Learning to Play Piano: DecPlay for Seniors

You will enjoy this Living to 100 Club conversation if you have any interest in learning about an innovative approach to learning to play the piano. Our guest, Declan Cosgrove, has created an easy-to-use format for people aged 50 to 90+. It is easily accessible to beginners, as well as those suffering from arthritis, eyesight problems, and dyslexia. DecPlay is the name of the program. It translates traditional music and sheet notes into a simple, easily understood approach to piano playing. Declan’s students report wide-ranging mental, social, and physical benefits. There are stories of students’ achieving lifetime ambitions, experiencing joy again after tragedy, fun with family and friends, and reducing feelings of isolation.

We discuss how this approach dismisses some of the myths about learning to play. How does it give students small but immediate successes? And why are those in their 60’s and older most appreciative of what their playing has done for them? Learn about Declan’s free beginner’s lesson and the type of keyboards recommended for his online classes.

Mini Bio

Created by classically trained musician and IT entrepreneur Declan Cosgrove, DecPlay has been endorsed by the BBC, as well as Oscar winning songwriter Glen Hansard. It has attracted students from 72 countries across the globe. Declan decided to develop his idea after hearing years of complaints from friends about how they would love to play piano but found traditional methods just too hard. Having spent years studying both classical music and alternative methods used by popular musicians such as Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Declan set about creating a method that eliminates barriers. Typically, these barriers are what prevent many people from being able to play piano. Importantly, in response to requests from students, additional resources were created to make the course accessible for people with challenges such as low sight and arthritis. 

For Our Listeners

Declan's Website and Free Lesson: DecPlay.com

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