From the Creator, Keyboard Basics & Simplified Hymns!


Here's what you'll learn in this free course:


• Get to know the piano & be able to navigate it with ease

• Basic keyboard skills (how to hold your hands, note names, and so much more!)

• Beginner music theory (notes & note reading)

• Learn to play 10 exciting and familiar songs (4 hymns & 6 classics)

• Effective practice guidelines & techniques for success at all levels

• How to play primary chords in 4 major keys

• Musicianship (dynamics, shaping, and making music beautiful)

• Access to a library of 25 simplified hymns

Student Reviews

Meet Your Teacher

Shirley Washenko

CREATOR OF PIANO PROTÉGÉ


Shirley began playing the piano at age 4 and studied for over 20 years before completing her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University in 2011. She has performed in major cities in China, Japan, and Europe. She has competed and won or placed in state, national, and international competitions, and has soloed with several orchestras.

Shirley began teaching piano professionally 20 years ago, including at the university level, and feels passionate about providing a strong musical foundation for students to flourish and achieve their musical interests.

She founded Piano Protégé to fill the need for quality music instruction - the same quality Shirley received herself - available anywhere in the world, at an amazing price and without leaving your home!

Example Curriculum

  Keyboard Basics and Simplified Hymn Course Introduction
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  Keyboard Basics Lesson 1: Getting to Know the Keyboard
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  Keyboard Basics Lesson Two: The Staff, Note Reading
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  Keyboard Basics Lesson Three: Basic Theory Principles
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  Keyboard Basics Lesson Four: SMART Practice Guidelines
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  Simplified Hymns Lesson One: C Major / Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing
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  Simplified Hymns Lesson Two: G Major / Jesus, Once of Humble Birth
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  Simplified Hymn Lesson Three: F Major / Count Your Blessings
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  Simplified Hymn Course Lesson Four: D Major / Dynamics / Redeemer of Israel
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  Finale and Simplified Hymns Sheet Music
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Sign up for the free course!

A Brief History

The inspiration for this endeavor to make high quality piano lessons available to people everywhere, Piano Protégé, came as I was traveling home from the funeral of my 98-year-old Grandma, Shirley Hoyt Andersen in 2018. My Grandma and Grandpa Andersen both loved music!
My Grandma had spent nearly a decade of her life serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with my Grandpa, Verlan Andersen throughout Argentina, Peru and the Mexico Area. As she served and traveled, she lamented that so few congregations could enjoy the blessing of having piano accompaniment as they sang hymns.Grandma knew the joy that comes as families, friends and congregations join together in singing the hymns accompanied by the piano or organ. So, a desire was born in her to help create a curriculum that would enable students to learn to play the piano, using the hymns as the foundation for the program.
The Lord answered her earnest prayers and sent talented musicians to assist her. This program was used to teach hundreds of children and adults throughout the world to play the hymns – in just weeks.She saw the profound joy it brought to these students, and she felt the power and spirit it brought to everyone in the meetings.
Twenty-years later, I felt a great desire to re-make and re-create this incredible curriculum my grandma had made so many years ago. With a Masters’ degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and decades of experience teaching piano, I wanted to bring the skills and knowledge I had gained and the gifts I had been given, and offer what I could to continue my Grandma’s legacy. I have felt that love and support in the process of preparing this curriculum for many, many more to be benefitted by.
I hope you enjoy being part of this miracle!