(upbeat music)
(audience clapping)
- If you think it's too late to pick up a new hobby,
well think again.
My next guest, Lynne says she wanted to play the piano
since she was a child.
Well, once she turned 50
she decided it was finally time to learn.
But where to start?
So she turned to her cell phone
but it's not what you think.
Take a look.
- Since I've become an empty nester
I was looking for something to occupy my time.
I work as a barista
and I instruct classes at a wood shop.
But I felt sad.
I felt lost,
and I needed to find something to fill the void.
(piano playing)
I inherited a piano
from my grandmother when she passed away.
With so much time on my hands
I decided to put my grandmother's piano to use
and learn how to play.
I found out about the app, Simply Piano on social media.
- [App Instructor] We'll start with these three notes.
- There's an introduction at the beginning
of each course and step-by-step instructions.
(playing piano)
After my first lesson, I fell in love with it.
Who knew you could learn how to play the piano
by using an app?
Now, I play it every day.
My grandmother would be very happy to know
that I'm playing her piano.
Simply Piano has been a joy in my life
and I encourage others to try it.
(piano playing)
- Well, joining me are Lynne,
along with Dr. Allison Balbag, musician, gerontologist
and Simply Piano ambassador.
So welcome.
(clapping)
Dr. Balbag playing a musical instrument can do more
than just fill up your time and be a hobby, right?
- Absolutely. Dr. Phil.
Playing the piano for 30 minutes a day
is also a great way to keep your mind sharp.
My research as well as that of others
also found that older adults who play a musical instrument
are less likely to develop dementia
and cognitive impairment.
So playing an instrument is really
one of the best total brain workouts you can do.
- What do you love most about the app that you got into?
- I love that Simply Piano has so many different styles
of music to choose from.
Music from the sixties to seventies, to classical to modern.
So there's something for anyone's musical taste.
I also love that it gives you step by steps instructions.
You learn the basics
like reading music to playing with both hands.
- So Dr. Balbag, Lynne makes it sound so simple.
Is it really that easy?
- It really is simple Dr. Phil.
Simply Piano makes learning music accessible.
So all you need is a phone and a keyboard
and then you can practice whenever you want
whenever fits into your schedule.
And those bite sized snackable courses
make it so easy for anyone to try.
And as a musician myself, I encourage everyone to try music.
It's great for the brain, body and soul.
- So can you show us how it works?
- I would love to.
You'll place your phone or your tablet
on the keyboard or the piano.
Select the course or the song you want to learn
and the app will immediately recognize what you're playing.
And I will play for you Amazing Grace
which is one of my favorite hymns written by John Newton.
I'll first show you the tutorial
where it teaches you step by step,
by breaking it down into sections.
(electric keyboard playing)
And when you hit the wrong note
the app will recognize that and will correct myself.
(electric keyboard playing)
And once you complete all the sections
you'll be able to play the full song
and I'll play that for you now.
(electric keyboard playing)
(clapping)
- Well, this really does look like fun
and it's an interactive app.
So look, why not make learning to play the piano
one of your New Year's resolutions?
And with Simply Piano, it's easy.
So go to simplypiano.com
to claim your exclusive 20% discount
as a Dr. Phil viewer.
So follow the instructions to download the app
and start your free trial today.
So it's just that simple.
Look, I wanna thank all of my guests today,
so thank you Lynne.
Thank you Dr. Balbag.
(clapping)
And a special thanks to Simply Piano.