Anyone play the piano?

[mflacy]

I used to play the trumpet, so I am familiar with music. I now have access to a piano in my new apartment building. I am thinking about learning how to play.

Does anyone have any advice on some just starting? Should I go for lessons or try to teach myself? Any there any good piano sites online I should look at? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Platypus]

12 years classical here..

 

[mflacy]

Any advice?

 

[gopunk]

9 years classical.

if you want classical, go for lessons.

 

[Croton]

if uhave a musical background, it shouldn't be to ohard to learn yourself.

i've been playing since iwas 5 years old.

 

[mflacy]

Actually, I want jazz.

 

[gopunk]

jazz... well are you good at playing by ear? if you're one of those types (and i envy you), then try just playing around.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

gopunk, change your Heatware to 2-0-0!

 

[gopunk]

whoohoo!

thanks hpimp.

 

[Platypus]

Get the meanest teacher you can find. Those who are too nice about you not practicing are worthless.

 

[Croton]

if u have an ear for jazz, u can teach yourself.
but getting an jazz improv teacher is really nice as well. my best friend had one. he kicks ass now.

but jazz improv is also mostly how good YOU are.

 

[luvya]

2 years classical here

 

[stonecold3169]

I picked up piano a while ago, and I found it to be the easiest instrument I've ever played. However, it'll take years of practice to play anything difficult, and the hard stuff is really, really hard, enough where the casual player will never get it. I highly recommend trying to teach yourself, as that was half the enjoyment for me.

 

[arigato]

Do you live near a college? You might be able to find some music students who will offer basic lessons at a discount.

 

[yoda291]

google a search for online tutorial in piano playing. Since you're already in music, the piano shouldn't be a big step

 

[damac]

i have wondered if this is the type of thing you could do at home?

Like say one of those electronic keyboards that interfaces with software with the computer to teach you?

 

[bandXtrb]

yeah, the easy stuff is easy. you'll be playing tunes in no time, but the hard stuff will come after years of work.

I want to start piano lessons, but i have enormous problem with reading music.

 

[yakko]

JAzz is cool.

 

[Piano Man]

Being a jazz piano performance/education major, I hope I can help. First thing is getting a good book or two. For jazz piano, I recommend The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine. It is the best. Second would be the Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine. The first book may have too steep a learning curve if your knowledge in Theory is little to none, so I recommend the second as well. In fact, I require it, I still use it every once in awhile. Third is jazz keyboard harmony by Phil De Greg. This is an excellent book that also includes a CD of a rhythm section so you can play along. If you actually go through all these books and play everything lights out, you'll be pretty happening, good enough to gig solo. After you get the hang of things and want to play with some cds, check out Jamey Aebersold's play-a-long cd's. They are a great resource for listening with your ear and keeping the time. And last, you need to listen to the pros. I quick list of recommended listening: Nat Cole (yes, he could play the piano like a mother), Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Art Tatum, Mccoy Tyner. This should be a good start.

 

[Piano Man]

OH, and if your piano chops are little to none, you are going to have to spend 6 months to a year building them up with beginner books like any James Sebastion books. Those hideous scales are essential if you want to solo. (I'm not talking the major, mel minor, or har minor either, but stuff like sup locrian, locrian sharp 2, Lydian dominant, mixolydian, lydian, etc.) Most improvisers have this stuff going through thier heads when playing, its just that it is second nature to them.

 

[RoninRXN]

I do. Classical, jazz and modern music. I like playing the drums better though.

I would suggest you go get lessons unless you're confident you can learn from a book.

 

[Piano Man]

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that, get a teacher. If you can't find a jazz teacher, then get a classical one. Either way, you'll technique will improve to the point where you can teach yourself.

 

[Triumph]

Anyone have any tips for learning to play classical piano? I do have a teacher, but I'm not happy with her style and I don't think I'll be continuing with her after this semester.

 

[Triumph]

just a lil' bump for my question.

 

[bootymac]

i've played since grade 2...and im in grade 8...uh...hmmmmm
8-2=...........6!!!
6 years classical and almost 4 months on alto sax