Where to begin – New to piano

[fable]

I’m very interested in learning the piano. I played another instrument, the trumpet, at somewhat an intermediate level, and was able to read notes. But, it’s been over 8 years since then, and I don’t know if I’m able to read music as fast as I was able to when I played the trumpet anymore. Will, I have to re-learn reading music, or do you think it will eventually all come back to me? There was also a short time that I was playing the bass at a beginner level, so I don’t think the bass clef notes stuck with me. When I look at bass clef music, it confuses me and I’ve mistaken it for treble clef, so I end up playing it wrong. Will this be a problem while trying to learn how to play piano? Because I know that learning both the bass and treble clef is required.

The other type of question I have has to do with the instrument itself. I don’t currently have a keyboard, but I do have access to a grand piano when I go to church. Well, I’d like to know which keyboard I should get (if any) and what brand to get? Does it matter? I also would be purchasing books on how to “self-teach” myself the piano, and I’m wondering if it is a good start, and after I get more accustom to the basics of the piano and music, if I should go about getting private lessons?

I personally just want to learn the piano because I love music, especially classical music, and I just want to do it for me, and to know that I am able to play that instrument. I would love one day to be able to play proficiently enough to perform concerts and possibly for church occasions. 

Thank you.

[leucippus]

I re-started music after having played classical guitar many years ago (more than .  Reading notes on the treble clef came back to me within a week or two.  Of course, that was on the guitar.  Then I had to learn where the notes are on the piano, which I found to be pretty easy.

As far as the bass clef is concerned once I realized that it’s just moved down by a space I just read it like the treble clef shifted down a space (and an octave).   In other words, the top space of the treble stave is the E note, but on the Bass staff the second space down is the E note.  Everything is just shifted down one whole space (or line).  Once I realized that learning the Bass clef was a snap.   It's just the treble clef shifted down a space (and an octave)

I have no recommendations for a keyboard.  Anything will work to learn on.  How much you want to spend and how long you think you'll keep it before upgrading are things to consider.  My recommendation there would be to get a teacher first and then find a keyboard, the teacher may even have recommendations.

I would suggest getting a teacher immediately if you are ever planning on getting one.  Why start on your own if you are going to get a teacher later?  Get the teacher first if you are planning on using a teacher.

If you plan on self-learning that's cool too.  But if you are planning on "upgrading" to a teacher why not just start off with one in the first place?   Most teachers would rather just start you off from scratch than to "upgrade" what you already started on your own anyway I would think.

Just my thoughts. 

If you do decide to self-learn I could offer some things I found helpful in the very early going.  But if you can afford a teacher that's probably the better route.  I can't say for sure because that will ultimately depend on the teacher you get.   There are such things as bad teachers, and people who don't teach very well.   So finding a "good" teacher is probably more important than worrying about finding a good keyboard.

[shortyshort]

Hello,

I gave up for years. I now have a Yamaha digital keyboard. Go for one with Piano voice, and touch sensitivity. They are pretty good if your skint, and just learning. Then buy a piano later, when your sure about it. I will buy a piano when the funds become available.

Cheers,

Shorty

[leucippus]

If God really exists, then why haven't I got more fingers?

Because she really wanted to you play the violin.   

[ihatepop]

Because she really wanted to you play the violin.   

More like the cello.

ihatepop

[andresdo]

Hi Fable.

I also played trumpet up untill grade 5 and stopped. I continued with Piano however to grade eight. Forget about the base-guitar stuff you learned and also about the trumpet. They're totally different. You will probably have difficulty to do sight reading, now.

Memorise the spaces and lines for both hands seperately. and then go to the piano to see where they actually physically sit. Very important: Praticing on a keyboard (especially that classical music you love) is totally something different from playing on a real piano. Tone colours can not be matched by the electronics. If space is an issue, you should still consider rather buying a piano, it doesn't really take up more space than a keyboard. And a good keyboard will cost you as much as a second-hand piano. Long live the piano!

If you want to get on a good standard to play in churc. Go for lessons from the start. A teacher can't replace these books you get..

Good luck

[beethoven2]

suzuki

[lindas333]

You will do fine learning the piano after years away from music.  I"m 45 years old and hadn't played an instrument since I played the alto sax in high school.  That was many many years ago and I found out as soon as I started piano lessons (September 2005 to be exact), all the musical knowledge I had amassed from 7th-12th grade came rushing back.  Like everyone else said; please find a teacher.  They are able to guide you through your lessons and help you in ways you can't imagine.  As far as a piano; I purchased the Yamaha P-60 for around $800 last year; but have seen for at least $100 less since then.  Be sure to get the proper stool and position it for your comfort. 

Good luck and I hope your heart gets lost in classical music.  That's the reason I started and I have Moonlight Sonata polished and I'm working of polishing Fur Elise and Pathetique ~ I started with the masterpiece versions...and as they always say ~ PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!

The more I practice; the better I get!!