This may not be for you, but I’m breaking the January rules

plus what’s ahead this year

We found this coffee place in Gaia, right across the river there is Porto. We totally love it and there is also wonderful accommodation right above this place.
[Photo by Petr Sevcovic on Unsplash]

You know what everyone’s doing this month? Cramming their schedules full, making wild promises about “new year, new me,” and beating themselves up when life gets in the way.

Me? I’ve been spending nights playing cards with my wife and girls (they destroy me every time), reading & staying warm by the fireplace, grabbing coffees with friends, binging movies, laughing a lot, and even sneaking in a work trip to Austin last week.

Normal schedule? What normal schedule?

As we approached the new year, my wife shared a quote with me from Austin Kleon, NYTimes bestselling author of STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST, that resonated & inspired me:

Save your resolutions! January is a hangover month and LONG. February is 28 days – four perfect weeks – and much easier to get through. Go easy in 2025.”

So here’s what we’re doing together instead of living in that January pressure cooker:

We’re building something real this year. I’m talking exercises to help you learn to play by ear, diving into the Nashville Number System, learning practice techniques that actually work (whether you’re just starting or ready to level up), and breaking down popular songs to show you exactly what’s going on in my head when I approach a new song.

And trust me, we’re just getting started.

Want to know what else is coming?

  • Blues scales that’ll make your solos sing
  • Chord inversions for lazy piano players (yeah, I said lazy – efficiency is king)
  • Smooth transitions that’ll make your setlist flow like butter
  • Real talk about playing live shows (hint: it’s all about preparation, the right attitude, & a few other secrets I’ve learned the hard way)

But here’s the deal – we’re not rushing. We’re starting small, building habits that stick, and ramping up when February hits. No pressure, just progress.

Oh, and something else brewing: I’m putting together some micro group piano lessons. Think focused, interactive sessions where we can really dig into this stuff together. If that sounds like your jam, hit reply and let me know. I’ll send you the details before anyone else sees them.

Let’s make 2025 count – starting in February.

Dan

P.S. Seriously, drop me a line about those group lessons. Spots will be limited, and I want my email fam to get first dibs.

P.P.S. Not sure if this is right for you? Just reply with your biggest piano-playing challenge, and I’ll help you figure out if it’s a good fit.


Powered by beehiiv

Comments

Leave a Reply