Self-taught piano?

[David Ng.]

I'm a high school student, and I want to learn piano. I just know some very basic notes reading (like treble and bass cleft, and what notes are on it) and I haven't played any other instruments. Do you think that I can learn to play the piano by myself (planning on buying a keyboard and some piano learning books)? I just want to learn to play to an intermediate level.

[super_ardua]

No

[Piazzo22]

David, I started late.
I think you should get a teacher for a year to get the basics.
But try to get a teacher that has started late, because those whoīs started when children donīt have the experience in learning. They donīt have an idea of how was that the whole process succed. They will give you a fixed method that is what a children is given. And canīt compare to a guy who started learning as late teenager, and was aware of what he was doing and why.
Donīt try to tell my Iīm wrong īcause Iīve proved that in MY late learning. Adults donīt have to learn the same way as children. Neither in the same time.

[bernhard]

David, I started late.

But try to get a teacher that has started late, because those whoīs started when children donīt have the experience in learning. They donīt have an idea of how was that the whole process succed. They will give you a fixed method that is what a children is given. And canīt compare to a guy who started learning as late teenager, and was aware of what he was doing and why.

This is a very correct appraisal. I couldn't agree more.

[David Ng.]

Alright, i'll try to get some piano classes then.

[faulty_damper]

You said you were planing on buying a keyboard?  That implies that you do not have a keyboard to play on at this moment.

If you don't have a piano/keyboard, it will be impossible for you to play the piano.  You MUST have one to learn how to play it and practice on.  Unless you have access to one outside of your home...?

"Do you think that I can learn to play the piano by myself (planning on buying a keyboard and some piano learning books)?"

Yes.  I did.  But ended up taking lessons to improve, correct, and learn techniques.

But before taking lessons, I didn't realize anything was technically wrong with my playing.  After starting lessons, my technique significantly improved.  Take private lessons.

Ditto Piazzo22.  Teachers who learned when they were kids probably don't remember how they learned the things they do.  They also had very small hands.  You can't do much with those small hands.  Since you are starting with hands large enough to play octaves, you will be capable to do many things.  Using those childrens books may be a problem to you if you ever realize that your hands are capable of much more but aren't utilizing them.  After all, those books were for hands that barely span 5ths.

[David Ng.]

I'll get a keyboard and find a teacher too. Thanks for your tips.