Does AKMS teach theory?

–         No.  AKMS understands the traditional theory and disregards the unnecessary theories.  For example traditional Theory teaches that there are multiple Minor Intervals and AKMS teaches that there is only ONE Minor Interval.  (You can watch the full breakdown of my claim by searching for “Incorrect Theory Exposed – Minor Intervals”).  Some definitions of THEORY are:  An assumption based on limited information or knowledge;  a system of rules, procedures, and assumptions used to produce a result;7, or I like this one; a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena.

–         Concerning music we can say it like this, musical theories are a set of statements or principles DEVISED to explain a group of musical FACTS.

–         When I encounter Traditional students who have completed the traditional training which includes the traditional theory, I usually ask them one question, why does the beautiful musical piece you just played, work?  The answer I usually get is, “I Don’t Know, I just know how to read it”.

–         When I encounter Traditional Teachers who teach this traditional theory, I usually ask them the same question, why does the beautiful musical piece you just played, work?  The answer I usually get is, “I Don’t Know”,  Now it’s not their fault.  They are simply sharing what has been passed down to them through the generations.  The most popular book in the world has a quote that states, “people perish for their lack of knowledge”.  The musical interpretation of this is that people do not reach their musical goals because of their lack of knowledge and understanding.

–         Once again I reiterate, a Theory is a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena

–         Does AKMS teach theory? No, AKMS teaches the FACTS.

 

I’ve seen and purchased many courses with the same claim of teaching people to play by ear, how is your Any Key Music System different?

–          Well most courses teach what I call “Illusional Ear Methods”.  That is where they give the impression that a student is learning.  How do they do it?  The #1 way is through Video Tutorials.  When a student sees someone, via an actual Video, showing them the exact notes to play; and then they copy them and do it as well; they think they’ve learned, when in fact the opposite is true.  They’ve just been conditioned to keep on coming back for the next video tutorial or sheet music.  An individual cannot be empowered to excel in a subject if the answers are always given to them.  The Any Key Music System does not give answers, it equips and empowers individuals to find the answers for themselves through understanding.

–          Also the core of the Any Key Music System is primarily an audio course with no visual aid.  That’s why we say you’ll learn how to Master The Art of Playing Piano By Ear because you’ll have to use your ears for all of the training.

 

I’ve never played piano by ear, how can you guarantee that your Any Key Music System can help me learn how to do this?

–          The issue is not whether I can teach you how to play by ear, the issue is if I can teach you how to understand the language of music

–          AKMS features a revolutionary concept called “KEY GROUPING”, that’s where you know exactly what to choose from to create the sound you are hearing.

–          I’m proud to say that 100% of the people who complete every exercise in my AKMS Volumes 1, 2 and 3, are able to play piano by ear.

–          The ones who have my AKMS and are not able to play by ear, are the ones, due to whatever circumstance, have not completed Volumes 1, 2 and 3.  Therefore the goal should be to complete volumes 1, 2 and 3.

 

How long does it take to complete Volumes 1, 2 & 3?

–          It takes the average beginner about 9-12mths, however I’ve seen 11 year olds complete it 9mths.

 

I’m tone deaf, can I really learn to play by ear?

–          The good news is;  1) Being tone deaf doesn’t limit your ability to recognize the sound that you are hearing.

–          If you and I were in front of a piano and I played three keys one after the other and then you in turn played the exact three keys, would it sound the same? – Yes 2) Being tone deaf does not limit your potential to play by ear like me.  The knowledge on how to play by ear like me is what’s really missing.

–          And the 3^rd part to my answer is, 3) The good thing is, I’m not claiming to teach you how to sing, if I was, being tone deaf would be a major stumbling block.

 

Can I get the same results by going through the Any Key Music System on my own by purchasing the CD or MP3 Version versus the AKMS Membership?

–          That’s a great two-fold question. 1) Yes, you will definitely get the results of being able to play piano by ear on your own as you complete all of the AKMS exercises.  Even though you’re doing it on your own, I will still be there with you via CD/MP3.  However there are additional benefits with the Membership option like:  Live Questions and Answers, Accountability, More Songs to Learn, Practice Routines, Practice Schedule, Video Breakdowns and Demonstrations, Community and not to mention a special program you can sign up for which enables you to have your Any Key Music education paid for.

 

I’ve never heard of Robert Chambers or The Any Key Music System before, how qualified is he to teach music?

–          Robert Chambers has been playing piano since the age of 3 years without any formal lessons; however he is able to play any song of any style all by ear and in any key.  He would be considered to be someone who is gifted.  But his gift doesn’t stop in performance, he also has a very high gift of understanding how music works.  Many of his personal students are teachers and musicians who have graduated from Universities with music degrees.  He is known internationally as a Play By Ear Expert and is passionate about teaching others how to understand the language of music.  Here’s a little bit more about Robert.

 

What if I try the Membership and I don’t get any results?

–          Well because it’s impossible for you to not get any results from AKMS, we know that 100% of the cases where this was a reality, the student didn’t do any of recommended exercises.  Therefore if this is the case, I have three suggestions:

1) I understand that life goes in seasons and some seasons are busier than others.  Maybe you can get started with the AKMS CD/MP3 course and complete it on your own and at a convenient time for you.

2) You can start going through the recommended AKMS exercises and start getting results, or

3) Please cancel your Membership before the next billing cycle because now may not be a good time for you.  Although I want to teach everyone, I don’t someone saying I’ve been in the AKMS Membership for a year and I don’t even know the names of the black keys.  I want people in the AKMS Membership reaching their musical goals and being recognized as a AKMS Achiever.

 

Am I locked into a whole term of lessons?

–          Not at all.  You can cancel at any time.

 

Am I penalized for cancelling?

–          Not at all.  We’ll be sad to see you go, but we understand that people go through seasons in their lives.  You will have to cancel before the next billing cycle.

 

At what age can a child start learning the Any Key Music System?

–          I recommend age 6 and up.  Even though my parents saw my love for music and the ability to play a song by ear at age 3, I think it was good for me to have not started lessons.  I was just encouraged to continue playing around and experiment with no pressure.  However if you notice a musical gift in your child, you can start them at age 5.

However, I will be coming out with a Pre-Any Key Music version for those at age 4.  Stay tuned.

 

What age is too old to learn piano by ear with the Any Key Music System?

–          Deceased.  Actually I’m serious.  As long as you can still hear, recite your alphabet, count up to 15, recognize left from your right and know the difference between black and white, you can learn the Any Key Music System..

 

Why did you start playing in Any Key and why is it important?

–          Because at the age of 6 I discovered a button that many electronic keyboards have; it’s called the transpose button.  I personally think this key should be banned.  My personal experience with this key was, as I started to use this button, I was excited that I could play the same song in all 12 keys even though I was only playing in 1 key.  Though easier, what ended up happening was a decrease in my musical development.  Every year from age 4 I was getting drastically better.  However that decreased considerably after I started using the transpose button.  That crutch became the same thing that handicapped me.  I saw that my fingers, ears and most importantly my musical mind weren’t being exercised.  So when I finally put away this button for good at age 7, my musical ears, eyes and understanding where opened to another level.  Ironically I learned, the secret to understanding music was wrapped up in 7 keys within 12 keys (that covers all the keys).  That’s why my course is called the Any Key Music System and focuses on teaching individuals how to master playing in Any Key.

 

Can’t find the answer to your question?   Submit your question and Robert will answer them LIVE on a Webinar (Must Be Registered).