Can I learn this on my own?

[gdgross]

Hi folks,

I am a semi-pro guitarist wanting to learn a bit of piano.  I don't ever expect to make any money ticking the ivories, but I would like to be able to play some basic tunes and work out horn arrangements, etc. at the keyboard.  I have a good knowledge of music theory (Went all the way through counterpoint in college) and I'm a very good reader for a gutiarist (which probably means I'm about average compared to any other kind of musician!)  I have a pretty good ear as well.

I'm mostly intereted in the pop/jazz side of things, though I'm more than willing to learn some classical pieces if it will help me along my way.  I don't really want to put in a lot of time/effort into having a wonderful technique, I'm more interested in playing "composer's piano."

So far I've been teaching myself some tunes out of the Real Book, practicing some scales, working out some basic salsa montunos, etc.  I have also been working on Chick Corea's "Spain."  Not an easy tune... Perhaps this is not the best place to start... 

A couple of questions:

First, can I reach my goal of playing compotent "composer's piano" on my own?  (As in, without some instruction) Second: if so, are there any methods/books that you can recommend for me?  What I think I would need the most instruction is in the fingering area, ie, what fingers should play what notes, when to cross over, etc.

BTW I am learning on an M-audio 88 key controller - not a real piano, but good enough for my purposes.

Thanks!
Geoff

[jbroder]

I am in the same boat. Does anyone have some advice?

[steve jones]

Funnily enough, I WAS in the same boat just over a year ago.

Fortunately my sister was a pianist (about Gr8 standard), and she quit, so I taxed her old upright and a bomb load of music 

I must admit, without a teacher things are going very well. This place has been a godsend! There are areas that I could do with a teachers help, but thats something for the future I think.

Some advice...

- Start working on Bach asap. I have found the Inventions to be superb.

- Read the CC book

- Read through anything Bernhard writes, it all golden

- Do get a proper piano, even if its a cheap one. You simply cannot achieve the technical requisites using a typical midi controller keyboard.

- Start listening to the works of the major composers. Listen to them and get to love them. Thats is massively important in providing the drive to become better (kind of like when you're learning guitar and you're getting wet over Satch, Vai and co  ).

[jbroder]

Steve,
Thanks!!! That is great advice.

What is the CC book?

Jon <-Noob

[steve jones]

https://members.aol.com/chang8828/contents.htm

CC approaches piano study in a very logical and scientific manner, something that certainly appeals to my way of thinking. This book has been gold dust to me, so hopefully it will also assist you guys equally well.

Good luck!

[bearzinthehood]

Just be warned that some people don't agree with that book.