I play very basic. I learnt @ school although not plinked in 10 years at least.
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When I retired last December I decided to learn to play the piano as it was something I had alays wanted to do. However after browsing around, I bought a Yamaha electronic keyboard and started to learn with this. Now just one year later I can read music and play a good selection of music, so I feel that I have achieved a lot in just 12 months. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can progess over the next year.
I took a few lessons as a kid 40 years ago. The tutor caled me "musically dyslexic". I knew the notes on the paper, and on the keyboard. But I couldn't put the two together.
But I wish I could play.
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Just cos it's legal doesn't make it right.
Just watched black books and i find it really amazing when people play and wish i could do it.
How did you learn? does it take long to learn?
Mike
You can usually pick up very reasonably priced keyboards on ebay. Make sure you get one with full size keys. If you want to get serious go for one with touch sensitive keys.
If it doesn't work out you can sell it again.
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I started learning when I was about 10 years old, but hated being taught.
I never really mastered reading music fluently... far too boring and the exam pieces were dull and not what I wanted to play at all. So my creative side took over.
I can play copycat, improvise and compose my own music to a pretty high standard.
I wrote and performed this little number when I was 14 for my music GCSE (argghh.. that's over 20 years ago!)... please excuse the bum notes. I remember being terrified at the time.
Maybe being taught as an adult would work, but for me as a kid it was almost a complete turn off, and not that useful.
I'd recommend learning the very basic theories first from an online tuturial (i.e. identifying the notes on the keyboard, basic chord formulation and key signatures), then find an easy song you'd like to be able to play and work it out yourself.
Practice it, refine it, and once you've mastered it... try domething else in a different key.
I know other very capable pianists who can read music fluently, but when asked at a party to play without the written score, to make up a tune on the spot, or to play the latest chart hits ... they simply can't do it.
They would all rather be able to do what I can do.
I have actually agreed to teach a lass at work for free to evaluate my methodology. Will probably start sometime in the new year, but the last thing I want to do is restrict any creative flair... something traditional teaching tends to do.
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Oh I'm sure we can handle this situation maturely.... Isn't that right, Mr Poopy Pants?
I started learning when I was 8, got to grade 7, but could never get the knack of reading music, so I play by ear completly, I learnt my exam pieces off a tape and with guidance from my tutor, I always wanted to play like this...
which I do now in my 12 piece Soul & Blues band :-)
I'm really lucky to have been given opportunity to learn by my folks - I can't thank them enough!
I recommend you should give it a go, try playing along to songs on the radio / CDs, see if you can pick out melodies, chords etc...
Had lessons for about 6months when I was much younger but we moved about a lot and pianos aren't very portable so didn't get any further than grade 1 (grade 8 clarinet tho' )
As with all things, the more you practise, the better you get. It helps if you can (learn to) read music but not essential if you're happy to pick tunes out yourself. Doesn't matter how good or bad you are, as long as you enjoy it.
Got myself a keyboard and have a play now and then. For the benefit of my neighbours I use a pair of headphones tho'
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