Piano Troubles

[micko9]

Hi everyone,

I began taking lessons and playing piano in grade school (about 6 or 7) and after a few years, I switched teachers once and continued until I stopped taking lessons in the middle of high school (around 15). During that time, I hadn't practiced much and was learning the pieces at an excrutiatingly slow pace because I honestly wasn't that interest and my academic priorities prevented me from practicing. (Perhaps it was a waste of money..)
In the past, my piano teachers have commented on my inability to play with passion and my inability to memorize music. I would play a piece for weeks and still not know the fingering by heart. In addition, my reading of the sheet music was weak as well.
The last piece that I remember playing during lessons was Chopin's Waltz opus 64 no 2 (which I didn't particularly enjoy).

Anyway, during the past summer, I sudddenly developed a newfound interest in the piano and practiced for several hours daily. Mostly, I tried learning popular music.
At this point in my life, I would really like to give piano another shot, however I don't know what would be the best way to go about it. I'm sure my "foundation" is weak but at what level should try playing again? Or should I even bother?

[go12_3]

It's up to you really.  Just browse through a music store and figure out what level
you are in and what type of music you would enjoy learning.  That would be the first
step.  Then find a teacher if that is what you would like to do.

best wishes,

go12_3

[antichrist]

you don't get fun from classical music because you have never explored it
op.64 no.2 is beautiful but maybe boring for you,I understand
theres exciting pieces in classical music,don't think they are just shits

[brianhoberg]

Micko,
I took lessons for 9 years from the time I was 5 until 14. I stopped playing piano for 18 years and now at 32 I have a newfound joy in playing. I guess as an adult you learn to appreciate it more when the $50-$75 a lesson is coming from your own pocket
Personally, I did as the others mentioned and went to the local. I knew some composers I was interested in, so I looked them up. There are varying levels of difficulty in classical music, so you need an idea of what your capability is to play. A good teacher will quickly help you assess that and can also offer suggestions to you. For myself, I dove head first into some Bach and Clementi Sonatinas as well as refreshing my knowledge on major and minor scales and appreggios.

While classical music is not the end all, be all of music being played on the piano, it serves as a solid foundation of where music came from and the devlopemtn of technique you find in many contemporary pieces. Personally, I believe you develop an ear for classical music by listening to it and appreciating the sound and technique of it first. Then, you can begin picking up the subtle differences in variations, identifying the key changes within the piece, identifying the theme, and so forth.

First and foremost though, I urge you to ask a teacher or even one of the music store employees who may be able to help you identify what would interest you. Each composer has a different style and sound.

Take care,
Brian.