Heavenly Piano Language downloaded by God – Pastor Irene Choon from Praise Music International (PMI)

 

The class bustled with excitement, as over 60 students ranging from 9-year olds to 75-year-olds learned to play piano together. Amidst its diversity, the majority had one thing in common – none had any background in music – yet all could play their self-composed piano song in only one and a half year!

 

 

Such were the students produced by the Praise Music International (PMI) piano course, downloaded by God to Pastor Irene in 1990. At a junction of giving up her music career, the Lord suddenly came upon her with a powerful anointing.

Without thinking, she began to write down for four hours an unheard concept of teaching music. During then, her baby uncannily also slept through the hours without crying, allowing her to pen down God’s thoughts on paper.

Thus, PMI was born, teaching a new generation of worshippers on how to flow with the Holy Spirit in playing the piano. Instead of only learning to play by notes, which allow no room for improvisation, the course focused on a “touch system” consisting of chords, sol-fa, play-by-ear and notes.

“Chords allow different students to play the same song in different tunes, reflecting their own personalities and also the flow of the Holy Spirit.”

“So for example, if the Holy Spirit wants to lead us into seeking God, then a slower melody would prompt people to flow with the Spirit and enter into the Presence of God.”

 

 

Built on the basis of continual fellowship with one another, the course is designed to maximize group interaction. Hence, by learning in a group, students can spur each other into improvement and encouragement.

Like a mathematical formula, the Lord has given Pastor Irene this unheard formula to learn piano in the easiest way. Because of this formula, a student mastering one song can play many other songs as well.

Hence, students without background in music can be trained to be a pianist in church or home groups in merely one and a half year! This is a much shorter than the time taken to learn the conventional method of learning notes. For example, an average student who complete ABRSM grade eight will take about eight to 10 years to complete a course. From calculation, a student will need 30 to 40 years to complete all four courses, a much longer period than what PMI offers.

“The Lord gave me the PMI language instead of reading notes. This language helps our students to respond faster from reading the music sheet. Students no longer need to learn to master notes before playing piano, which causes a slower response.”

Pastor Irene believes that the piano, due to its full chord and flexibility in offering varying beats, greatly enhances worship.

“As we play the piano, the melody inspires us to sing more. We get to worship God longer, because even when we lack words, we can still play a melody. We can go deeper with God.”

“Also, because my heart is to train people for worship, we encourage our students to play the piano and sing at the same time.”

 

 

Through the PMI as well, worshippers without any background of music are encouraged to attend, so that they would understand the timing and feeling of music. Through more than 30 years of teaching, she could see how her students master the style of playing within three months, regardless of background.

“In church, music is part of worship. But if we have no idea for music at all, it is harder to worship. This course helps student to worship more. And at the end of the course, each student would learn to compose a song.”

The course includes attending a once-in-three months (three consecutive evenings) piano seminar and committing to a daily practice of half an hour, with a comprehensive practice guidance.

The PMI schools can now be found in Petaling Jaya, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, and Sibu. They are also running the PMI course in Perth, Australia.

 

 

“We also hope to train more piano teachers to teach this course, to continue this legacy. Because God gave me this twenty-six years ago, I hope to pass this revelation on to more people, so that more worshippers can be raised.”

From a five-year course now, one can become certified in a total of three years, as a fully qualified pianist after completing all 12 modules. Because of its uniqueness, students had been flying in from Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, England, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, to take the few day PMI course throughout the year.

 

Would you be interested to learn piano with PMI?

 

Join a preview session of a PMI lesson by Pastor Irene.

Date | 19 June 2016 | Sunday

Time | 3 PM – 5 PM

Venue | CCM, Ground Floor, No 26, Jalan University

Call to Register | 0168308785 | 0168337631

 

Join the PMI student’s graduation piano concert to see how they played the piano after one-and-a-half year.

Date | 18 June 2016 | Saturday

Time | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Venue | CCM, Ground Floor, No 26, Jalan University

Call to Register | 0168308785 | 0168337631

 

 

Testimonies by PMI Students |

 

“This 18 months course is simple yet comprehensive enough for me to pick up the skills of playing piano. By the first three months, I am surprised to find myself able to play the melody and chords for some simple songs already.”

Sze Yein, Klang Valley

 

“I thank God for fulfilling my childhood dream of playing the piano. The first thing I wanted to do in the morning was to play the piano and praise God. I never thought I could learn the piano due to my age and its high fees. But PMI offered me an intensive and affordable course. It only took me one and a half year, and now I can start playing in my church.”

Christine Yeow, Ipoh

 

“Pastor Irene is a highly experienced and professional teacher. I would recommend this course to anyone seeking achievement and enjoyment in playing the piano.”

Yu Ching, Klang Valley

 

“I have always wanted to play the piano but never had time. But when I retired, I thought I was too old to learn the piano, as I felt my brain is ‘slow’ and my fingers are rusty. Bu after completing PMI, I am amazed with how I can play many different types of songs – both Christian and pop! I would recommend this to anyone, irrespective of age.”

Dennis Wong, Klang Valley

 

“I feel so proud and accomplished when I can sing and play chords concurrently with PMI.”

Julianer, Klang Valley

 

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