hanon, czerny (specific question)

[end]

Hi,

I searched before and I know that some people love and some people hate the exercise issue. I want to do them, exercises, I mean. The question is which ones. What I'm wondering is if they're suitable for a complete beginner (Hanon or Czerny).

I'm a beginner without teacher (would love to have one, but can't afford right now) and old (about 40). I can read music and I play another instrument.

Is the Hanon a good book of exercises for somebody in my situation? I was thinking of buying it. What about Czerny?  Which one of those?

Are there free exercise sheets for the beginner out there? I got a free Australian book with exercises (not pirate, but available from an Australian library site) and I was wondering if they're OK for a beginner. It's the Aloys Schmitt op.16.
 
Any help is most welcome. Thank you!

[lostinidlewonder]

Hello fellow Aussie? I don't think that 40 is old, even for a beginner, I have taught much older students who try the piano for the first time.

I think exercises are very helpful so long you understand their application. It is never just about getting the right notes. It is about controlling groups of notes with one movement applying as much conservation of energy as possible. One must also know how to alter exercises to encourage desired change in their technique. Often when we are left on our own and or do not know our hands very well at the keyboard, this can be difficult. However one who is always interested in finding what is most comfortable and knowing how to increase that continually is on the right track.

I don't think that collecting a large number of exercises is useful or required. We often acquire technique through music we play, which is of course a lot more enjoyable than bashing our heads in with uninteresting(musically) exercises. Lead towards etudes.

[mad_max2024]

lost is very right.

"Which" exercices to pick is not nearly as important as the "how" you will play them.
Paying attention to the movements you are making is very important.

Personally, I don't recall doing many sets of exercises. Maybe I should, but they are so boooring. lol

Oh, and ask about Hanon and Czerny and you may start a war. 
There are people who love Hanon and there are people who hate it. You will find they usually argue a lot over it.
Just do what works best for you.