Learning an instrument raises questions that do not always fit neatly into a lesson.
How should you practise a difficult piece? Why do scales matter? What are you meant to hear during aural training? Should you take an exam? And why can you play something perfectly well at home, only to develop an entirely new interpretation when your teacher is listening?
I wrote Do Re Mi To You to answer the questions adult music students frequently ask and some they are slightly reluctant to ask.
It brings together practical musical guidance, clear explanations and the lessons I have learned through decades of teaching adults.
Whether you are beginning, returning to music after many years or trying to make better sense of what you already play, the book will help you understand more of what is happening in the music and in the person learning it.
Do Re Mi To You grew from my work with adult piano students, but it is not only about piano.
The musical principles apply to adults learning many different instruments. Technique will vary, of course, but practice, listening, notation, rhythm, repertoire, performance and the occasional crisis of confidence are widely shared experiences.
The book may suit you if you:
You do not need to read the book from beginning to end before touching your instrument again. You can follow it in sequence or return to the section that relates to what you are learning now.
Adults usually choose to learn music for themselves.
They bring curiosity, determination and a lifetime of experience to the task. They may also bring limited time, high expectations and an impressive ability to notice every mistake.
Many have waited years for the opportunity to learn. Others are returning to an instrument they played as a child and discovering that musical memory and finger memory have not kept identical records.
Adult learners often want more than an instruction.
They want to understand why a fingering helps, what a scale has to do with the piece, how to recognise a phrase or what effective practice should actually involve.
This guide respects those questions.
The book explains musical ideas clearly, but it also recognises the emotional side of learning. Frustration, nerves and self-criticism can affect progress just as surely as an uncertain rhythm or unsuitable piece.
Do Re Mi To You is not a method book that takes you through a sequence of pieces. It won't replace a teacher who can see, hear and respond to what you're actually doing. It gives you something different.
It explains the why behind what your teacher shows you, and gives you a place to return to once the lesson's over. You can use it to prepare a better question, reconsider how you practise or clarify a musical term without waiting until your next lesson.
If you are learning independently, it can help you recognise the areas of musicianship that an app or tutorial may not explain in depth.
Teachers may also find it useful as a reference or recommend particular sections to adult students who want to understand an idea more fully.
Learning music involves more than pressing the correct keys, producing the correct note or completing the correct number of scales.
It involves learning how to listen, practise, understand and respond when something does not work immediately.
Do Re Mi To You gives you a practical guide to those parts of the process, written especially for adult learners.
You can keep it beside your instrument, return to it when a question appears, and open it before you decide everyone else finds this easier than you do.
Is the book only for piano students?
No, it isn’t. I draw on my experience as a pianist and piano teacher, but the book addresses musical skills and learning experiences shared across many instruments.
Is it suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it is. The book explains important musical foundations and can help a beginner understand the different skills involved in learning. It is also useful for returning and more experienced players who want to revisit a topic or improve the way they practise.
Do I need to read it in order?
No, you can read the book from the beginning or go directly to the topic most relevant to your present learning. You may find that different sections become useful at different stages.
Does the book include music theory?
Yes, but it's taught through the music itself, not as a separate subject.
The book covers scales, chords, rhythm, time signatures, key signatures, musical terms, forms, and historical periods.
Will it help me prepare for a music examination?
It can help you decide whether an examination is appropriate and understand how to prepare.
The book discusses the advantages and disadvantages of exams, the components of a practical examination and strategies for preparation. You will still need to follow the requirements of your examination syllabus and seek appropriate teaching where necessary.
Where can I buy the book?
Do Re Mi To You is available through Amazon.
Buy Do Re Mi To You on Amazon