VSU Course Teaches Piano to Busy People in Three Hours

VALDOSTA — Back by popular demand, Valdosta State University Continuing Education will present Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8.

“If you yearn to experience the joy of playing piano, but you don't want years of weekly lessons, this short course is for you,” according to the course description. “In just one enjoyable evening, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to make piano playing a part of your life, learning chords, not notes. You'll learn all the chords needed to play any song, any style, in any key.”

Instructor Michael McMillan is a full-time professional musician and teacher with over 40 years of performing experience. He has taught piano for over 25 years.  

“Music can be relaxing, stimulating, exciting, and moving,” McMillan said. “It is a safe and even healthy release from the tensions of the everyday world. Playing an instrument can be a wonderful way to relax after a hard day."

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People uses a chord-based method to play piano, much like a guitar player would play off a chord chart. No previous piano experience is required, and very little note reading is involved.  

Registration is $59 through Oct. 5 and $69 thereafter, payable to VSU Continuing Education. The instructor will collect $25 in class for a book and CD. Participants who cannot read music should email mlm6915841@aol.com and request a free How to Read Music Notation in Just 30 Minutes pamphlet.

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People will be held in the Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 N. Patterson St.

Contact Sue Bailey at 229-245-6484 or email subailey@valdosta.edu for more information.

Visit www.valdosta.edu/ce or call 229-245-6484 to register.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.