HOME

A light bulb went off in my brain, tears came to my eyes, and I clapped for joy to realize that a life-long dream of playing the piano without being tied to the printed page of music just might be possible after all, despite years of lessons!!!

I have zero desire (or time or patience) to learn to read music or learn to play piano in a traditional way. These tools gave me the ability to 'play' piano in about an hour... Slow and steady. But what came out of the piano sounded really nice to my ears (and family's ears as well)

Just do it. If you've ever wanted to play piano these 60 minutes might be your shortcut ticket to making lovely sounds come from a piano! I practiced an hour last night and was almost shocked at what I was able to accomplish. First practice sesssion

I feel for some time now I haven't had a great awareness/appreciation for my surroundings. Daniel's method reminds me to be conscious of that more often, particularly when I am in a stressful or uncomfortable situation...

This new way of looking at patterns on the keyboard has caused a major brain shift for me. I keep looking at the patterns and just can’t believe it. Makes total sense.

I was so excited and energized after our lesson last week that my mind just would not stop. I’ve been playing around with it and listening to the sounds in a way that I never listened before, and I have a basic structure, or map, as a way to organize it. Fascinating, just fascinating. And yet really so simple. How did you think of this?

I had a dear friend, colleague and marvelous musician say to me that "music is expressing your soul in sound." I loved that because I realized that, in learning to play the Native American Flute that's what I wanted to do--express my soul in sound.

I just had the opportunity, by accident, this evening to listen to a tape that Daniel and I must have recorded about 4 weeks ago--about 5 weeks into our program. I was actually astounded to hear the difference in my playing along with Daniel. I feel much more confident to play along with others, I can hear rhythms more clearly, and I'm listening more deeply in many dimensions of my life, not only when I'm making music.....making music, I guess that's the main shift that has happened as a result of my work with Daniel....there are times now when I actually feel lost in the music, in the voice of the flute, in the vibrational field that surrounds me.....and that is pure joy!

If one is open to experimentation, Daniel will help tear down walls that exist in our lives that we may not even be aware of. The door to creativity and self-expression can then be opened wide, be it through music, voice, art, even every-day living.

Do it! Absolutely embrace the fact that yes, after a mere hour, you will be able to improv in 12 keys. It's something I only ever dreamed of doing, and now when I sit at the piano, I'm able to dig right in--with gusto!

When I sit down at the piano now, it's no longer this strange mystery. It has form and structure, and I know it.

How easy it was, and how well I could remember it days, weeks and months later.

I feel that I am a little bit more accepting of myself, allowing more of me to be expressed creatively through music, but also in general. This is a huge gift to me and something I have been working with for a long time.

When I originally signed up for this music process with you I did not really know what to expect. This has been an amazing process of self discovery, quite humbling at times. I know I just scratched the surface but this has been a lovely experience and I will be able to apply the principles, not only to guitar, but to other creative expressions and to life. I have a healthier relationship with myself as a result and I feel more alive. Working with Daniel has been a very healing experience for me!

Oh happy day, "and thank you, Daniel."

Yours is an amazing concept that is leading to a more simplified way to understand which notes when played together or in sequence make harmony and which to leave out till another time.

Now I'm excited about sitting down at the piano rather than dreading it.

Whoopee and Oh Yeah!

It is like a meditation where you sit to clear your mind and stop it from thinking or judging or analyzing and you just let it happen. In the moment. And whatever happens, it just is. It just comes out. And it’s okay. Truly. I’m not kidding. Genius.

This has been a very enjoyable course. Daniel delivers on his promise to get you improvising your own music on the piano!

How easy it was! I am not a musician and expected a much higher learning curve but there wasn't one. To my surprise when I listened closely to Daniel's suggestions, even when I wasn't sure of them, I began playing my own music much faster than I would have imagined.

With Daniel's system you come to realize it is a natural expression for us all...he just helps to bring it out of you. Thank you Daniel!

Much gratitude to you, Daniel!! Thank you for your patience and working with me in such an attuned way!

[Would you recommend this approach?] 100%. Wonderful time spent with Daniel understanding this way to learn improvisational piano!

I suppose the first word that comes to mind is clever and visual. I learn best with visual cues and (this) was a really easy way for my mind to wrap around the concepts.

I’ve enjoyed working with Daniel and embracing this new process. Daniel has been so patient with me as I’ve navigated this work in my own time and comfort. Daniel always finds a way to tie in this work perfectly with where I’m at during each session.

Thank you Daniel!

Yes! I am much more aware that I have or should have a relationship to my piano, an old friend, that is more than just sitting down and immediately playing/duplicating other peoples' music. There is a reciprocal listening for and feeling of what may need to be "said" at the keyboard on any given "conversation."

I believe I have transferred that awareness of listening and feeling in dealing with others. Relationships are not always what you expect up front. They can have hidden value in being patient and seeing what unfolds.

I was looking for a different approach to working through my emotional patterns and another resource for when I find myself struggling.

Now I am able to allow myself “space” before reacting to others. I am able to stop, listen to what was said, get in touch with how it made me feel and then decide how I want to respond.

I’m much more at peace feeling I have more control over how I want to participate in engagements. And I’m proud of myself for making shifts in my patterns and not being so reactive.

I have learned not to be so self-judging and be more patient with myself. Expectations can so trip us up that we may lose the value of the experience. Your patience with me was gratifying! I try and remember it is okay to be 'messy'!

Acceptance of things as they are and healthy detachment are lessons that can be applied to all aspects of life and relationships. They bring a peaceful , non-forceful approach to most situations.

I was going through a tough time in my life and a friend recommended Daniel to me. I was told that Daniel could help with expression through the voice, and keep it fun!

Although I will never be a great singer, the work with Daniel helped enable me to find my true voice and speak up when a situation called for it, no matter how painful it might seem. Daniel's presence and know-how provided a safe space that allowed me to be vulnerable without words, through toning. (My) relationships have been seriously tested (and with this work) they deepened and became more authentic.

It’s opened up a "whole nother" world for me. It’s like my brain cells are saying, “hey cell mates, we just got the key to unlock the iron door, so let’s bust outta here and head for the 'fields.' Freedom!”

… I don't even have to know what key I’m playing in. I can just put all that aside.

It was surprisingly informative. I do play the piano some but this lesson made some of the more complex keys less intimidating. It was a new way of looking at the various keys which simplified it and made it more approachable.

This has changed my relationship to the drum. I don’t have the same hesitation when it comes to approaching my drum. I also have a much more symbiotic relationship with it, being that I can allow myself to play what flows through instead of sweating that I don’t know what to play.

Very interesting new way to think about playing in different keys.

It's fun to sit down and go from key to key using what I learned in the lesson.

It is an excellent lesson for others whether they are beginners or experienced pianists.

Besides the knowledge that I can sit, listen and approach the piano to create music that is not written or memorized, I have learned that even at this age and stage of life it is okay to be in kindergarten once again. 🙂

Go for it!! You will gain knowledge of the keyboard, yourself and have a wonderful time with a kind and patient teacher!

I feel like it's pretty effortless to make some really nice sounds with your system. In fact, I sat down last night and started playing some things that I like. My daughter came into the room and gave me a hug. I asked why and she said she heard me playing and thought it was my wife (who can play the piano very well). When she saw it was me, she was moved to give me a hug.

Do it! I was full of questions internally such as "will this work for me?" and "I'm not really musical.... what if I can't do it right." Let go of these kinds of thoughts. Be open to the possibility that deep within yourself is an incredible musician waiting to be unleashed. Don't let this opportunity for authentic self expression pass you by.

This course is based on the individual slowing down and listening for the music that lies within us. That calming and centering can truly be a mindset that helps in other facets of my life.

Daniel shows a sincere interest in me as a student and as a person. His methods of listening, breathing and centering can certainly help if applied to dealing with others. I think that lesson is one I have taken forward and has improved my openness to others.

I have discovered the truth inside of me. It's expressed authentically through the drum that I play. This energetic connection to source is powerful and nourishing.

Daniel possesses plenty of technical expertise, to be sure. He passes along technique and know-how when its most applicable. What makes him really special is his primary focus on leading the student to connect with the authentic rhythm within. His blend of trust, support, encouragement and acceptance is beautiful.

This environment makes possible deep exploration of the improvisational musician within. What a joy!

I have taken formal piano lessons on and off most of my life. Each time, the "building process" of traditional teaching has bogged me down and I have ended up not continuing. SoundYourSelf has provided a system where an individual can get near instant gratification from the simplest progressions and can build on it with each module.

[I got] the confidence to trust myself that improv can produce some beautiful sounds that often reflect my mood or what is going on around me.

Good pace of instruction, great concept, fun to apply.

Using this method, I felt less intimidated of keys with lots of sharps and flats than I would have using traditional theory and scales.

It's easier than you think, and the likelihood of this being a rewarding experience is practically guaranteed!

It was my pleasure to go on an adventure with you. Along with good feelings, I experienced some learning! You have great vibes, that quickly develop an atmosphere that feels safe.

In addition to having awesome talent, musically speaking, you are an excellent conversationalist, i.e., you listen. You actually listen! With an eye on the future, you fully participate in the present.

Happily for me, you also have the gift of Patience. (Thank you) Your technique allowed me to be me.

I had a profound musical experience today. I've been studying piano with my friend and great musician Daniel Barber for a few months. Daniel has a really unique approach to teaching that is intuitive and spiritual. You don't learn keys, but rather 'fields', you don't learn scales, but rather you learn to listen, feel and attend to the sounds and your reactions to them.

I know theory but wanted to learn a new instrument, Piano, a new way. I wanted to do it from my gut and my heart.

Well today at our last of 12 sessions it came together and I improvised a piece that brought tears to my eyes, because it 'played me', I was just there experiencing music come through. Simply magical.

Profound thanks to Daniel and I highly recommend anyone near or far contact Daniel Barber to experience this. Forever grateful!!

I'd say that Daniel's overall framework has given me some "handles" that have helped me discover new directions for using my intention and attention as I improve my skills and improvisational fluidity, especially in playing with other people--having musical "conversations." I really like his Listen....Feel.....Play as well as "listen to the pulse" and "listen to the rhythm that you don't yet hear." I find pearls each time Daniel and I learn together.

If you’ve always wanted to play and be creative there is no better way to do it than from feeling and listening. That is the approach Daniel takes and it’s not only extremely fun and easy, it’s extremely satisfying. You will learn to express whatever it is you’re feeling inside.

This method is just plain fantastic!

I have had absolutely no training on the piano and just a bit of understanding of music theory and I now find myself playing "sweet", as my spouse calls them, songs in 12 different keys each with a different feeling tone.

The keyboard makes sense for the first time and I have no trouble knowing where to put my fingers. The hardest part is getting in touch with how I feel and playing that out. When it happens, it is so gratifying.

Treat yourself to this!

[As a result of this work,] I've let go of the internal critical judgement of my playing in favor of connecting deeply within. This deep soul connection has produced powerful experiences in self expression that defy my imagination.

I find myself listening intently as others speak to me. I can listen with less judgement and more intent.

I have had fits and starts all of my adult life taking traditional piano lessons and find myself frustrated at the lack of progress. Daniel's method is simple in its logic and you truly can make some pleasing music after your first lesson.

I was working on some original music last night, and the thought occurred: " I could use the "3 sharps" key layout to explore some ideas to create a new section of the song. This would spare me having to think about theory, and will probably result in some ideas I might not have found previously.

I've loved composing for guitar all my life, and as anyone knows, the guitar is not as friendly when it comes to memorizing where all the notes are. The thought of learning a whole new instrument was daunting to me, but to my surprise, since I've learned to improv in 12 keys, the guitar is easier for me now as well. I can really hear music more adeptly, and my musical intuition has never been more revved!

Daniel's work enabled me to find gratitude in very difficult and challenging circumstances. I have become more self-confident, having been reminded of the power within each of us. The most valuable thing I got from the work with Daniel has been laughter and self-acceptance, realizing that I don't really have to take myself and situations so seriously!

I was amazed at how easy the approach was to apply. I saw 'possibilities' and felt great joy in that! Your enthusiasm is contagious and just experiencing that was a personal growth opportunity for me.

I had been looking into taking guitar lessons again and a friend shared with me about Daniel's unique approach to teaching music., esp. learning how to learn to play my own music.

I definitely found a deeper appreciation for my guitar, and for making music again. . Having had a very negative experience with my piano teacher in my childhood, which left me with a strong internalized critic. You helped me work with my inner critical parts and guided me gently to access my deeper listening, sensing and feeling abilities and how to express them musically.