New Lessons: Let It Be & Summertime 🎹

Hey there, piano friends!

Have you ever sat down at your piano, opened a book of sheet music, and felt your heart sink just a little bit? You see a wall of black dots, complex rhythms, and fingerings that look more like a game of Twister than a song. We’ve all been there. As adult learners, our time is precious. We want to play the songs we love, and we want to sound good without spending ten years in a conservatory first.

That is exactly why I created the ChordWise Piano Skool.

I have some thrilling news for our community today. We’ve just added two absolute heavyweights to our lesson library: “Let It Be” by The Beatles and the hauntingly beautiful “Summertime” by George Gershwin.

Whether you want to channel your inner Paul McCartney or dive into the sultry, jazz-infused world of Porgy and Bess, these lessons are designed to get you playing quickly, confidently, and: most importantly: with your own personal flair.

Why ChordWise? (And Why You’ll Love It)

Before we dive into the songs, let’s talk about the “ChordWise way.” Most of us grew up thinking that to play piano, you had to read every single note on the page. If you missed a sharp or a flat, the whole thing fell apart.

ChordWise flips the script.

Instead of being chained to the sheet music, we focus on chords and improvisation. Why? Because chords are the DNA of music. Once you understand the structure, you have the freedom to play a song a hundred different ways. You can make it simple, you can make it lush, or you can improvise a melody that feels uniquely yours.

It’s about freedom, fun, and flexibility.

“Let It Be” – Finding Peace at the Keys

Is there any song more iconic than “Let It Be”? It’s the ultimate anthem of hope and resilience. But for many adult students, the traditional sheet music version can feel clunky.

In our new lesson, we break this masterpiece down into its core components. We look at the classic C, G, Am, and F progression: the “magic chords” that power so many of the greatest hits in history.

What you’ll learn in this lesson:

The Power of the Left Hand: How to create a solid, rhythmic foundation that feels like a real band is backing you up.
Right Hand Voicings: We’ll move beyond basic triads to find those beautiful, “churchy” gospel sounds that make this song so soulful.
The Iconic Solo: Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a guitar god. I’ll show you how to use the pentatonic scale to improvise a melody that captures the spirit of the original while letting you express yourself.

Imagine sitting down at the end of a long day, putting your hands on the keys, and letting those opening chords ring out. It’s not just about hitting notes; it’s about the emotional release.

An adult learner playing piano chords in a warm, cozy room for a relaxing evening music session.

“Summertime” – Embracing the Sultry Jazz Vibe

If “Let It Be” is your go-to for comfort, “Summertime” is your go-to for cool. This Gershwin classic is a masterclass in atmosphere. It’s lazy, it’s hazy, and it’s a perfect vehicle for learning how to play with “swing” and “soul.”

For many adults, jazz feels intimidating. It feels like a secret club where you need a password to enter. At ChordWise, we give you the key.

Why “Summertime” is perfect for adult learners:

Minor Key Magic: You’ll explore the hauntingly beautiful world of A minor and D minor. It’s a great way to expand your emotional palette beyond simple “happy” major chords.
The “Lazy” Swing: We’ll practice that relaxed, behind-the-beat feel that defines jazz.
Improvisation for Beginners: “Summertime” has a relatively simple chord structure, which makes it the perfect “playground” for your first steps into improvisation. I’ll show you exactly which notes to play so you never have to worry about hitting a “wrong” one.

The Secret to Actually Sticking With Music

I get asked all the time: “Jenny, how do I actually stay motivated?”

The truth is, traditional lessons can be a grind. Driving to a studio, finding parking, and playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” for a teacher isn’t exactly what most adults signed up for.

That’s why online learning is such a game-changer. You can learn in your pajamas, at 10 PM, with a glass of wine if you want! But more than that, it’s about the method. When you learn to play with chords, you see progress fast. And fast progress is the best motivation there is.

If you’ve been struggling to find your rhythm, check out my thoughts on why adult piano lessons online are the secret to actually sticking with music.

Stop Scrolling, Start Creating

In a world full of “doom-scrolling” and endless notifications, playing the piano is an act of rebellion. It’s a way to reclaim your focus and do something creative for yourself.

I’ve written before about the battle between improvisation vs. mindless scrolling, and it’s especially true for us adults. When you sit down to play “Let It Be,” you aren’t just consuming content: you are creating art. You are engaging your brain, your heart, and your hands all at once.

What’s Inside the ChordWise Community?

When you join us for these new lessons, you aren’t just getting a video. You’re getting a community.

Step-by-Step Videos: I walk you through everything. No guesswork.
Lead Sheets: Minimalist, clear, and easy to read.
Supportive Environment: Our Skool community is filled with people just like you: adults who love music and want to support each other.

You Are Ready for This

I hear it all the time: “I’m not musical enough,” or “I started too late.”

Let me stop you right there. You are musical enough. If you can hum a tune or tap your foot to the radio, you have everything you need to start. My job is simply to give you the tools and the confidence to let that music out.

“Let It Be” and “Summertime” are waiting for you. They aren’t just songs; they are milestones on your musical journey.

Are you ready to stop reading and start playing?

Stay musical,

Jenny