Author Archives: Any Key Music

MUSIC READER SHARES HOW THE ANY KEY MUSIC SYSTEM IS HELPING HIM UNDERSTAND THE MUSIC THAT’S WRITTEN ON PAPER

Hi Robert,

I saw all this recent “drama” regarding your comments about
inconsistent or incorrect theory and I just wanted to chime in. I
don’t need it to be public but I am also a bit passionate about the
subject.

I started out with traditional lessons and I am actually quite good
at reading music. In fact, my reading is probably better than my
actual playing and I would consider myself an intermediate level
player.

 

Traditional methods of sight reading did not teach me the “language
of music” but it caused me to rely on sheet music whenever I wanted to play a song. Your play by ear program is not the only program
that I’ve come across but until I started to understand the the
“why” of music, this is what unlocked the keys to play by ear and
that is what learning music should be all about. Because now I’m in
a better position to play the songs that I WANT to play and actually
understand what I’m playing and be able to unlock it. I didn’t get
extremely far in the traditional system (due to the cost of lessons)
but if I compare the two I am much more empowered now.
I must say that THEORY is very important in music and I consider
theory to be apart of the musical language, like the fact that a
Sus4 chord is made up of 1 4 5, I consider that theory, and the fact
that the 5 chord resolves to the 1, I consider all this important
theory in understanding the WHY of music and the musical language. I
also see where you are going when you say that a lot of the
traditional theories just put things out there for the sake of
“giving it a name to make it official“.

 

(Traditional Theorist #1) speaks of the reason why it is called diminished is because the interval of the 4th and 5th are perfect? But, what makes an
interval perfect? Is it based on how it sounds? To me, it sounds
like someone a long time ago decided to give it a name. I DO think
intervals are important and understanding the intervals in terms of
how they sound in relation to each other and recognizing them by ear
and what kinds of chords and sounds they make. But to me, calling it
Perfect, seems like an arbitrary name that someone chose.
He also says that it will make sense when you read music. But I read
music and it still didn’t make sense to me.

 

With respect to reading music, it’s a great skill to have. Before
when I was reading music, I was literally following what was there,
but now when I look at the sheet music, I break it down based on my UNDERSTANDING of music, the way music follows a certain direction, i.e., circle of 5ths/4ths and what chords appear when and where and
why…so now that I UNDERSTAND music, even reading music is
heightened. So if there is a song that I am having trouble figure
out because it is doing a lot of advanced licks/tricks and newer
sounding chords, I will get the sheet music and then apply my
understanding to determine why certain chords were used , how it
makes sense, and figuring out the progressions. Also, sheet music is
good for picking up licks and tricks of songs in a certain style,
which can still be picked up by ear but can be challenging and comes
with time and practice as your ear improves.

I believe the ability to play by ear is extremely powerful and
unlocks vast musical understanding even to the musician who knows
how to read music. Music is about hearing and the traditional
methods don’t emphasize playing by ear enough and if I had started
out on that route, I would have been a lot further then I am now. I
had to search for these “keys” myself to unlock it and now that I
have the understanding, I can appreciate music more.
Now when I read sheet music, I know exactly what chords I’m playing
or if I just see the chord symbol names, I can make the chords up on
my own, and I see which inversions were chosen and what’s most
important is I determine the overall progression because that’s what
music is all about.

 

Anyway, that’s just my two cents. Those traditionalist want to
“protect” their institutionalized methods because they invest a lot
of money in it but I agree that a few basic principles from the AKMS
will kick start anyone in their musical understanding.
So just wanted to show support for the RIGHT way that music should
be taught, its about HEARING first. Yes we need a language to
communicate our compositions to others but that can be easily done
through numbers and chord types, a simple chord chart and then the
musician can interpret, etc.

My question to you is, when listening to more advanced songs where
there is a lot going on and singers doing the melody, it can be VERY
challenging to pick out the baseline and chord types, what do you
suggest as a way to make this process easier? What are your best
recommendations for intermediate to advanced ear training?

–AKMS USER

 

ANY KEY MUSIC – ROBERT’S RESPONSE

Hi AKMS USER,

WOW, what a great message. What you stated is exactly my point.
There is nothing wrong with reading music, it’s just the methodology
that is unfortunately making it harder than it really is. When you
understand the music, then you can really appreciate what the composer
came up with. My wife will tell you, I constantly say that Bach,
Mozart, etc.. were geniuses, why? Because I understand their high
level of musical understanding and appreciate it so much.

Anyhow, in terms of your questions, great ones by the way.

“My question to you is, when listening to more advanced songs where there is a lot going on and singers doing the melody, it can be VERY challenging to pick out the baseline and chord types, what do you suggest as a way to make this process easier? What are your best
recommendations for intermediate to advanced ear training?

My Answer:
My recommendation is that people should understand all the principles
of playing by ear. Many people think that playing by ear is just
that, using your ear. However the #1 skill to playing by ear is using
your mind to do all the work. That’s why the first thing I cover
before even licks, tricks, etc… is knowing how to play everything in
every key with ease. To do that, you have to have a certain mindset.

I know that you have completed Volumes #1 – #3 and I’m glad that
things are already clicking for you. In Volume #4, you will learn the
final principles that are going to complete the music language puzzle.
You’re going to see how everything is tied together.

Also even though the keyboard parts you are trying to pick up by ear
can get covered, all of the stuff you hear in a song like, the singer,
chords, other instruments, bass lines, etc.. are necessary parts in
fingering out what you’re hearing.

You’ll have real examples and exercises to strengthen this in you
Volume #4. Keep me posted.

God Bless

Robert

 

 

Playing Piano By Ear vs Reading Music

 

Before a child learns how to read English, it’s fair to say that by age 4 they should be able to speak it. Doesn’t that put the odds more in favor of them being able to read successfully? Sure It Does.

What if a child between 1 & 3 years old was required to learn how to read this before they were given any food.“MOM AND DAD CAN I HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT TODAY?”.  Wouldn’t food be a good motivator? YES. Would that be fair?  NO, because they haven’t fully learned how to speak yet.

Let’s apply this to Music. When students are taught how to speak music first (which is Playing By Ear), the odds of their musical success will drastically increase. By the time they are to learn how to read, they will already be familiar with the sound of music and how it works. Therefore seeing it on paper will only enhance their musical experience.

Learn how to be conversant in music and play what you hear, Can’t wait for you to join us in the Membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 3rd 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).