Nearly newbie seeks guidance

[brian_s]

Hi folks,

I'm new to this forum and not quite sure what to expect. Just thought I'd introduce myself initially. Like most people on here (I guess), I want to learn to play my favourite pieces of music as well as I'm capable of doing. I've just started playing again after a fairly lengthy break of 13 years so, athough I can play the odd tune if presented with a simple score, (usually very odd), I'm going to need a number of guiding hands as I get back into the habit of practicing on a regular basis.

Favourite composers are Liszt, Rachmaninov and Chopin.

Anyway, I'm really pleased I've found this forum of hopefully like-minded people. And I expect you're going to hear a lot from me over the next few months.

brian_s

P.S. By the way, does anyone know a suitable piece of music for building a snowman (no not the usual piece, wonderful as it is!) I just need something a bit different to sooth my aching brow as a result of too much snow here in the UK at the moment! It's driving me mad!

[quantum]

Hi welcome,

Debussy The Snow Is Dancing from Children's Corner may fit your theme. 

[brian_s]

I've just listened to The Snow is Dancing by Debussy and I really like it. I think it captures an image of falling snowflakes really well, whether it's played fast or more slowly.

It sounds a bit advanced for me though. Do you know where I could get a really simple version of it as a starting point? Also, maybe one which is played at a fairly slow pace. I've only just started practicing scales again and my fingers are still quite stiff.

Thanks.

brian_s.

 

[lostinidlewonder]

Des pas sur la neige (Footsteps in the Snow) Bk1 no 6 Prelude from Debussy comes to mind as well. Somewhat easier than the Snow is Dancing from the Children's Corner, but larger chord positions which might be tricky. Liszt's Nuages Gris (Grey Clouds) also tends to make me think of snow that is about to come as well as tons of grief and lamentation!

[brian_s]

Ummm ... listening to these wonderful pieces of piano music I'm reminded of a dilemma I had the last time I tried to take up playing again. I've been able to read music ever since I took lessons as a child. When I returned to playing later in life I decided to try reading from sheet music and lost interest fairly quickly. This time, though, I'm more determined. But, after looking through a number of different threads on this forum, I'm quite confused about whether I'm capable of picking things up without taking lessons again.

I think I got to grade 4 as a child, but haven't taken any lessons since then. I want to play, and I want to take it seriously, but not too seriously.

Are there people out there like me, who have actually managed to teach themselves to play? Or is it best to take lessons? I'm concerned that if I sign up for lessons I'll be expected to follow a rigorous practice schedule dictated by music exams, which I'm just not interested in.

What have other peoples' experiences been who are similar to me?

brian_s