Where to start at age 58?

[hmr516]

I would like to learn enough  to able to play a few pop hits, maybe some show tunes, etc. I do not want to play any classical music. I know this might take up to a few years, but I am not in any hurry. I have plenty of time to practice. In your opinion, do I need a teacher, or can enough be learned from books and or dvd's to be able to do this. Thanks for your suggestions.

[barnowl]

You should get a teacher IMHO.

Playing the piano isn't just a matter of hitting all the right notes at just the right tempo.

Which you will see as the lessons progress.

[ted]

I too suggest that a good teacher will greatly speed up the process and add to your enjoyment. Teachers of the type of music you want to play are much rarer than teachers of classical, and a fair number of them, at least around here, aren't really anything to write home to Mum about. The best ones for your purpose would probably be retired professionals and jazz pianists; qualifications don't necessarily indicate a lot when it comes to this sort of playing, but actual playing experience and the ability to demonstrate is very important.

I would answer appropriate advertisements but be very careful to state at the initial contact exactly what your objectives are and to assess whether or not the teacher can assist in the attainment of your goals. Be as specific as possible. Ask the teacher to play a couple of tunes of the type you are interested in. If they can't do that they're not likely to be of any use. With the right teacher and enough time and enthusiasm from you, I think you should be able to do that sort of thing in much less time than a few years. For instance, a teacher who cannot get you onto playing a few tunes you enjoy right away, even if simply, isn't likely to preserve your interest long enough for you to get anywhere.

[tyler_johnson]

Think of it as learning a new language.  You will start out with the basics.  "Where is the bathroom?"  "What time is it?"  Then slowly it unfolds itself the more you practice it.  You start teaching yourself whether you want to or not.

[timothy42b]

Your goals are not that dissimilar to mine, though I lean more to church music.  Same basic age range, too.

Six months of a teacher would give you a better start than doing it on your own.  After that, with your goals it is probably optional.

As ted alludes to, you may get much more out of a working musician than a professional teacher.  I would consider approaching the pianist at a cocktail lounge, dinner theatre, etc., event that you happen to attend and talking to him/her about it. 

[alzado]

Some ideas of pieces to play if you want to avoid classical --

Moderately easy collections of show tunes, or famed music themes.  E.g., the theme from Titanic.

Find old sheet music from the pre-rock era in antique stores.  Many are very modestly priced.  Examples, Rogers & Hammerstein, Blue Moon, Stardust.

A teacher would be well worth it.  I would not spend a great deal -- you do not need one of America's most advanced teachers, just someone to get you started.