Learning to play the piano

bloodline76

bloodline76

bloodline76

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Joined
7 Feb 2004
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Hi there

We have inherited an upright piano and I would like to learn how to play it without the expensive lessons. Anyone done this or recommend some starting songs?

Thanks
 
I know it's boring, but learn how to press the keys and read music.

Songs will come later as you're putting together combinations of notes and chords.
 
Twinkle twinkle little stars would be good to learn, both my daughter and son love to sing that (3 and 1.5). :D

Learning to read music would definitely be something I would be interested in. Any recommended books?
 
Piano is not like the guitar. You can't just pick it up and expect to knock out a song, theory is very important.

Get lessons.
 
Buy ABRSM grade 1 and a scale book. Mainly concentrate on the scales to learn how to read sheet music in both treble and bass clef. Learning one hand at a time and then try playing both hands making sure you press the keys at the exact same time with the same pressure. You could also add arpeggios into the mix too.

Learning to play the piano without a teacher is a double edged sword. You will come into bad habits that will be difficult to remove later on.
 
Learn Scales, learn how to read sheet music, learn cords, don't give up.

I took lessons for over 6 years and it was only after the 4th year that i could look at a piece of sheet music and teach myself to play it well.
 
You can learn on your own but start BASIC. One hand at a time reading tunes with maybe 3 notes and simple rhythms. Work slowly but constantly - it's a long process. Only play 2 hands together when you are perfect with each hand. Practise slowly and deliberately, and regularly.
 
Trifid said:
Buy ABRSM grade 1 and a scale book. Mainly concentrate on the scales to learn how to read sheet music in both treble and bass clef. Learning one hand at a time and then try playing both hands making sure you press the keys at the exact same time with the same pressure. You could also add arpeggios into the mix too.

Learning to play the piano without a teacher is a double edged sword. You will come into bad habits that will be difficult to remove later on.
Click to expand...

I am 35, I don't think I will have take it up as an career. :D

I will try that. Thanks.
 
Works (other budget bookshops are available) often have Learn to Play Piano books. They're only a few quid and run you through the position of the notes, scales and some simple songs.
 
Practice consistently if you can and don't give up too easily when things are not going your way. Some people get it quicker than others...it's not an overnight process :D Break things down and learn it a bit by bit.
It can also be tedious and repetitive when you are learning scales etc. Perhaps squeezing 15min practice learning a scale a day. Also where you put your fingers and thumb on the keys is important. I'd advise you look on youtube or something on this.

After knowing your way around and being able to identify any key without pausing and thinking, learn the Circle Of Fifths.
 
I started the Christmas before last though I only lasted 3 weeks before I was working away from home then never started again.

Had just about managed to get myself playing Fur Elise (the easy part everyone associates with the piece), mostly memorised the major and minor scales with either/both hands, and was starting to get the basics of written music.

I worked my way through Lypur's lessons on youtube. I think I got up to lesson 10 and found them very useful. There were also a couple of other online references but I can't remember what they are now.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Lypur#g/c/253192EED47525A8

I found myself practicing scales quite obsessively for the short period I was playing.
 
pianoworld.com has a very good adult beginners forum with lots of topics devoted to self-learners. The Alfred piano course books appear to be the way forward if you don't want a dedicated teacher.
 
I didn't do any theory for months when I started. I just looked for tutorials of songs I was interested in. I also recommend Lypur on youtube. I'm still learning from him.
 
learn notation. you'll pick it up quickly when you are playing at the same time.

learn which notes are which, and practise your key's. finger movement is really important to so relax and learn to loosen them off.

use both hands!! dont learn with one then the other. both hands have to be eaqually as good.

good luck with the learning. sorry i dont have any online info but if you search it i'm sure you will find a lot of good sites.
 
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