Can I do with self-taught?

[bttay]

Hi,

This is my first time to Piano Forum. I hope someone more experienced could help me. I completed my ABRSM grade 5 about 15 years ago and stopped learning and playing the piano since then. Now I have the intension to continue playing but have no time to go for regular lessons with a teacher. Can I self-taught?

I have no ambition to become a performer but just wish that one day I can enjoy playing some challenging Chopin and Beethoven pieces. What is your advice?

Thanks.  

[xvimbi]

Some teachers are willing to accommodate irregular schedules, e.g. piano students, but also some professional teachers. Try to find one of those. Otherwise, it will be difficult.

[bernhard]

Have a look at this thread, where a similar question was discussed (there are others - this seems to be a popular question):


https://www.pianoforum.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=teac;action=display;num=1081604995

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[sharon_f]

My story is similar to yours. I studied piano for a little over four years and then stopped playing for almost 35 years.

When I decided to go back to playing, I knew I needed and wanted a teacher. I did a lot of investigating and actually e-mailed a very well regarded professor who took me on as a private student. I take lessons every other week because it is almost an hour and a half drive from where I live and also because I have to leave work two hours early for my lesson.

I have only had six lessons so far but I know I made the right decision. There are a lot of things a teacher can offer, the very least of which are enthusiasm and encouragement.

Also with a teacher comes discipline. I made my teacher a commitment to practice a minimum of two hours every day. And even with a full time job, part-time consulting work and all the other responsibilities we have as adults (cleaning house, laundry, taking the cat to the vet, visiting an elderly parent) I have kept that promise. In fact I have set up my schedule to get in about 3 hours every day and more on weekends.

Would I have done that without a regular lesson where I have to have things prepared? Probably not.

[Shagdac]

I completely understand where you are coming from. I guess what you should decide is HOW you want to play those pieces...you will most likely be able to play them on your own, but with a teacher, you will most likely be able to play them well and correctly. Having a good teacher makes all the difference in the world, or rather they help YOU make all the difference.

Good luck!
S

[bttay]

Thank you for all your helpful and valuable replies. I will find a teacher who can give me a lesson a month. I think I can still do that despite my busy working hours.