Starting from square one, again

[fredwycheck]

So let me start by saying I'm excited to join the site and get feedback, ideas, and motivation. I'm a music writer and do alot of programming for instrumentals, though I use my limited skills on the piano and would like to improve them a lot. I've got a pretty extensive musical background and knowledge of music theory and I used to get piano lessons. When I went to a small college my focus was a music major with a focus in piano. I had about a year of lessons, though I was taught wrong. We skipped scales and arpeggios and exercises and went straight to sight reading and adding to my musical pieces to my repertoire. With that said, without my basics down first I was always never good at sight reading. I'd like to start fresh again (after 3 or 4 years of no practice) and get the fundamentals I need to reach higher goals. So right now this is what I've pulled out and added to my regiment of daily exercises.

I use "The complete book of scales, chords, arpeggios & cadences"  and I'm using the C major at first to get back into the muscle memory while I slowly explore the other exercises in the other keys. I use the exercises Parallel motion in octaves, Contrary motion on the same note, Parellel motion in thirds/tenths, and the C major Arpeggios for now. Not sure what other exercises out of there would be truly important.

I also use Rocket Piano's - Fingering Techniques and Exercises. i've only been playing the first 3 exercises but I plan on mastering all of them

I have no set book that I'm using for sight reading or technique, in my library I have "Alfred's Basic Adult All In One Course - Level 2", all the Rocket Piano books with the software, "The Older Beginner Piano Course By James Bastien", "Teach Yourself Piano" by Dick Bennet, And some OOLLLDDD Piano Lessons - Level 1 by James Bastien from my early youth lol.

so since I plan on teaching myself piano without a teacher, my questions are:
-What books in my library should I use or should I get and what exercises should I follow for technique and sight reading.

-Are the exercises and books that I'm currently using very helpful? or should I find better exercises and scale/arps to do?

-How much time is best to spend a day on practicing and how much time should I spend on each exercise? I have all day to utilize but I know there's a point where the brain and muscles can no longer learn lol, and I often spend too much time on one thing to actually achieve any improvement!

I'm very open to suggestions, this is something that is VERY important to me and I want to start RIGHT. I live in a very rural area so coming upon teachers that can really put you in the right direction is RARE, so I"m thankful there is a site out here like this Thanks for taking the time in reading this, I know it was long and I often go around the point lol, can't wait to hear what everyone has to suggest!

[vlh1992]

You are off to a good start. I suggest that you learn all of the scales (obviously not all at once). start with the easier ones and work your way up to the harder ones. I also suggest that you make sure that you are using correct fingering because it will be sooooo much easier for you down the road if you learn the correct fingering now. Also, if you don't have one, you should invest in a metronome. Practice your scales with the metronome to get them smooth. Although it might be hard to find a good teacher, you should keep looking for one because they will be able to make sure that you are not teaching yourself any improper techniques. Good luck!!!