Beginning studies

[uranian]

Hello : ) First post here!

I'm 21 and this week my family received a free piano from a friend of a friend. I have some (very very limited) piano background, as I took lessons while young, but aside from that basic familiarity I'm relearning from scratch. I love the piano - particularly classical piano - and I am serious about learning how to play. One day I would like to learn how to play something, anything, by Prokofiev, probably my favourite composer, but that is a long way off.

I started off thinking I could leap onto a piece like Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (first movement) right away and learn how to play it, but I'm realizing that just because I can read the notes and memorize it well enough, I really don't have any semblance of technical skill. I know I'm in need of a good, solid foundation, and very likely a piano teacher.

But until I can look into hiring a teacher, what is a good, solid beginner's piece I should begin with? I realize there is probably no universal answer but I'd love to hear your suggestions. What are some good skills to cultivate right away, and bad habits to nip in the bud? Any books that you've found useful? I've done searches for these answers but what turns up seems to apply either to intermediate learners or people still learning how to read music, of which I'm neither.

Thanks for your input!

Carly

[gradedpiano]

Hello, you say you can read music well but do not have the technical skill. I reccomened starting Grades. Anything from Grade 1-3 is very good as they include finger exercises, sight reading tests and other tips. I reccomened the  Lcm piano handbooks as they provide tips on how to play the piece you are attempting as well. You will be able to play the more technical pieces in no time. Good luck.

[becky8898]

Hi - A quick word about the Moonlight. My teacher told me dont try the First movment until you can play the last movment.  Anyway what to start with.  hmmmm. Bach.  2 part inventions.  Slow and careful. Nothing will insure equal hand development like Bach.

Cheers, Becky

[keyboardclass]

If you're into Russian music Kabalevsky was the master beginner teacher.  Get some of his easy stuff.

[uranian]

Ahhh thanks for the input everyone, everything is helpful : D

Hi - A quick word about the Moonlight. My teacher told me dont try the First movment until you can play the last movment.  Anyway what to start with.  hmmmm. Bach.  2 part inventions.  Slow and careful. Nothing will insure equal hand development like Bach.

Cheers, Becky

I've heard that about the first movement, though it was only after I started. That was actually part of what got me into pursuing more basic things first...

If you're into Russian music Kabalevsky was the master beginner teacher.  Get some of his easy stuff.

I've actually never heard of him! I do love Russian composers, though. Anything moody and melancholic or sarcastic and the like. I've found a big book online of some of his easier pieces, so thanks a lot : D

[elzbietaj]

Burgmuller - 25 easy and progressive studies - not very difficult, but sound fine (try The Limpid Stream; Ballade) - it's a big pleasure to play them
As for the books - Neil Miller "The piano lessons book" - really GREAT position for mature people trying to learn piano.