[Novan_Leon]

Im absolutely NOT a person with any kind of musical aptitude whatsoever. That said, I would like to try to learn the piano, mainly because I love pianio music so much.

So where should I start? What would you suggest be the first things I try to learn? Once I learn the basics where should I go from there? Mabye someone can help me out here?

[Nate]

You should start by taking at least a few piano lessons. You don't even have to play anything at these lessons. The idea is to gain a basic understanding of musical notation, the basics of chords and melody, the concept of rhythm, and other such music theory. Then, once you have learned the basics of music. You can move on to the basics of piano/keyboard...... these include the setup of the keys, the method for playing the keys, the method for using both hands, etc, etc. Then..... you should begin to attempt learning some songs from sheet music. Your piano teacher (or church pianist) should be able to recommend some beginner level books. I'd stick with hymn arrangements to begin with. This way, you're playing something you know... and there are SOOO many beginner level hymn arrangement books to choose from.


Ok.... so....... after you can begin to play simple arrangements (for both hands)..... you should begin to learn scales, chords, and key signatures. Learn what "the key of C" means........ learn what chords are played in the key of C..... learn the C scale........... do this for the following keys........ key of C, key of D, key of Eb, key of F, key of G, key of A, key of Bb, key of Am, key of Em, key of Gm, key of Cm. That should be a fairly good starting place. After that..... you can begin learning all kinds of new stuff..... as you will have almost all the basics in place.



Anyway....... my best advice would be to (as much as you may hate the idea!)..... start taking piano lessons. You can't expect to be good at anything if you first don't learn the basics of how and why to operate it. After you start taking piano lessons.... you can start to get into all that other stuff I mentioned on your own time. Most of alll....... practice..... lots!

Hope this helps!

Definitely take piano lessons. And definitely play at those lessons. And keep taking those lessons for a while, so you make sure your hands don't get sloppy.

[maadio]

what if someone already understands music theory to a reasonable extent and already plays a few instruments, but is too poor to afford lessons? (me) Where should I start on teaching myself, now that I've taught myself a good amount of guitar skill.....

-andy

[Nate]

Originally posted by plaid_child
what if someone already understands music theory to a reasonable extent and already plays a few instruments, but is too poor to afford lessons? (me) Where should I start on teaching myself, now that I've taught myself a good amount of guitar skill.....

Well... if you have a fairly decent understanding of music theory, and are a fairly talented musician.... you shouldn't have that much trouble teaching yourself piano. However, even without lessons, I would recommend you buy a book that will teach you the basic mechanics of playing the piano. If you learn to do it wrong, you'll most likely never be able to change. Any adult beginner piano book should do..... I'd look for one that focused more on technique rather than theory. Also... you might want to talk to your church's piano player about some free lessons. They don't have to be full-blown piano lessons........ but I don't think they'd mind giving you a few pointers to get you started.