What are my odds?

[teemuf]

Hey guys,

First I'd like to just say hi and introduce myself as I am new to these forums

Ever since I was a little child I've loved the piano, and I often played when I visited my grandparents in Finland, but I never really played it seriously. As in I did not learn how to read sheets or play chords with one hand and melody with the other hand.

I've always been able to play a melody on the piano after hearing it once only, but I could only do the basic melody and sometimes do the same melody with both hands so it plays it double. A few days ago I really felt like taking out my old keyboard and start playing, and noticed I still have the feeling.

My problem is that I just can't seem to sync my left hand with my right, and play chords with one hand and a melody with my other hand. Is it normal to not be able to do this as an amateur?

For example, I checked this video out (

) and could do the part from 2:35 but mess up at 2:44 because I just simply can't control both hands at the same time. Should a beginner be able to play this or am I just trying too hard melodies?

What are my odds to learn to play piano well if I really go for it? And do you have any beginner tips for me so I can learn to control both hands? Thank you very much in advance.

[roseli]

well, I recommend you to get a teacher first, they are the best ones to teach you anything you want.
learn to read music, that's useful too.
try to play something that is on your level, because those will be easer to play, and when you get them, then move up the grade of difficulty
and I think that your problem with the 2 hands is that you're not playing the music correctly. you should play it in is original form, and veeeery slowly, so that your brain learn what it have to do with the hands until you can play play it well.
Improvisation is cool, but being able to play the things as the composer write them is also nice and essential. my teacher told me many times: you can't build an house without it's foundations.
I hope I helped.
good luck

[peterjmathis]

It's completely normal not to be able to do this when you start. Getting the hands to work together well is very, very difficult at first, so don't get discouraged if it takes a long time for you to learn to do it well (or even at all). Practice hands separate a bit more.

[teemuf]

Thanks for the encouraging words guys. I'm really passionate about learning the piano, but it feels like I am too old (18) to have a private teacher.

I've always loved piano and I hope I can really improve and become a good pianist.

Do you guys have any basic tips which will help me?

Thanks again!!

[peterjmathis]

I'm not anti-self-study by any means, but what do you mean by too old for a teacher?

[maestro1987]

I'm 22 and have private piano teacher. Lucky me - my university pays for my lessons. 

[dss62467]

Your odds are really damned good if you find yourself a good teacher and commit to it.   It's not rocket science, it's fun and a great way to relax.  Don't worry about "will I be good"?  Just start playing and enjoy how good you are.... even if everyone else who can play thinks you stink.... it's about how it makes you FEEL.

Your odds of being good enough to play in public and get paid for it are pretty small, but who cares?

[deb59]

Not to worry....I'm 50 and have a private piano teacher.  I did take lessons for 6 years as a child.  I have an awesome teacher now and am playing pieces I never thought possible!  I'm learning Claire de lune and although it will probably take me 3-4 months to learn it, I'm confident I'll eventually get it.  Best of luck.