Christian Pianist and Piano Teacher Experiencing God's Love

Testimonials

Hi Yoke:
"I just wanted to thank you for the courses that you have available on Piano Improvisation. I have been practicing some left and right hand techniques and today I was able to use them with a melody line. It was pretty good for an improvisation beginner. Over the years I have always played the piano with music in front of me and this time I only looked at the melody line and the chord symbols. I continually had the urge to look at the notes but my determination paid off.

I also like the different variations that you suggest to learn from. I am hoping my creative abilities will come through on expanding my playing from what you are teaching. Gospel piano is where I am heading. I look to the day when my fingers move as fast as yours do. Listening to your variations on "O when the saints" was very inspiring."

Thanks again!!!

Randy DeYoung

"I recently purchased your DVD "Piano Improvisations," and was very impressed with the manner in which you teach. You speak very slowly and distinctly so that a student has the time to comprehend what you are showing them. This is so important, because it gives one the time to listen and watch very carefully, and then go to the keyboard and execute the lesson.

You also repeat what you are saying and this helps the student to understand if they didn't get it the first time. The manner in which you have displayed the keyboard and what you are playing is so very important and you are doing a superb job! Your videos are absolutely “THE BEST." I have taken other online piano courses and to my disappointment found the lessons were rushed; the instructors talked to fast, and the demonstration hindered my ability to see the keyboard and what keys were being played. It is extremely difficult to learn under these conditions. I have been receiving your emails and "free" lessons for some time and was afraid to invest in another teaching series after being disappointed several times. However, I am so glad I decided to try your teaching series. I finally found a piano teacher, who is dedicated to teaching the student to learn and excel in their piano performance, rather than one who focuses only on the monetary side.

You are doing a great job and I appreciate your sharing your musical knowledge and skill with others, especially those of us who did not have the opportunity to learn music earlier in life. "

Marilou Mallet, USA

Hello Yoke,

"I'm a middle school teacher who teaches chorus and general music close to Akron, Ohio. My prime reason for contacting you is to share with you something I have used since ordering your lessons. I would have never thought of it and it has made a world of difference for my music students. Here it is: When you present material you teach it by using a half step approach. (Move up three half steps, etc.) At first I could not figure out why you didn't say move up a step and a half. Then it dawned on me you are focusing upon non-musicians as well as musicians! So, I began using this idea with my students. The results have been amazing! Now my general music students are able to figure out the correct notes to use and play the phrase or song I've assigned on the little keyboards. They understand sharps and flats much better than any of the other students I've taught in the past. This success is because of your great idea of using the half step approach.

If I don't learn one other thing from your course, I will still be satisfied because this one lesson alone was worth every cent. This approach has completely changed the attitude of my general music students. These children are not very easy to please. They have to take music for all three years of middle school and this does not make them happy. This half-step approach has provided a way for them to experience success at playing the piano and they love doing it! "

Respectfully, Pamela Rezach

NBCT, 2002 (Early & Middle Childhood Music)

"I just received your DVD course this week and can only say it's awesome. I like the clear instructions which makes it so easy to understand and apply straight away and it all sounds so beautiful. My playing has totally taken on a new dimension. Interesting...when I took music lessons years ago the teacher told me "Improvisation can't be taught, you have to feel it, you either got it in you or you haven't." How wrong he was. He should take your course. Thank you for opening up a totally new world of music making for me. This is what I was after for years and years and finally found it. I'm not a religious person but I do believe things happen the way they have to."

Roland Schupbach, Christchurch, New Zealand

"I have already worked on the 5 pentatonic scales and the 12 bar blues with the chord inversions!!! I have also worked on triplets for fill!! Wow I just can't tell you how thrilled I am to be able to pick something up and work it out that fast!!! It makes music in a minute. Can't wait for tomorrow to go again at it. Thank you so much.

Your videos are very easy to understand and you have an easy way about your teaching....I am so happy I ordered the improvisation series. The book is a real help and I just love going through it to find what I want - not what I have to!!!! Remember that I told you I have tried ALL the others and even bought them!! So I do know what I am talking about!!"

Glo Peters, Canada

"The hour went by so fast. I could listen to you forever. Your music is soothing and filled of God's love. You are an inspiration to me. I hope my daughter can play as good as you someday. Your CD will be an encouragement to her and I."
D. Langendorfer of Elkhorn, Nebraska.

"Your arrangements made the familiar tunes most interesting. You have a great talent."
R. Cohen of Omaha, Nebraska

"I took the CD to church on Sunday and told every one to purchase it. Beautiful music! I play and enjoy it daily. Thanks!"
J Boone of Council Bluffs, Iowa

"Your music lifted our spirits, our souls and moved our hearts."
Rev. Jittawait, First Baptist Church of Wichita, Kansas