Introduction

[birba]

But what a blast to see it!  

[oxy60]

It's more fun to watch than to participate. It's a long route. I forget how long but we had to get into condition even as 19 or 20 year old college students. If you are overseas you might be able to see it. On New Years Day it starts at 7AM PST and lasts two hours. In addition to any other broadcast you might receive it is always broadcast on Armed Forces TV worldwide.

A note to Birba: when I lived in Roma we only had RAI UNO in b/w so I listened to AF radio on AM. You mentioned you saw Glee so you might be able to see the Rose Parade.

[darcx]

Oh yeah... we marched in one parade last year. It's fun at first... I remembered at some point we weren't playing, someone in the crowd to the left shouted "FREEE-BIIRRD!!!"
But, I suppose the route wasn't as long as yours, oxy.

[birba]

freee-biirrd?  Please translate. 

[emilye]

Hi All!! I'm a 'pianist'   I'm 21 and I finished music school (2009), so I have been playing piano for about 14 years;) I really love many composers, particularly Bach, Rachmaninov, Brahms, Prokofiev.
My favourite pianists are Martha Argerich, Askhenazy and many, many others
Nice to meet you! )

[thalbergmad]

I say, welcome.

Luv

Thal

[emilye]

;-)

I need notes to Piano sonate D. 960 (Schubert) and... if anybody can send me this notes I will be very, very happy
pleaaaseee !!! I will write my mail in PM

[dapianokid]

oh and uh btw,

this smily() was not meant to be abused. *caff *

[emilye]

oh and uh btw,

this smily() was not meant to be abused. *caff *

?? do you have a problem? if you have all I say: sorry.

[littletune]

?? do you have a problem? if you have all I say: sorry.

Don't worry about him!   

[dapianokid]

He over used the smily. I took the opportunity to show him the error of his ways... Quickly it turned into the common error of everyone... racism. Jk but you never had to take it that way...

[emilye]

He over used the smily. I took the opportunity to show him the error of his ways... Quickly it turned into the common error of everyone... racism. Jk but you never had to take it that way...

Oh, oh, oh! sorry man but I use only 3, maybe 4 smily in 1 post so... I don't understand why did you attack me in this forum.       :/

[abcdef123]

Wow, I'm suprised. This topic has been around for eight years and still alive.

[birba]

I think this is sort of like a permanent thread.  When you come to pianostreet for the first time, it's sort of like signing in and introducing yourself.  At least I think that's what the original intention was meant to be.   

[aphlatminor]

Introductions, while necessary on some level, are always awkward for me, so if I ramble or stop making sense, I beg forgiveness.

The boring stuff:  I'm 34, mother of two, going through my second (yes, really) divorce.  Currently mostly unemployed (I get odd jobs from friends from time to time) because the 2nd husband decided he did not like me working.  Finding a job in this market is...impossible.  Made worse by the fact that I've been without a steady job for two years because of the 2nd husband's controlling ways.  (Sorry, that looks like whining.  It was not meant to be.)  I have 3 cats, a rabbit, and a horse. 

The important-ish stuff:  I've been playing piano since I was 4, and classified as a prodigy early on.  My parents refused to allow me to push it to its limits, claiming "exploitation" and I was left to flounder with a number of mediocre teachers before my dad signed me up with a local Jazz whiz because he (dad) thought I was "playing too much classical".

My brain can not handle jazz, improvisation, or 99% of what is considered "modern" and the teacher finally threw his hands in the air and decided he could not teach me.  My piano lesson days stalled, but I did not quit playing.  I taught myself.

My first attempt at college was a nightmare.  I was a piano performance student for a while, but dropped it at my father's insistence.  I got sick of trying to do it his way (it was always his way...he was paying for my education so I was going to do what he wanted me to do--mechanical engineering. *snort*)

I bombed out on purpose.

The next 10 years or so found me playing when and where I could, since I had no piano.  I saved up my money and bought a Yamaha Clavinova, minus the bells and whistles.  I just wanted something that sounded and felt like a piano, that I could move easily, and would not need frequent tuning. 

Six months ago, I was sitting at the piano, piddling around like usual, and decided it was high time I started living for myself instead of other people.  I called up the local private college which has a superb music program, and started the process of application.  Again, piano performance.  This time, dad isn't paying for it.  I'm not sure how *I* am going to pay for it, but it isn't HIS dime and I can do as I please.

I've been accepted, and have had to push back my audition twice because of a reoccurring medical problem with my son (but I think we have it fixed now, YAY!).  The only reason I'm having to audition is for a scholarship.  Rather silly not to, the scholarship pays for my lessons for a year.  Without it, it's $500 a semester. 

I absolutely *adore* the professor.  He is quirky, like me, and enjoys my passion for the music.  He did admit that he is used to having students much younger than me, who have been playing for fewer years, so I will be a challenge to him as well as the entire department.  He laughed when he told me I've been playing longer than most of the current students have been alive.  He's right, though.  I've been playing for 30 years, most of his students are in their early twenties. 

I joined to share and learn from people who will understand my struggle.  Most of my friends are very supportive of my decision to return to school so late in life and facing major changes the way I am, but they have no idea how frustrating it is to spend *hours* on a segment of a piece and still not get it right the first time, every time.  I think I will find that support here.

I think that's enough rambling for now.  Nice to be here, and nice to meet you all. 

[mnmleung]

G'day from a 45 year old.

I asked for piano lessons when I was 6, because there was a girl in Kindergarten I thought I wanted to marry, and she played the piano.  I had a wonderful piano teacher, Mimi, for 7 years.  She not only taught me music / piano, but also about learning in general, discussed attitude, manners etc.  When I was 13, I went to boarding school.  She did not want to conflict with my new teacher' ideas and confuse me, so I think she kind of eased herself out of the picture.  She taught my younger brother and sister, and invited us to dinner one night.  She openly talked about her cancer, about health in general, about her own faith.  She passed away many years ago, and I often think of her.

I have had a number of inspiring teachers since.  I won't mention them for now.  I have kept in touch with most of them sporadically.

For a few months when I was 19, I played in a trio / quartet, just exploring the repertoire.  Thoroughly enjoyed it.   When I went to university (away from home) to study mathematics, I no longer could participate in chamber music with this group of friends.

About 15 years ago, I lost my enthusiasm for playing solo and I stopped lessons.  A friend encouraged me to audition as an accompanist for a summer school for singers.  I didn't "make it", but I was keen to give it a go, and offered myself as a page turner.  I was accepted, and was given some simpler pieces to work on with the choir, together with a lesson / working session beforehand. 

I have pretty much been accompanying since (I have a day job though).  I accompany my wife, who sings.  Sometimes we play piano duets.

Happy 2011 : that's all from me for now.  Ming

[azupkatalina]

MAGANDANG ARAW! (means good day!)

I'm Kate from the philippines and i'm 18 years old. I've been playing the piano since i was nine and it has been one of those things that I can't live without. I love Chopin the most among all the others. =)

I'm actually new here. I've been saving money to buy myself an upright piano. and so far i'm doing good. I am hoping to buy one by March. I LOVE MUSIC! and i'm sure everyone here does too!

nice to meet all the piano lovers!

[chelseasmilexx]

Yo everyone my name's Chelsea, 15 by February, Taiwanese and currently living in Indonesia.

My life basically revolves around music. I'm a musician in general because I'm pretty good at quite a range of instruments however I focus on the piano, electric guitar and drums. I don't have teachers to support me because all of the things I do with the arts are self taught or I witness my friends all around doing something that I'd take interest and learn it for myself. I depend quite alot on my hearing since it's sharper than the rest of my other senses.

I've been basically open to the beauty of music ever since I was born. The first time I touched a piano was at 4 years old and I got interested, but then my parents forced me to take lessons and there was hardly any progress. I took a break from piano at 1st grade and moved on to other instruments such as the violin, cello, clarinet, drums, and well basically any other instrument available that was in the music program (the heck with the triangles too!) and I played it pretty well. I was also extremely fascinated with rock, punk and hardcore metal (yada yada yadaa the works y'know?) so I tried on the electric guitar and currently I'm the lead guitarist of my band (yahoo! ) and that was the end of 2009, then I got my first electric guitar at 2010 and alot of people though i played for yearss and they didn't believe that I just started for a month or two (I couldn't believe myself either). After moving to a new school back in 8th grade, I decided to go back to piano and i caught up with my grade pretty fast. In fact, my general-ed music teacher told me that I should've taken royals (hahah i don't even know what the hell that is) but then he sorta helped me every now and then and he's been a great support.

I appreciate all kinds of music around the world, and I definitely appreciate the classics. I learn the beauty of each instrument and the beauty of their sounds.

Currently I can play songs beyond grade 8 level in piano. Well, I try my best in all things My three favorite composers are Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven.

I just got my first piano last October 2010 after convincing my parents that I could actually play, like when I got my electric guitar too.

I'm here hoping to get some advice from other musicians around the world so I can improve

[bigswifty]

Hello. I am Samuel, and have, over the past couple of years, developed a profuse interest in music (particularly in Varèse, Debussy, Xenakis, Zappa and John Shuttleworth). My interests in this scintillating field of physics has lead me to learn multiple instruments, but the one that aids me in composition the most is the piano (hence my decision to join up here). Sadly, having received no formal education, and having started nearly a decade later than a lot of musicians my age, I cannot read music very well, which proves a rather big inconvenience when I feel like experimenting with complicated musical devices. I have the resources to learn music, but I hope that my time spent here will also be an education, since I notice that a lot of you people seem to have quite a vivid idea about what you're on about.

I will warn you that whilst I often use the piano to work out my own compositions, I am not a fantastic player. Whilst all of you are off whizzing around with Bartok and the likes, I'm still struggling with Maple Leaf Rag and novelty arrangements of Frank Zappa music (as I said - I have come here for a sort of "informal education" as I try to secure formal lessons). I think in my case, a foray into the monosynth would be more appropriate, but at the moment, I'm willing to live under the delusion that there is still hope for me with the piano.

Anyway, just as long as I am not made to suffer total ostricization, I'll be satisfied with any time spent here. I will speak with you relatively soon.

I would also like to apologise for misjudging where it would be most appropriate to post an introduction - my initial reaction was, after noticing multiple thread titles along the lines of "Hello" was to post in the Student's Corner.

[oxy60]

Welcome aboard!

The single thing I would recommend you do is work on improving your ability to read music. Then some basic theory like major and minor keys and scales.

Not too long ago a pro with a name was called up from the audience to sit in. When he told the band the song he wanted to do he said it was in "A." Some of the guys thought he meant A major, others thought he meant A minor. The song was a disaster. At the end he was asked whether it was in minor or major and he didn't know the difference!

Now and then theory is important..

[bigswifty]

The theory behind music is definitely something I would like to learn. My main interest is composition, and I often feel that even though I can tell what I'm doing sounds good to me, I should know exactly what I am doing. Are there any books on theory that you could recommend, or might it be best to learn with a teacher and an instrument for them to demonstrate?

[littletune]

Hello everyone new! This piano forum is really great!!!         

[oxy60]

The theory behind music is definitely something I would like to learn. My main interest is composition, and I often feel that even though I can tell what I'm doing sounds good to me, I should know exactly what I am doing. Are there any books on theory that you could recommend, or might it be best to learn with a teacher and an instrument for them to demonstrate?

I'm going to leave this answer to someone else. My basic theory came with my piano lessons when I was a kid. None of it made much sense until I got to college and the Roger Sessions text. That book contains much more than you will need for popular music

[countrymath]

I'm Math \m

I want to be a keyboardist/pianist/productor/orchestrator.

I hope i can learn all this before 2012 

[pianowolfi]

I'm Math \m

I want to be a keyboardist/pianist/productor/orchestrator.

I hope i can learn all this before 2012 

I wouldn't worry about 2012. I am already planning lofty things for 2013.

[cheechako4life]

Hi all. I’m 49 and have been self-learning since I was 49. Yeah, it’s only been a month. I bought a 61-key Yamaha. Only time will tell if it winds up gathering dust or becomes a fun hobby. At my age, that’s my only real goal - to have fun. I could have searched the forums for "too old to start", but I thought I would find out for myself.

I tried to learn to play music very briefly, a long time ago. I owned a sax and flute for few months in my early 20’s. I even took a few private flute lessons, although all I remember is that I liked Ian Anderson and my teacher did not.

So I’ve spent my adult life being someone who just listens to music. I have eclectic tastes. While I’ve enjoyed a lot of classical music I’ve heard (and the local classical radio station is my back-up in the car), I don’t own much, and hardly any features the piano or other keyboard. I listen to a lot of 'space' music, though - electronica, new age, mellow jazz, etc.

The first piece I learned (starting on day 3) was "By This River" by Brian Eno. (It is a very simple, repetitive piece that could fit in any absolute beginner book). I put some effort into the beginning of Liz Story's version of "My Foolish Heart" only to find out that I cannot buy the sheet music in the USA. She’s probably the only pianist I listen to on a regular basis, but it's OK because some of her music is available. I guess one long-term goal is to be able to play something by (or arranged by) her.

I don’t have a teacher. I didn’t think I needed one if I was just in it to have fun. I have a book, an internet connection, and even some tutoring software that uses MIDI to monitor your progress. Thankfully, I found this site which immediately opened my eyes to bad habits and whatnot - more so that the resources I have. Like I said, I want to have fun, not develop some RSI. Maybe I’ll post a video at some point to get some feedback on hand positioning.

I’ll put more thought into lessons, too. Probably nothing long term, but just to get off on the right start. Right now, I’m still recovering from the cost of the keyboard, bench, stand, pedal, etc., etc.

[thalbergmad]

I could have searched the forums for "too old to start", but I thought I would find out for myself.

I think we have had a few of those my friend.

Some pianists seem to peak in their 80's/90's, so in that sense you are still a young man.

Thal

[countrymath]

Some pianists seem to peak in their 80's/90's

This will probably happen to me 

[birba]

I'm hoping it will happen a LITTLE bit sooner.   

[cheechako4life]

Since my only goal is to play for myself and have fun, I think I have a shot even at my age. I'm not sure what I can contribute here, especially considering my musical influences, but I really appreciate being able to pick the collective brains in the student corner.

On a side note, I was disappointed to find some out of print sheet music on-line for $110, but I found it yesterday in my local used book store for $6.95!

[trevowens20]

Hey guys!

My name is Owen, and I'm currently here in Raytown, Mo.

I stumbled upon this forum yesterday, and it looks like a great
resource.  I have a few questions and thanks in advance for any
advice I get from you guys!

[countrymath]

Hey guys!

My name is Owen, and I'm currently here in Raytown, Mo.

I stumbled upon this forum yesterday, and it looks like a great
resource.  I have a few questions and thanks in advance for any
advice I get from you guys!

Hello, Owen.

My first adivice is to check this topic and read everything you can.

[birba]

"currently" in raytown?  Are you planning on moving?  What's it like there?  I'm a midwesterner from the cornhusker state!

[richbatsford]

hi Folks

Im Rich, 41 year old pianist and composer in Birmingham UK.  Music is a hobby really at this stage, but im working on expanding my efforts because Id love to do it full time some day

i self released an album of piano music last year - please have a listen here: www.richbatsford.com/music

My main influences are beethoven, vaughan williams, Satie, Steve Reich and electronica.  Oh and Brian Wilson, tho that may not come out so strongly in my piano music :-)

I also teach privately

look forward to getting to know you

cheers

Rich

[fleetfingers]

"currently" in raytown?  Are you planning on moving?  What's it like there?  I'm a midwesterner from the cornhusker state!

For some reason, I thought you were from Italy...

[birba]

That's where I live now.  But I guess I'll always be a midwesterner at heart!

[toner22]

sappenen capn.

I am 26 and suck at the piano. Never stops me from wailing on the keys though for fun with the few songs I do know.

Lets see. What else. Gotta scroll down to the other posts... Well nothing to helpful there to copy.
Used to be able to read sheet music a great time ago, but as the saying goes use it or lose it. Who knew the words actually rang true.

Music I like: Well pretty much any composition that appeals to me. Beethoven; he's got some great songs, but others I personally couldn't care less for. All up to that tone.

[tgreg]

Hello All,
This is greg, I am newbie here.. 

[ch101]

hi ludwig.

[fleetfingers]

LOL        That was a good one!

[wavves]

Hey everyone new hear....I like to rap and produce, some of my influences include but are not limited to Justice, Daft Punk, Animal Collective, Kanye West, Radiohead, Mount Kimbie, The XX, N.E.R.D., and Odd Future (OFWGKTA) I absolutely love odd future! Anyway I'm kind of learning piano, there's also a piano player in our camp with 10 years experience she's pretty good.

[db05]

I'm not exactly new here, but I don't think I've been on for a couple years.

I haven't played piano for a year and a half. I absolutely adored classical piano, but I just started at 18 years old and progress was frustratingly slow.

I'm considering learning to play keyboard (I do not own an actual piano) by myself since I've been playing pop music (on the guitar) these past two years. It seems that although I had a hard time with it, I cannot quit music entirely. Also, playing pop music that I didn't even like that much makes me want to learn more interesting stuff.

I'll be in and out for a while, testing the waters.

[lkelly]

Hi everyone, I'm definitely a newcomer to this forum.  I am 19 years old and I have been playing the piano since age 6.  You would think this means I am a virtuoso, but unfortunately this is simply not the case.  Although I have been playing forever, I have never been properly trained. After being rejected from the Manhattan School of Music precollege program at age 16, I discontinued piano lessons and began to take clarinet lessons under a prestigious clarinet teacher.  The reason why I made this decision is because I have extremely small hands and although I will still always love piano more, I have felt very restricted. I'm in college now studying music, and clarinet is now considered my main instrument. To be honest, I can not just ignore my love for the piano still. I regret switching instruments and my plan is to take serious classical piano lessons when I finish my B.M in Music Education. I know, I need to stop cheating on both the clarinet and piano and just choose one instrument, but I love them both!  I have entered this forum hoping to observe and learn from some of you piano scholars out there. 

[footballshirt]

Hello!!! My name's Vichai and I'm 32 years old.

I'm from Thailand and I have some problems with my English.

[birba]

Just so long as you're real.
Only kidding.    welcome!

[tb230]

Ooops, I haven't come across this thread before and now feel a bit guilty about having posted without introducing myself, so here goes:

My vital piano history and stats are:

*I am real 
*I started piano at the age of 10, taught myself how to play. I already knew how to read music having played the flute, and this obviously helped a lot.
*got a piano teacher when at Uni, she was slightly 'mad', overambitious on my behalf and set me to work on memorizing Bach WTC I and Beethoven sonatas.
*I stopped playing piano for about 6 years.... 
*got over it and bought a new Yamaha U1 (silent). Have now got a new teacher and have started working on Schubert sonatas. Enjoying piano again 

Hello!

[thalbergmad]

Hello!!! My name's Vichai and I'm 32 years old.

I'm from Thailand and I have some problems with my English.

Welcome and your English looks perfect.

Thal

[littletune]

Hello everyone new!  Specially the real ones  just kidding... I mean I like the not real ones too but only of they're nice of course!   

[montya]

Hi everyone, I am obviously new here, but looking forward to getting involved, I would like to say I know a little more than chopsticks, but the truth is i'm on here helping out my sister, We're learning together but she's already grade 6.

I worked for months to buy her a piano... I bought a Kawai CL35... it sounds beautiful, what do you guys think of this model?

[ronprice]

EMPLOYMENT-SOCIAL-ROLE POSITIONS: 1943-2011


1999-2011-Writer & Editor, Poet & Publisher, Journalist & Independent Scholar; Retired Teacher & Lecturer, Tutor & Adult Educator, Taxi-Driver & Ice-Cream Salesman, George Town Tasmania Australia
2002-2005-Program Presenter City Park Radio Launceston
1999-2004-Tutor and/or President George Town School for Seniors Inc
1988-1999 -Lecturer in General Studies & Human Services West Australian Department of Training
1986-1987 -Acting Lecturer in Management Studies & Co-ordinator of Further
Education Unit at Hedland College in South Hedland WA
1982-1985 -Adult Educator Open College of Tafe Katherine NT
1981 -Maintenance Scheduler Renison Bell Zeehan Tasmania
1980-Unemployed due to illness and recovery
1979 -Editor External Studies Unit Tasmanian CAE, Launceston; Youth Worker Resource Centre Association Launceston; Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour Tasmanian CAE; Radio Journalist ABC Launceston
1976-1978 -Lecturer in Social Sciences & Humanities Ballarat CAE Ballarat
1975 - Lecturer in Behavioural Studies Whitehorse Technical College, Box Hill Victoria
1974 -Senior Tutor in Education Studies Tasmanian CAE Launceston
1972-1973 -High School Teacher South Australian Education Department
1971 Primary School Teacher Whyalla SA Australia
1969-1971 Primary School Teacher Prince Edward County Board of Education Picton Ontario Canada
1969 Systems Analyst Bad Boy Co Ltd Toronto Ontario
1967-68 -Community Teacher Department of Indian Affairs & Northern
Development Frobisher Bay NWT Canada
1959-67 -Summer jobs-1 to 4 months each- from grade 10 to end of university
1949-1967 - Attended 2 primary schools, 2 high schools and 2 universities in
Canada-McMaster Uni-1963-1966 Windsor Teachers’ College-1966/7
1944-1963 -Childhood(1944-57) & adolescence(1957-63) in and around
Hamilton Ontario
1943 to 1944-Conception in October 1943 to birth in July 1944 in Hamilton Ontario

2. SOME SOCIO-BIO-DATA TO 2011

I have been married twice for a total of 44 years. My second wife is a Tasmanian, aged 65.  We’ve had one child: age 34 in 2011. I have two step-children: ages: 45 and 41 in 2011 and two step-grandchildren, age 18 and 15 in 2011.  I am 66, am a Canadian who moved to Australia in 1971 and have written several books--all available on the internet. I retired from full-time teaching in 1999, part-time teaching in 2003 and volunteer teaching/work in 2005 after 35 years in classrooms. In addition, I have been a member of the Baha’i Faith for 52 years. Bio-data: 6ft, 230 lbs, eyes-brown/hair-grey, Caucasian.

My website is found at: https://www.users.on.net/~ronprice/  You can also go to any search engine and type: Ron Price followed by any one of a number of words: poetry, Bahá'í, literature, history, bipolar disorder, psychology, sociology, inter alia.________________________________________________