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What do others say about The Understanding of Music Seminar?
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Duncan shows how to create "instant" musical styles for yourself - here showing "one-fingered" Mozart | |
Here is just a small sample of the many hundreds of testimonials written by people who have successfully completed The Understanding of Music Seminar in Australia alone.
Many more testimonials from people around the world are available by visiting the seminar founder's website at www.dlorien.com/success.html
Original handwritten copies of all these testimonials are held by seminar organisers and can be shown on request. (All participants listed here have gladly given their permission for their testimonials to be published.)
Australian Participants, from beginner to professional musicians, say...
Put simply, this is hands down, the best, the most comprehensive, accessible and powerful music tuition program IN THE WORLD! The sense of confidence, possibility and excitement that one leaves with is amazing. To Duncan and all the people who helped make this seminar possible, thank you and God Bless you! (And I m an agnostic!)
Bobby A - Doctor
"Duncan Lorien has corrected 2,000 years of human error in music!"
Rob Gennari, Billy Hyde Music,
voted Australia's #1 up-and-coming Rock Drummer
The most amazing experience Wow! Seriously up there with meeting my newborn for the first time. What has always been instinctual for me
was suddenly explained, and it made sense for the first time!
Kate Ceberano, Professional Musician
I achieved something I never thought possible this lifetime. I feel the musician within awoken by the seminar. I look forward to helping your
incredible legacy expand so it becomes the standard of music education.
Lee Rogers, Film Director
"I've been studying and playing music professionally for over 35 years now, and I have never come across a simpler, easier method of learning music. I knew all the theory & chords, but Duncan brought it all together, summing up 20-30 years of info in 2½ days! He gets rid of the junk and uncovers all the arbitrary rules. It also inspired me again."
Greg Goris, Professional Musician
"Ever since I was a little girl of five, I've wanted to learn the piano...I thought that this goal of learning would never be achieved. I came into this seminar quite sceptical but believed I had nothing to lose...Well! it's been absolutely inspirational. Everything that had seemed so out of reach became simple and possible. I actually played...with BOTH hands today for the first time in my life. My dream has come true...God bless you."
Suzette H, novice
"I have performed on stage...but always felt inferior to the others who could read the music...You have taken away all the misconceptions and explained all the stuff that others couldn't...This doesn't daunt me any more."
Simon L - professional musician
"Not just another music seminar. This seminar has given me more in one weekend than I ever dreamed possible."
Di C, music teacher (travelled from regional NSW)
"I have been contemplating learning music for a long time. Thank God my first stop was the Understanding of Music Seminar. I can see how this has saved me years of frustration."
Chris C, Disc Jockey
"Now my 7 years of piano lessons won't go to waste--I haven't touched a piano in 23 years. I finally know I can play any key with confidence. Thank you for your generosity...you are amazing. You've given me such a gift."
Jane B, experienced musician
I never realised that music could be understood to this extent over 3 days. By the second day I had "teared up" several times at the wonder of feeling that this might be possible for me. I will be getting my partner and kids to attend next time!
Steve B
I was attracted to the seminar as it promised to fill in all my musical "gaps" and it has totally delivered on that promise.
Tim H
"Thank you for opening the door to a new me, a chance to enjoy my piano, have fun and learn about music."
Jenny J, novice
This has been jaw dropping! I spent 10 years utterly confusing myself and the past 3 days unravelling all my confusions and finally understanding the stuff that was always so "mysterious".
Marc R- Guitarist
This seminar is one of the best things I have EVER done. I am so lucky Duncan came into my life.
JP Goodchild - Musician
I was blind, but now I see! Des McKenzie
Awesome! Duncan broke down all the barriers and mysteries associated with music and simplified a subject made complicated over centuries.
Julie S
As a musician and composer, it shifted my thinking and exceeded my expectations. I saw things I would not have believed if I was told.. people discovering and playing music for the first time at speeds unimaginable. Inspiring!
George K
I've been playing guitar for nearly 45 years and I learned more about music in the past 3 days than the previous 45 years!
Doug Stillwagon
I've been playing in bands since I was a teenager, but this was a truly life-changing experience!
Seth F
I was told I could never read music. I had never even touched a piano until now. Dreams really do come true. If you have a dream, don't give up. Believe in yourself and Duncan will help you. Amazingly unbelievable!
Anton W
I had attempted to learn music on many occassions but given it up. Within the first few minutes of this seminar, I knew something was different and I was excited. The "wow" moment came on the 2nd day when a fellow student got up and was playing jazz 5 minutes later. I know this has changed my life!
Dean J
I would need to be a wordsmith to describe what your seminar did for me. It's as though I've just walked into a beautiful sunny glade after having been lost in a forest for the most of my life. Warmest regards
Bill McI 75 yo
Thank you for debunking myths, pointing out inaccuracies, simplifying the seemingly complex and most importantly reinvigorating my musical passion. Intoxicating, engaging and memorable. Not an ounce of regret or disappointment. I look forward to carrying on your legacy.
Lewis D
I'm jumping out of my chair. The man's a genius!
Rebecca G
I can't believe that I read and played music on the piano without any prior experience with piano in my life!
Sandeep D
Music has baffled me and scared the hell out of me all my life. Now I feel as though I can go home and begin my "Lorien Lessons" and have the support of my own teacher in the comfort of my own home!
I thought I was too old to learn music. Now I feel my world has opened up. I feel freed to actually take it on. Thank you Duncan. What you do is totally amazing. I feel amazingly grateful.
Judy C
In this 3 days I have learnt more about music and understanding the theory, than I have in my 10 years of playing! Thank you for this gift!
Joanna Scarlet C
Thank you for sharing your life's work with us. Absolutely incredible. I am looking forward to doing something amazing with it!
Pete R
An awe-inspiring and mind opening 3 days into the (NOW) easy to understand concept of music.
Robert S
An incredible, life-changing experience. After spending 12 years playing orchestral music, I thought I knew what I was doing but after this weekend I have realised how little I truly knew. Thank you for helping me reach this turning point in my life.I will be forever grateful.
Tara A
Absolutely blown away by the amount of ground covered and ABSORBED!
Michael G
This was an amazing workshop. I've learnt how to read music at least 3 times and I've forgotten every time! This time I know I'll remember!
Zoey H
Just brilliant. Far exceeded my expecations!
Tony G
This is the most amazing course I've ever done. No one has ever explained musical concepts the way Duncan has and demystified the whole musical language for me. Awesome!
Therese N
I'm a skeptic at heart. Walked in with one eyebrow as high as I could manage. It took an hour before my eyebrow and my jaw both dropped! Duncan is the most intellectually impressive man I have ever met and I'm known for being rarely impressed. C'mon, ALL MAJOR AND MINOR CHORDS IN 4 SECONDS!!! School is going feel like learning at snail's pace!
Kinto B - High School Student
Duncan's presentation skills are only surpassed by his ability to make complex knowledge simple. If you love music, just do the seminar!
Jim N
From zero to Bach in 3 days! I can now name every note on a piano, and every note on guitar and read music, in 3 days from a standing start. And even better I see my daughter more inspired and excited about music than I would ever have thought possible.
Peter T
I have always been daunted by the challenge of learning to play and embarassed to tackle the task as I am surrounded by musicians. But I now have the confidence to tackle what once seemed a mammoth task.
Linda R
Exactly what I was hoping for and so much more! This will be life-changing, I will make it so!
Margeurite E
Absolutely Epic! Such an amazing experience. I learnt so much more about music over the entire weekend than my entire time playing it!
Elloitt Cooper B
A great overview of the entire subject of music, all in 3 days! Duncan is very charismatic and funny which kept it entertaining and interesting. A legend!
Amanda D
Duncan has split the musical atom! What energy has been released!
Roy D
Thank you for allowing me to attend the seminar. I have been overwhelmed with the clearing away of the "fog" that you have cleared to enable me to understand music.
This seminar has changed my life. I now have the tools and understanding to play any instrument or any piece of music, all I have to do is my 10 minutes of practise a day!
Sally T
I have tried for over 15 years to understand this subject with no success. You have enlightened me to a point I would never of thought possible. Ola AlmarkerWhat a complete and utter joy to watch my dad actually read, understand and play a piece of music. That s been his lifetime frustration and how fantastic to see such a breakthrough. I ve cried and laughed joy oh joy!
Julie G.-B., experienced pianist who brought her dad to the seminar
This seminar has been an absolutely fantastic experience. It has opened up a new life for me as far as music is concerned. It has got rid of a BIG BLACK HOLE which has held me back all these years.
Bert G., Julie's Dad
I have spent nearly 20 years of my life (and money) just trying to understand this thing they call music and you helped me see it and understand it in a weekend!!!
Greg B - Self EmployedMy approach to practise has been revolutionised and I look forward to enjoying the experience instead of abandoning the piano in frustration.
I am ever so grateful for all that I have been taught. I plan to help my children with these methods as well as my father, who has always loved music.
Rosie S., studied piano as a child
The second time was even better. After the first time I ve taken up the violin, (and now) will continue to learn more instruments. Anything is possible. THANK YOU.
Jane B., Experienced Musician & band member
I now have an insight into what is possible for me as a musician and performer. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me and given me a new confidence...
Peter B. , Experienced musician and fellow band member of Jane B.
Although classically trained I have been stuck, unable to move out of the rigid systems for playing. After this session I will not only be able to improvise in various styles, but also on any instrument I choose. Grandpa s violin is coming out!"
Dayle A., experienced pianist Great weekend. I m inspired. I only wanted to learn to read. I got so much more out of the seminar. Thanks so much.
Peter B Musician
"...Duncan is a true teacher, a beautiful man. Thank you, many times."
Joseph McD
"I've been working professionally in the music field for a while, so I came to the seminar with the view it would be a 'refresher course.' Instead I found... simplicity in all the areas I had previously perceived as the most difficult. But the big factor for me, that was worth the price alone was that my reading ability improved 200% in a matter of minutes! Thank you, Duncan!"
Brad J, professional musician
"I was one of the sceptics at first--surely, I'd be the first one to call for the refund... I have laughed, groaned and cried at how much I understand now and how wrong I was. I've completed this seminar with flying colours!! Thanks."
Gerry F, novice
"I have been intending to take music lessons for some time...thank goodness I heard Duncan talking to Jane Clifton on ABC Radio the night before the seminar. I took a big risk...I could not have been happier with the whole experience. It has been a pleasure and privilege to be a "student" of Duncan's."
Gaynor C, novice
The seminar delivered everything promised and more. Duncan is an extraordinarily gifted teacher with vast experience, unlimited knowledge of his field and a passion for music that is truly infectious.
Chris M IT Consultant
"Until I heard your radio interview, I had given up the idea I could play the piano successfully with enjoyment . I have a new relationship with the piano. Your teaching methods are brilliant. I wish all teachers were like you."
Jill C.
"I was very sceptical to begin with. I knew nothing of Duncan or the organiser. The claims the course made seemed unrealistic. I am happy to say I am no longer a sceptic. Duncan's knowledge and enthusiasm was incredible. I'll definitely recommend this course to others. Looking forward to the Songwriting Seminar next year."
Jerome J, professional musician."
"A highly stimulating and thought provoking 2 days, packed with complex information made so simple. It will change the direction of my teaching. Having taught piano for 10 years and done many seminars, this one will change the direction of my teaching as none have before. Well worth the 900km drive! Thank you Duncan."
Nola
"I now have back the enthusiasm and energy which first inspired me to take up music. It is amazing to think that I can now write songs!"
Andrea
"Thank you for this wonderful gift. This, for me, is a missing link and I am now ready to bloom on the next stage of my musical journey. I love it. Thank you. I am inspired."
Catherine
I would have travelled to the US to do the seminar knowing what I now know! The experience of jamming jazz with Duncan on Day 1 was worth the weekend alone. This weekend allows me to rekindle the chance I had as a kid to have music playing as part of my life. You are a grandmaster!!!!
Errol La G Solicitor
"I can't imagine the impact, but it looks like its going to be huge, with me doing things with music I never thought I would achieve."
Paul
"In 2 days, music has become an accessible, wondrous medium without limits. I've achieved more than I thought possible. A whole new world has opened up to me. Best of all, I have the confidence to build on my newfound knowledge and the motivation to stick to it."
Rebecca
"Duncan's seminar blew away all the confusions and mystery in the area of music for me. I found myself able to play the piano from sheet music after just 2 days, having never read sheet music in my life before."
Philip
"It is impossible to remain unchanged by this experience."
Glenys
"Can you imagine my sheer joy, the day after your seminar when I could work out all my chords using your system. Thank you very much for my understanding of music!"
Margaret, Music Teacher
"I'm going to write 20 songs about (the seminar) this week!"
Rory
"I've been playing guitar for 25 years, 10 of those were as a professional guitarist and the last 4 years a composer for Film & Television. I thoroughly recommend Duncan's seminar to anyone from beginner to seasoned pro."
Brian
"A complete, clear, new understanding of music".
Rudy
"At the completion of Duncan's Seminar, I felt emotionally overwhelmed with joy that somebody had not only taken the time to understand music, but had chosen to share it with others."
Susan
"No amount of money charged for this seminar can make up for the precious knowledge and feeling I have now.
George
"The heavy weight has been lifted. Duncan has truly unravelled the mystery of music. I believe his seminar is a special gift to all who love music and want it in their life. Thank you Duncan."
Josephine
Duncan, I thought the Understanding Music Seminar was awesome, but this was a cut above! Songwriting and performing is what I want to do with my life. I now have complete tools to make sure I achieve it. Cheers man, I love your work!!
Alex R Student
To misquote Caesar: I came, I saw and I was conquered! I arrived a sceptic and left a believer. WORTH EVERY PENNY!.
Graham J Teacher
Fan bloody tastic! Words can t really explain how I feel. I have really been inspired by you. I can see how passionate you are about teaching this and that passion rubs off on all of us!
Greg B Semi Professional Musician
Brilliant! Brilliant! Truly amazing, can t thank you enough. I am totally revitalised!!!
Jack M Student
"Leave your socks at home - they'll just get blown off!"
Marion
"This seminar totally got the basic misconceptions I've had on music."
Flora
"Duncan, you truly are an unbelievable man. I have never met any musician or person for that matter who could explain such difficult musical concepts to me and have me understand it. I feel like I could play any instrument now!
Monica A Year 12 student
"Thanks so much for your straightforward, direct, simple approach to something I used to think was complex and difficult."
Rodney
"All my false ideas and confusions have melted away and I can't wait to get started playing my instrument and applying the data I have learned."
Richard
"Thank you Duncan. I have removed the sludge and confusion around the subject to a point where I can move forward, learn, create and most importantly, communicate with music. I have had many attempts in the past at getting to this point which only made things worse. This has been a most fundamental repair.
Simon
"Thank you for a most enjoyable seminar. It will stay with me forever."
Lance
"Whoa. That's got to be the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
Alex (11 years old)
"ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! What can I say, I am speechless. A million thank yous for making a dream a near reality."
Marilyn - beginner
"Dear Duncan, Where do I begin? I am literally blown away by this weekend. It has been the best experience of my life. What an adventure!...Never before in my life would I have thought it possible for me to totally understand the subject of music. Simple, but POWERFUL! Thank you for the wonderful gift you have given me. You have been the most inspiring teacher I've had on any subject. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Warren - beginner
"I feel like a cloud has lifted."
Joelle - singer
I can t thank you enough. The words spoken over the last few days have exploded my way of thinking about everything from music to life in general. All my weaknesses will soon be strengths!
Nicko L - Novice
"I can't tell you how much the seminar helped me to help my 9-year-old daughter.violin, clarinet & piano. I showed her Duncan's C-blues scale and now she improvises and even wants to play jazz!"
Michelle, novice guitarist & pianist
"I've tried learning music in various ways in the past--this makes so much more sense and I KNOW I can learn & enjoy my music now. It's like the Montessori system for music..."
Kerry - novice singer & pianist
"Wow!! What a fantastic 2 1/2 days. Everything - from the way it was organised and conducted, to the final result--was exceptional. I will certainly be doing my best to spread the word."
Ann - novice pianist
"I was blown away by the simplicity of everything I was told - it had confused me for so many YEARS!"
Tara - singer & novice pianist
"It really shines a light on the murky subject. Duncan has put his whole life into this and it shows. If everyone taught like this there wouldn't be anyone who couldn't play music!"
Sam - novice guitarist & pianist
"Aaarrrrggghhh! Thanks for getting rid of all the bull! It's been a LONG weekend with HEAPS of information but my head feels crystal clear. I can't believe that something that seemed so complex can actually be so easy. I look forward to sharing this with my son. I'd love for him to do this one day. My husband went along to the introduction night & signed ME up - love him heaps for that and next year he'll be here with me."
Mara - novice pianist
"My heart is singing! What a joy-to finally demystify the complexities of music."
Michael - Experienced, 5 instruments
"I have been playing music for 10 years and had hit a brick wall. I now have the working tools to put music together. It totally broke through an issue I've been dragging around for 33 years. Cheers and good will."
Craig, saxophonist
"Thank you immensely!! I learnt traditional piano for 10 years before stopping in frustration. I didn't seem to have the natural talent, was a little tone deaf and I did not understand the language of music. So many things no one explained to me and you have lit up my passion for music again. The amount of times I have cried or thrown a tantrum in my frustration when it is all so simple. I am utterly astounded. Thank you."
Christianne, pianist
"Duncan's charisma is intoxicating and has rekindled the musical flame in my heart. The wisdom he has imparted this weekend transcends the realms of music, spilling into every aspect of life. I can't wait till we meet again for the Songwriting seminar."
Angela, pianist & songwriter
"Fantastic seminar. Blew away all cobwebs and put my fears and frustrations out the window where they should be. Has given me an abundance of confidence and motivation to learn to read and play and enjoy music and not just on one instrument!! There is no stopping me and never say never!
Rochelle M - Novice
"I've been wanting to do this seminar for 2 years, ever since my brother showed me some of your techniques. Now that I'm at the end of the weekend, you've opened so many doors for me, Duncan--not just musically. You've showed me great philosophies in life too. You truly are an amazing person."
Catherine, guitarist & singer
"Thanks HEAPS, Duncan!! The seminar is worth it for the motivation alone! Of course the mountain of understanding you've given me (again) is just real gold! Can't wait till the songwriting seminar."
Jason, band member, 4 instruments
"Music & singing has been my passion all my life. I've performed all over the world, recorded 2 CDs, taught, written my own songs. This weekend reopened a closed door in my heart. Thanks-I'm so grateful"!
Meg, teacher & professional
The AGE says...
"I didn't believe the hype, but thought the seminar might make for a good story-the educational equivalent of tales about shonky businessmen making a fortune from people who hope to become instant millionaires.
I admit that I couldn't quite suppress the hope that maybe I could learn to play the newly restored baby grand piano that had belonged to my great grandmother.
But it was the sort of hope that fuels the purchase of a lottery ticket-you don't really believe it will happen. Just look at the gushing tributes on his website and you'll see what I mean: "This was the happiest two days of my life!" Did real people write this stuff?
By the Sunday evening I knew that they did.
His promise sounded outrageous.but Lorien's great gift is the ability to make simple what had seemed complex. We were introduced to the history of Western music and taught how to play every scale, mode, chord and inversion on the keyboard and guitar, as well as how to sight-read and increase the speed of sight-reading. What's more, it was fun!
Roslyn Guy - Editor, Education Age - THE AGE, 28 February 2001:
Top L.A. Film Composer & Academy Award Nominee: Studying with Duncan was "priceless"
" This goes out to all you musical artists who think you don't need a seminar like Duncan Lorien's "Understanding Music" course.
Well maybe you don't. But take it from someone who has been a professional musician for 40 years and a successful and professional composer/songwriter for 30. The one thing I have found to be true about the top composers and musicians in my field is they never stop learning.
Even though I have music in over 50 films, including an Academy Award nominee and Emmy winning shows, and I have scores and songs in 3 animated TV series, and I just finished scores for two top Discovery channel specials one on Lance Armstrong and another on the Titanic with James Cameron...I still found time to do Duncan's seminar. You know why? Because he has what no other course offers. The most revealing information and truth regarding the real source of western music as we know it.
I have studied with some of the top composers on the planet. I live in LA! They don't teach it. [Duncan does.]
Since you probably don't know who I am, please feel free to visit my websites: www.geofflevin.com www.celestialnavigations.com
I consider I have achieved some measure of success but I want to achieve more. I cleared up several major confusions about music while studying with Duncan. That was priceless.
So if you have any doubts, take it from someone who may appear not to need it...DO DUNCAN'S COURSE! "
Very Best, Geoff Levin | |
