For Yourself

This short questionnaire will give you an insight into your natural ability and interest in

music. It will also provide you with a self analysis to decide if you are suited to (a)

playing the piano, and (b) learning at home.

I’m betting you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover you have more than enough natural

ability and more than enough natural affinity for music. I also think you’ll discover you

possess the desire and belief in yourself to achieve the musical goal you want.

Answer the questions on the following pages in each category. You’ll find directions for

scoring yourself at the end of the questionnaire. You can print it or just jot your answers

down on a piece of paper.

Physical attributes:

If you are in average health and physical condition, you should have no problem from that

aspect when learning the piano. Even serious physical challenges can be overcome.

We’ve had people learn to play who had a seriously crippled hand, missing fingers,

extremely poor eyesight, and more. All were able to learn with a bit of innovation and the

magic ingredient… desire.

1. Is your eyesight reasonably good?

YES NO

2. Do your hands and fingers work reasonably efficiently

YES NO

3. Do you find your back and shoulders allow you to sit

comfortably for at least thirty minutes provided you use

good posture?

YES NO

4. Do you feel that your hands are fairly well coordinated

with each other

YES NO

5. Do you feel that you your eye to hand coordination is

reasonably good?

YES NO

Note: If you suffer from mild arthritis, you’ll find that learning piano can actually help

the mobility of your arms, hands and fingers. Many of our student have experienced a

marked improvement.

You’ll get exact instructions on how to sit at your piano comfortably and avoid

causing undue strain and fatigue in your back and shoulders.

Obviously, at first, playing both hands together on the piano feels like patting your head and rubbing you stomach at the same time. You’ll be given secret techniques to quickly

overcome this feeling.

Learning the piano is possibly one of the best things you can do for your

eye/hand coordination. And you’ll discover that the improvement carries over

into other activities.

Musical aptitude:

When it comes to natural musical ability, on one end of the spectrum we have the very

gifted, prodigies if you will, and on the other end there are the two or three percent who

don’t seem to be able to relate to music. Most of us are somewhere in between.

1. Does music (your favorite kind) relax you and raise your

spirits?

YES NO

2. Is there a particular type of music you like? YES NO

3. Can you keep time to the rhythm of a song on

the radio/CD etc.?

YES NO

4. Can you sing, hum or whistle along with a tune

on the radio/CD etc.?

YES NO

5. Can you sing, hum or whistle a familiar tune without

hearing it on radio/CD etc.?

YES NO

Desire:

The great masters have all agreed that if your desire is strong enough you can accomplish

almost anything. As you read the following questions, reflect on the

desire you’ve harbored for playing wonderful music on the piano.

1. Have always dreamed of possessing the skills required to

play piano?

YES NO

2. Are you open to learning new things?

YES NO

3. Do you believe, really believe you will play the piano? YES NO

(If you have doubts, we’ll erase them in Lesson One)

7. Can you imagine yourself sitting down and playing your

most favorite song?

YES NO

4. Are you goal oriented, in other words, do you achieve

things more easily when you have a clear objective? YES NO

5. Have you usually achieved goals you’ve set for yourself

in the past?

YES NO

6. Describe your personal musical goal?

Your health, wellbeing and enjoyment of life:

Playing the piano has proven to have a positive effect on your physical and

mental health, including: improved finger dexterity and muscle tone, improved memory and

mental alertness, reduced loneliness and stress, even better math skills.

1. Would the prospect of real physical and mental

benefits from playing piano help you reach your goal? YES NO

2. Would improved mental alertness and memory be of

advantage to you in your daily activities? YES NO

3. Would improved finger dexterity help you in other

daily activities?

YES NO

4. If you experience stress in your life, would you enjoy having

a hobby that immediately lowers it and promotes

calmness and self assurance?

YES NO

Learning at home:

1. Are you the type of person who will persevere through

a spot you find a bit difficult?

YES NO

2. Would you consider yourself to be a “self starter”? YES NO

3. Would you consider yourself to be the kind

of person who can figure things out reasonably

well when working on your own?

YES NO

4. Would you be open to asking for further explanation

and clarification when you need it?

YES NO

Many of our students have reported that their time with the piano virtually erases any

stress they were feeling and they go away with a profound sense of well being. This

feeling tends to last throughout the rest of their day.

Scoring

Physical attributes: If you said YES to at least three of the questions, you should have no

problem. Most minor physical drawbacks can be overcome.

Musical aptitude: This section gives you an idea of your natural ability. If you answered

three or more with a “YES”, you have the ability you need.

Desire: This is truly the magic ingredient for anything you want to accomplish.

The higher the number of YES answers, the greater your chance of success.

Health and wellbeing: Answering YES to three or four of these questions will help give

you a powerful added motivation.

Learning at home: To succeed with a home learning program, you need to enjoy the

comfort and privacy of learning on your own. However, with our program, you never

need to feel alone. Extra help is there for you when you need it.

If you’re determined to make your dream of playing piano come true, the time to get

started is now. Whether you choose our program or not, I urge you to TAKE ACTION.

You have so much to gain and there will never be a better time.

For more information about our home learning system for adults:

The Russell Academy of Music #5 – 4490 Gallagher’s Forest South

Kelowna, BC, Canada V1W 5E1

Web: TheRussellAcademy.com Email: rodrussell@direct.ca

Copyright © 2018 Rod Russell