learning piano as a third instrument advice

[shandrix]

I am an adult that is feeling an itch to learn to play the piano. I was in band for six years or so when I was a kid. I started on clarinet and eventually moved over to the tuba. I loved playing tuba but it is a really lousy solo instrument and I haven't played it in ages. I would like to be able to learn piano so I can play hymns for church adequately and have some musical expression that is easier to do alone. I can already read music and I can plink around a little on a piano.

What I really struggle with is reading both lines of music at once without just memorizing the music. What do you guys think is the best way for me to proceed? As someone familiar with music, just not piano, do you think I need lessons or do you think self-study is sufficient? Is there a book anyone would recommend for someone in my position?

[keypeg]

Well, one thing that you can do on your own without needing a teacher is to learn to read the bass clef.  The big fat circle on the clef shows you were F below middle C is, and that is landmark.   You can probably find your own way of getting at those notes once you have made that your goal.  You would want to have a teacher for learning the physical aspects of playing piano, and "thinking pianistically".

[mcdiddy1]

You should get a teacher. Your progress will be much, much faster and you can learn the tricks of the trade for reading.

[sc3499]

What I really struggle with is reading both lines of music at once without just memorizing the music. What do you guys think is the best way for me to proceed? As someone familiar with music, just not piano, do you think I need lessons or do you think self-study is sufficient? Is there a book anyone would recommend for someone in my position?

Piano is my third (fourth) instrument too (after descant & treble recorders and flute) and I really struggled to get to grips with the two lines of music. I think if you are determined enough, self study is fine however I personally would recommend having a couple of lessons as they should accelerate your progress significantly.