"This program was my fast track to improvement in body position and hand/wrist movement. Learning to use the body efficiently has opened the door to the next level of improved velocity while actually reducing tension.

The corrections that I have made since the first weeks of the program have been implemented and I can feel the positive results in the ease and comfort of playing. This course served as a gateway to playing at a higher level of comfort, efficiency, and with greater joy.

I have studied and practiced “wrist circles” in the past. The technique training in this program was similar, but goes much further, and is infinitely adaptable to the forms in the score, which I did not always find to be true about wrist circles.

David begins with the central processes of preparation to play and with posture, and then introduces the one note stoke. From this first stroke, a system of variations is unfolded in an orderly manner that eventually bring a full set of carefully constructed movements that are suitable for application in nearly every conceivable technical passage.

This building from small to large technique, with the correct strokes and movements, results in a masterpiece of efficiency, comfort, and musicality.

David Holter’s “Take Flight” Program which instructs the Dr. Lister-Sink method for piano performance is something to think seriously about undertaking. It is a comprehensive and progressive method for piano technique."

-- Ken in Ohio, United States

So this morning, I should be working on other things, but I decided to go back to Fur Elise to work on some of the spots that I'm still tripping up on. Unfinished business! And, as I look at the music for clarification, I can't believe that I can almost play this piece. Never, ever did I think I would be able to even come close to playing this piece that I started learning by watching my uncle play it at 12 years of age...haha..no sheet music...So David's video, of course helped me tremendously... I'm almost there! Thank you for your patience, guidance and inspiration.

​​The Take Flight Program is everything I had hoped for, and more. ​I will be forever grateful to you David for perking my interest enough to join your course... and the result is me enjoying playing piano again after leaving it for many years of ignoring it. I never was a virtuoso and will never be, but now the work has begun and it is rewarding as learn new techniques and invaluable lessons. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and your love of music with us.​

-- Gloria in Ontario, Canada

The Take Flight Piano Program has been an immense help to me and made my piano playing freer, easier, and more satisfying.

I started my piano journey at the age of 60 and have now been playing for three years. The journey had not been fruitful. On several occasions I hurt my fingers, causing me to stop playing the piano for up to 3 months at a time, so I fully understand the frustration, anger and discouragement that this can cause, as well as:

     Hopelessness
     Disruption of any progress 
     Not knowing how long the injury would last, or if I would ever play again. 

I felt trapped, like a caterpillar fighting to get out of a cocoon, or a bird in a cage. This course offered the possibility of experiencing freedom like a beautiful butterfly breaking through the cocoon, or a bird soaring in the sky, which I experienced from time to time. 

This program eliminates frustration and empowers your practicing, with a safe, structured, step-by-step way of developing well-coordinated technique. There is a possibility of bringing your music to life with freedom, joy and pain-free, in a wonderful, nurturing environment.

Each week there is a technique instruction meeting on zoom where we are taught new material, followed up by many videos and other catch up practicing sessions. We are free to ask questions about any concerns we may have, in a very warm environment with David and the other group members. There is never any judgment – only plenty of encouragement. 

You can go at your own pace, and David is always there when you have any concerns, feel you are not making any progress, or you are not sure if you are executing the technique properly. David is extremely patient and will always make sure your concerns are addressed, and is just as excited as you are when you make progress.  

We also go deeper with the Spark skills, empowering us to find the notes on the piano keys by feeling and not looking. Over time, it gets easier and easier to play the keys by feel.

I have had breakthroughs with my piano playing and applying the new techniques. It's an ongoing process, and there is plenty of material and videos which are ours to keep forever, so I can continue my learning at my own pace.

I thoroughly recommend this program, no matter where you are on your piano journey. This will empower and enrich your playing in a wonderful, freeing way.

-- Martina (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)