Returning to the Piano

[ren_dolce]

I had stopped lessons two years ago (college applications, no time), but kept playing on and off for a year and a half after that. Unfortunately, once I got to college, I had no access to a piano, so I haven't played since last August. I recently found a piano I can use (an old Baldwin, slight issue with the middle C key, but good sound quality) regularly, so I want to begin piano again.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to 'restart'. I can't enroll in a piano course because of schedule issues, and there doesn't seem to be any teachers in my area. (I have no car, making traveling to teachers difficult). I also can't afford private tutors, as I can barely afford college itself.

I've been practicing scales and basic Hanon on my own just to get my fingers loosened up again. The last songs I had played with my teacher were Bach's Invention 2 and 4, as well as Grieg's Arietta. Any ideas on what I should do to get back into playing (at least building up to my old skill level?). I have no access to my piano books, or else I'd be doing some Czerny for more technique practice.

[stevebob]

At present, it sounds like you are already doing what you need to ("practicing scales and basic Hanon") under the circumstances; if the merits of Hanon are otherwise debatable, many of us who've been away from piano for long periods of time have found it useful for shaking the rust off the fingers.

You should be assured, though, that six months without playing really isn't a long time.  Even after years (or decades!), people typically regain their previous proficiency level reasonably quickly and without much difficulty unless illness, injury or age-related infirmity are a factor.

If not having access to piano "books" means the scores of music you've learned in the past, that's a problem.  Fortunately, non-copyrighted scores are freely available online; IMSLP/Petrucci Library is the biggest resource, with most music by most composers from the common practice period on hand (though not necessarily the editions one would choose for oneself).  Doesn't your Gold membership here give you access to an on-site printable sheet music library as well?

Plenty of people continue to learn without teachers, so don't be afraid to give it a shot.  Avail yourself of YouTube and IMSLP to listen to lots of piano music; choose pieces at or somewhat above your skill level that you love and are convinced you'll have the motivation to teach yourself.

Best wishes with your endeavor, but don't despair that not practicing means you'll forget how to play.  It's not quite like swimming or riding a bicycle, but there's no reason to think you couldn't go years without it and still be back in the saddle in a matter of weeks.

[dss62467]

You'll be surprised how quickly it comes back - especially if you use the computer keyboard a lot.  It keeps your fingers pretty limber.  I stopped for 25 years and got back to my level within a couple months.  I restarted without a teacher, but quickly realized I wouldn't go further without guidance.  If at all possible, find an instructor.  But if not, do your best to keep challenging yourself.

[ren_dolce]

I just subscribed to a gold membership so I could access the scores, and am now working on some sonatinas I used to play.

I really want to practice some Czerny, but can't seem to find exercises of that anywhere. I'll try that library, though.

[dss62467]

I just sent you a private message. 

[avguste]

The hanon is a good idea.
Where are you located?

My suggestion is to keep working on the Inventions and then add a Prelude and Fugue. Maybe the 1st one from the 1st book.

Also, check out the Skype lessons I am offering,

[peterjmathis]

I have to second the advice on looking up free sheet music for things you've already worked on. You'll get up to speed much faster practicing with music you're experienced with.

[CC]

Go to my free home page below, where you will find sources of free sheet music, some suggestions on interesting music (Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven) to play, and how to practice them.  Happy playing!