Introduction to Piano

Ever looked at a piano and felt like you were staring at a cockpit you didn’t know how to fly? It’s time to demystify those 88 keys (or 61, or 49!).

Join us for a hands-on, high-energy session where we strip away any intimidation of music theory and focus instead on actually being able to play the piano.

What We’ll Cover

• Keyboard Orientation: Finding “Middle C” and understanding the layout of the black and white keys.
• The Power of Scales: We’ll take a look at the Major Scale—the “DNA” of almost every song you know.
• Chords Made Simple: Learn the “Shape Method” to build Major and Minor triads instantly without needing to read sheet music.
• Basic Rhythm & Posture: How to sit and move so you don’t get “claws” after ten minutes of playing.

About the Instructors

David Patton is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist whose musical foundation was built on classical piano and rigorous music theory. He currently serves as the Music Director at School of Rock San Antonio, where he draws on over a decade of teaching experience to lead the curriculum and mentor the next generation of musicians. When he isn’t shaping young talent, he is the frontman for the heavy metal band Deadmarsh. Whether through a complex piano arrangement or a high-energy metal set, David’s career remains a testament to a lifelong devotion to the craft.

Andrew Coldwell discovered a lifelong passion during his first piano lesson at the age of five. Now, that initial spark has evolved into a versatile career as a multi-instrumentalist and educator dedicated to piano, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. A 2020 graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word with a degree in Music Therapy, Andrew blends his clinical understanding of music’s impact with nearly a decade of professional teaching experience. Currently, he is a prominent fixture in the San Antonio music scene, performing as a vocalist with the 210 Jazz Orchestra.