Where to begin?

[mjoyce2]

Hello all,

I am a first year university student majoring in musicology and theory/composition.  For years, I have played classical guitar and now hold a Teacher's ARCT diploma (RCM).  Therefore, I am by no means a beginner to the discipline of music.

Piano, however, is another thing.  I've always wanted to play piano, but my family never had the money/space to accommodate such an instrument while I was growing up.  Recently, however, my parents inherited a grand piano and have decided to keep it.  As you can imagine, I'm quite excited and eager to learn how to play.

The caveat is that I do not currently have enough money for private lessons (I have winter tuition and textbooks to pay for, not to mention outstanding Christmas expenses).  By May I hope to be financially secure enough to afford lessons, but for now I will have to make due by myself.

Anyway, I guess my question is: Where do I begin?  Browsing the site, it seems like Türk's "Sixty Pieces for Aspiring Players" may be a good place to start.  However, I'd certainly welcome any other suggestions.

Thanks,
Joyce

[m1469]

Hi Joyce, it seems you have already had a good beginning by coming here to ask your questions  .  You say you have always wanted to play the piano, I can certainly relate.  I suspect that attached to this desire, there has been some sort of meat and potatoes to what that desire means to you.  What is it that you wish to do with playing the piano ?  What does your heart desire ? .  Perhaps there are actually pieces that you would like to be able to play, perhaps there is something that you feel you would like to understand... let us know if you would like, it will help in the suggestions you get. 

Begin with your desire and end with your desire .

[mjoyce2]

Hi m1469,

You're right!  I suppose it would be a good thing for me to outline my goals/ambitions.  So, here they are:

1.) I want to learn how to play piano properly.  Developing good technique is of the utmost importance to me.

2.) I would like to pass the RCM Grade 10 piano exam (equivalent to ARBSM's grade 8, I believe).  I am aware that this may take many years of study.

3.) Eventually, I would like to be able to study and play the works of the romantic composers.  Chopin, Debussy, Mendelssohn, and Rachmaninoff are some of my favourites.

Above all, I think it needs to be said that I merely wish to play for my own edification and enjoyment.  I have no delusions of being a great concert pianist 

Thanks,
Joyce

[Bob]

You know guitar.  Trade lessons with a piano music ed major.  One of them will want to know more about guitar. 

I would start with the primer, recital, and theory (yes, theory, just to relate it to piano).  You already know music, so you'll breeze through those.  Do the whole series.

I would start at the easiest possible place, which makes me think of method books. 

You're a university?  There is someone there who has what you want.  Maybe you can be a guneia pig for the piano ped students? 

Yeah... you have some things to trade.  Guitar, composition, theory, music history.  You could trade tutoring in those areas for some beginning piano instruction.  You must have more background than the normal beginning student to have been admitted into those programs.

And you don't have to do weekly lessons.  Every two weeks... daily for a week... whatever. 

I wouldn't worry about the grade levels.  You can get music you enjoy fairly soon, within a few years.  The composers you listed have things that are in the "easy" catagory so you can work on that fairly soon.

Why not put up an advertisement at school listing what you've said here?  Someone is sure to inquire. 

[m1469]

Hi m1469,

You're right!  I suppose it would be a good thing for me to outline my goals/ambitions.  So, here they are:

1.) I want to learn how to play piano properly.  Developing good technique is of the utmost importance to me.


Thanks,
Joyce

I would recommend this book here :

https://www.amazon.com/What-Every-Pianist-Needs-About/dp/1579992064/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198729154&sr=8-1
(What every pianist needs to know about the body by Thomas Mark)

And this post here :

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,4880.msg46339.html#msg46339
(Bernhard on technique)

[shortyshort]

And this post here :

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,4880.msg46339.html#msg46339
(Bernhard on technique)

I have learned much from "Bernhard". 

Very sound advice. 

[bencrow]

I recently picked up the piano and came here for starting advice as well.  I would suggest you read through some of the suggestions that were given to me.
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,27746.0.html
Although our circumstances are different, you might find something to help you on your way.  RC lists some very good introductory websites that have helped me tremendously.  Best of luck with your efforts.

[mjoyce2]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions.  I've been reading through the forum links and finding them very helpful.

Also, directed at Bob--I cannot believe I overlooked piano students as a source for lessons.  I'll start asking around as soon as classes resume.

Thanks again!
Joyce

[Bob]

They're a good buy.  Cheap and knowledgable.

Make sure you're in control though.  I haven't met a teacher yet whom I completely trust with my full education.  They always seem to lack something, but each one has something useful too.

[stringoverstrung]

Let us know how you are doing in a few days -- weeks ---months!!