Learning piano with very limited money

[meikj]

Hi.

I have fallen in love with the piano due to my obsession of watching piano covers on my favourite songs. This has motivated and inspired me to learn the piano. But after searching various websites I am worrying a little bit. Everyone says I must use a full sized weighted keyboard atleast and start getting piano lessons from professionals. But I cannot afford this because of my financial status, the maximum investment I can make is books (and even that might be hard ). However, I have a Yamaha keyboard sitting in the cupboard with a stand -- that's all I have.

So I gave up on searching because of all the same answers I'm getting. So I'm asking you people what is the best way to learn piano without piano lessons. Like any book recommendations, websites, videos, etc? My aim is to be able to be able understand all the theory involved: chords, scales, etc. And be able to read sheet music so I can play my favourite songs.

Thank you for your help and hopefully you all will be able to help me persue my dream!

[dan101]

Many people on this forum have there own websites or website favorites, in terms of piano and theory resources. The problem is that we don't want to turn this thread into a spam-fest. Your best bet is to google piano lessons or online piano lessons and see what comes up.

Also, maybe a friend can assist in giving you some lesson. If you can't afford a 'reduced rate', then perhaps you can offer lessons in return as a form as payment (e.g. math tutoring, etc.).

Financial concerns are always trying. Best of luck.

[gyzzzmo]

For properly playing the piano you do need a (digital)piano/keyboard with weighted keys. Second hand piano's can come very cheap though, sometimes even for free, but you have to pay good attention if its a decent piano. You dont have to spend money on sheetmusic, since you can copy it in the library or download it from the internet. Here you have to pay attention if its sheetmusic with fingering on it wich is quite important for the new player.

[carmoleh]

Yes a friend can help. When I was still a teen I also fell in love with the piano but had no money for piano lessons so what I did was I go along with a friend when class ends. Its her habit to go the school's music room to practice, and kind as she is, teaches me in between.

[revolutionaryetudein2]

I would strongly urge you to get a weighted keyboard. The non-weighted stuff is just not the same at all, though I suppose a keyboard is better than none.

In terms of books you can look into the Alfred Adult Learner series. It's what I started off on and I've heard good things from other people as well. They're about $10 a book.

[mezzo piano]

Everyone says you have to get a weighted keyboard and that is just not true. You can learn to play fine on a 61 of 76 note board. What you have is what you have and if you can't afford a new keyboard then play what is in the cupboard. And if you want free lessons you can try YouTube. They will teach you to play the covers. Everything you need to learn is already on the internet. Theory, chords, scales etc. Just look for it.

[gyzzzmo]

Everyone says you have to get a weighted keyboard and that is just not true. You can learn to play fine on a 61 of 76 note board. What you have is what you have and if you can't afford a new keyboard then play what is in the cupboard. And if you want free lessons you can try YouTube. They will teach you to play the covers. Everything you need to learn is already on the internet. Theory, chords, scales etc. Just look for it.

Well, he's talking about learning to play the piano, wich implies to me that he doesnt want to learn to play some crappy keyboard. You can play notes on a keyboard, but you cant play piano on it.