This comment is based on reading from beginning to end, Ed Weiss' new book, "Free To Be Creative At The Piano".

This was a new experience. I read a lot and never have I had the experience, until now, to read a book with more redundancy than this one. Ed could have written this book in 30 pages instead of the 341 pages it took. I purchased this book to give to a friend who is beginning piano and I don't have the nerve to let her read this book. I am not exaggerating when I say that Ed makes three points, over and over, and over, and over, and over, and over and over again...it truly is amusing. His points are: Open chord position, use 8 bar outline to write down ideas and George Winston is the best!

But beware....this book is truly a ploy to sell his piano lessons. There is nothing to learn from this book. This is not a lesson book, and I'm not quite sure what kind of book it is....like I said, I never read anything like it. It was a very frustrating experience.

I'd like to know other's opinions.

There are other opinions on Amazon, where the book has attracted a number of very positive reviews and a much smaller number of extremely negative ones. It's an interesting bimodal distribution there, so it seems to be one of those books you either absolutely love or absolutely loathe.

Reading your review, I'm not sure I'd want to buy it to share my opinion!!

But, seeing Packa's comments balances things out a bit I suppose. It reminds me a bit of the book "The Perfect Wrong Note," which I absolutely disliked. I couldn't read more than halfway through. I felt like the author had only one thing to say, and was trying to say it in as many different ways as possible. It was like being hit over the head with a stick!

On the other hand, I have heard criticisms of Chang's book along those lines, whereas I though that, although he needs an editor, he had a lot to say and in spite of some structural issues with the writing, the content was very valuable.

Perhaps that might be what it is with the Weiss book? Considering I love George Winston, perhaps it's worth looking into.

The book is a collection of essays on my philosophy of piano playing. It's not for everyone, that's for sure. Those who like it, really like it. Those who don't ... well, they really don't. Sorry you didn't.

Well before you buy it, read the Amazon reviews...the 1 and 2 stars got it right!

Ed, if your collection consists of 3 points, why make them over and over again in 200 different ways? I was really disappointed because I think you have some good ideas and should write them in a book, but you always seem to carry a carrot with you; that little tease to get us to buy more teases and more teases. There is a review on Amazon that said they even enrolled on your on-line class as was disappointed with the lack of structure and the constant repetition! I hope you try again with a different approach... way different I hope.

*Deleted by moderator*

It's not even good background music, I've heard better in elevators and at the dentist!

eweiss' piano philosophy is play like a kid and never play classical or other people's music which is ridiculous.

Regardless of whether you like the book or not some people may enjoy what he does as obviously some reviews have shown. I don't think it is very kind to belittle someone's work merely for the sake of it.

I don't think anyone is belittling the work "for the sake of it" but for the sake of sharing their opinion. Nothing wrong with that, and I don't think Ed had a problem with it either.

I usually take outstanding reviews with a grain of salt. If you know what I mean...

Well, this is the message I got from Ed today. Slander??? hardly, just opinion about a book.

"Slandering my character on a public forum is considered libel - and I will pursue legal action against you if you persist.

I've taken a screen shot of your post so I have all the evidence I need to prove defamation.

You've been warned.

Edward Weiss
Quiescence Music

Jordy, there is opinion and there are false statements. What you wrote is libelous and the fact that you continue to post here shows the kind of person you are.

Here's an idea for you. If you don't like the book, return it. And don't take your personal agenda to a public forum.

What's "false" about my "opinion"? And...I have no "personal" agenda! Are you going to pursue legal action against the folks on amazon as well.

Ed, do what you got to do! I'm not afraid of you. I stated my opinion and others have as well...so sue is all!

Oh, and I got a "snapshot" too!

Defamation is a serious charge, and, imo, not one supported by the comments in this thread. Yes, IAAL.

Perhaps Ed is reacting more to Wizard's comment, which also does not rise to the level of defamation, but which is certainly more of a personal attack than anything leveled by Jordy.

That said, opinions are like . . . we've all got them, and sometimes, it really is best to keep them to ourselves. I'd ask the mods to shut this down before it gets further out of hand.

I have received several report posts on this thread. Although there is nothing libelous here, I have edited Wizard of Oz's post since I felt it was overly personal.

I am not going to close this thread (yet). Mr. Weiss published a book and is therefore subject to people not liking it, thinking it is a waste of money, etc., and to expressing that opinion to others.

Having said that, please constrain your comments to the book itself. Personal attacks will not be tolerated, no matter who makes them.

Respectfully Mr. Weiss, "personal agendas" are exactly the reason that public forums exist. I have no reason to comment if I don't have anything to say, and if I have something to say then I have an agenda.

I would never have found out about your book without this forum. I also would never have found out reasons why some people like it and others don't. If you take harsh criticism of your book as a criticism of your self, that is your problem and not under my control.

If you take him up on his free offer you can read his book online.

It seems that the book assumes that a beginner knows a lot of music terminology. Seems wordy with lots of fluff. And I didn't see one illustration or graphic. And he really bashes the traditional method of learning piano.

Where can I read it online for free?

i think you have to do the 19 dollar monthly thing

No you just take the free ride he offers and you can read it in pdf format for free...

Ed, can I post the link to share with everyone, since its free?

(Edit) Sorry, he prefers you sign up. It's not difficult and the price is great. (free).

Be careful about the "Sign Up" option, because once you sign up, you get hounded with emails and no matter how many times I've asked to be removed from his list, it hasn't happened. I've sent Ed several emails asking him to remove me from his list and have received NO response. I have asked him for the last almost 2 years to remove me, but just like clock work, I get that periodic email "lesson" that I don't wish to receive. For those of you thinking about signing up, this information might be of good use.

Oh, thanks for the info Jylnne!

It's easy to unsubscibe from a Yahoo group Jordy. Very easy.

eweiss, I've heard you threaten to sue people before, is that all you know how to do?

Anyone who is thinking of doing his program, don't. I'll teach you for free in 1 hour what he charges.

Funny how all the "positive" comments on his book are by "students" of his.

eweiss, you threaten others but when I threaten you, you cower away and get me banned?

We will battle in the next realm my friend, where the dragon and the serpent will be slayed and you among them.

And we're done.