CRASH COURSE

Play it again, Sam or Pam

Picture yourself seated at the piano surrounded by friends and relatives. Your head is tilted just so. Your fingers dance upon the keys as voices rise: “Misty,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Moon River.”

OK, maybe you hate those songs. But maybe you just don’t know how to play the piano. And don’t have time to learn.

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People is a three-hour workshop for adults who want to tickle the ivories without years of lessons. It focuses on 36 chords and requires only a rudimentary ability to read music. If you recognize the phrase “Every Good Boy Does Fine,” you’re prepared for class.

“My promise to everybody is that when we’re done with the workshop, they’ll be able to go home and pick up any song, any style, any key and play the song with both hands,” says Robert Laughlin, founder of the Instant Piano method.

With 36 chords, says Laughlin, students won’t be ready for recitals at Disney Hall, but they will be able to make the instrument part of their lives. They’re also given CDs and other materials to take with them.

“They’re not going to ... magically leave with abilities they didn’t have when they walked in,” says John Davis of San Diego, who’s teaching several Instant Piano sessions in Southern California this month. “They’re going to have to spend time practicing.”

Instant Piano also won’t change your opinion of “Moon River.” And even if it does, friends and relatives might still respond with blank stares when you suggest that sing-along.

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Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People classes: Upland, Wednesday, (909) 931-4280; San Jacinto, next Thursday, (909) 654-1505; Fullerton, April 20, (714) 738-6575; Placentia, April 21, (714) 993-8232; Escondido, April 24, (760) 839-4691. Preregistration required. Class and materials, $50-$64.