Learning to Play Piano with Software

[qdsf_sars]

Well, I'm new here for one and didn't really search around, so I decided to make a new topic.

Anyways, I really want to learn piano, but don't want to take the classes from a teacher. So, I was wondering if anyone here could recommend any good software or something to play off of the computer that could teach me to play piano. I'm looking to learn how to read sheet music as well as learn how to play the piano and such. cost isn't an issue.

Thanks in advance!

[perfect_pitch]

So, you...

really want to learn piano

and...

cost isn't an issue

but you...

don't want to take the classes from a teacher.

Considering that to learn any hobby requires lessons if you're really keen on learning it, I don't see any other choice but to try and find a teacher, but if you're really looking for a cheap attempt to learn... try this link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_notation

Apart from that... you won't get much.

[qdsf_sars]

Well, I really like being more of an independent learner, and I also think that I would feel uncomfortable with an instructor, so using some sort of software or lessons on dvd or anything could simulate an instructor's teachings. I'm sure there is some program, dvd collection, book, software or anything that someone could recommend that would be able to teach me piano as if I had a teacher.

[soundthumb]

You can certainly teach yourself to play to a certain level using online tutorials and any number of software programs that are sold.  However, the secret to learning to play is simple: practice and repetition.  To learn to play, you will be investing hundreds and even thousands of hours in practice.  If you employ a teacher, you improve the chances that you are making efficient use of those thousands of hours of your time.

But it is not a bad strategy to do some learning on your own.  If you are like me, you will quickly reach a point where you decide that you really enjoy it and want to optimize your practice time to move forward more quickly.  At that point re-evaluate taking lessons.  What a teacher will be able to do for you is watch your hands and say things like "No, no.  Move your hand like this or you will never be able to play this sequence of notes at full speed."  Just today, my teacher stopped me within the first 3 minutes and was able to tell me exactly what I did wrong during my past 10 hours of practice.

Good luck, I'm sure you are going to really enjoy playing.