LEGO Piano helps give piano lessons

Problem solved: How LEGOĀ® bricks helped Donny teach piano

When he used to sit at his grand piano and softly strike the keys, Donny Chen had no idea that one day he would design a real LEGOĀ® set.

Donny works as a piano teacher and professional piano tuner in Melbourne, Australia and is a devoted father and husband.

Unlike many other AFOLs (Adult Fans Of LEGO), he never had a LEGO set as a child because they couldn't afford one at home. It wasn't until he first started working eleven years ago that he bought his very first LEGO set: the LEGO Technic Off-Roader ā€“ an all-terrain vehicle that still sits on a wall shelf at his home.

ā€œI was really amazed at all the functions and gears and movements that were involved.ā€

That was the start of his LEGO passion.

Deviating from the instructions

ā€œThe fascinating thing about building with LEGO bricks ... is that you can follow the instructions while building the set, but also ... build something completely different. That's why I enjoy LEGO sets so much, because they offer endless possibilities.ā€

And guess what? Donny is also extremely good at designing sets himself. So good in fact that, as a fan designer, he designed the LEGO Ideas Grand Piano, the largest LEGO Ideas set to date with more than 3,000 parts.

It's a complex design with working functions, and you can even make music with it if you connect it to the free LEGO Powered Up app (quite a high-tech set...).

Where does this idea come from?

ā€œWhen I teach piano, young children often ask me what is inside the piano.ā€

So he needed a way to teach theory that didn't involve taking his own piano apart every time ā€“ but Donny didn't know that he would end up making a model out of LEGO bricks.

Or at least not until he discovered LEGO Ideas, a place where fans can submit an original design that might then be turned into a real LEGO set. His wife encouraged him to participate... His grand piano design received enough votes and went on to win!

Since then, Donny was featured in Forbes and was invited to the LEGO headquarters in Denmark where he was able to meet the LEGO Ideas designers ā€“ an experience that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

After a lot of hard work, dedication and creativity, he finally found a way to help his students ā€“ and achieved something incredibly special in the process.

Why he enjoys building so much

ā€œIn my opinion, there are different ways to value LEGO bricks. Some people just really like them as... eye-catchers. Others love to create moreā€¦ I am that kind of person.ā€

Donny sees building with LEGO as a way of solving problems.

ā€œMaking your own creation is just like making a puzzle. You have a very clear idea of ā€‹ā€‹where you want to go... The LEGO elements are then your puzzle pieces ā€“ you just have to find the right combinations to achieve your goal.ā€

For adults just getting started with LEGO bricks, Donny recommends starting with a medium-sized set of about 1,000 pieces.

He usually builds late at night when he has finished work and his son and wife are already asleep. Then he's creating 1-3 hours to relax and enjoy some well-deserved time for himself.

Donny takes a very practical view of everything when he is working with LEGO bricks, repairing things that break in the house with bricks, for example. ā€œIt's not a toy just for children. It is pure creativity for all age groups.ā€

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