I got the basics down but what now?

[nelodk]

Hey Guys I hope you can help me here!

So I've played a few smaller songs on my piano but I seem to be stuck and don't really know how to proceed.

My goal is to be able to play some modern songs on my piano, like Chariot for example. But I think if I start trying that song now I will quit Piano for ever.

But how do I go from smaller songs like Mary had a little lamb, and Fur Elise, to bigger songs, is it just finding a tutorial and trying for hours, or is there a little less stressing learning thing you know? Obviously I'll never be a star on the piano, but I find it nice to have an instrument you can play on for fun, and something to show off once in a while.

Anything constructive will be awesome.

[ajspiano]

Firstly, Fur Elise is not a beginners piece..  I assume you're only playing 1 hand, and just the melody for the opening passage? See if you can get a hold of a book to learn from so you have a series of musical examples to progress through.

Secondly, based on the content of your post, the idea that you've "got the basics down" is pretty absurd. I don't mean to say you'll have nothing but bad playing at the moment, but without a good teacher to critic you're technique its VERY likely that you will learn bad habits as you progress.

Online tutorials are ok, but its easy to misinterpret the information without direct one on one guidance..  As far as "learning" and you comment re 'trying for hours vs less stressing learning thing' - there are ways to practice that are more effective than others..  I won't write them all down here, search the forums and google.. try different things, see what works for you.

[keypeg]

Can you name some of the basics that you have gotten down, so that we can figure out what you still need?  You have only mentioned pieces rather than basics so far.

[danhuyle]

Basics...This could mean anything

- counting aloud
- controlling rhythm
- metronome
- note reading
- scales and arpeggios

The most logical is learn scales and arpeggios. Incorporate dynamics and turn these into a work of art. Lots of pieces use scales.

 

[pianoyutube]

Hey Guys I hope you can help me here!

My goal is to be able to play some modern songs on my piano, like Chariot for example. But I think if I start trying that song now I will quit Piano for ever.

Given your goal, you could have a look at this book:
"How to Play Piano Despite Years of Lessons. What Music Is and How to Make It at Home" from Ward Cannel and Fred Marx.
It explains how to play modern music, trying to have some fun. Also explains harmony and theory in an easy way. Some basic techniques for the left hand (comping) are also explained in detail. I think this covers what you are looking for.
Of course, you can find a lot of books about modern music, just searching in your favourite bookstore. I like this one because is funny.

[nelodk]

I can do a minute of fur elise. Didn't know there was more than that

But as for bad habits what should I watch out for?

And yeah Dan said it pretty well, this is what I got down.
- counting aloud(I just do it in my head)
- controlling rhythm
- note reading - Sort of
- scales

Never heard of arpeggios before.

[1piano4joe]

How about these:

Reflections Book 1 By Martha Mier 7 elementary piano solos in the romantic style (Very Easy but incredibly moving pieces)

Alfred's Basic Adult Pop Song Piano Book Level 1

Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 1 By Martha Mier

[pianovan]

Good for you for setting a goal. I do agree with the other comments posted: A good teacher will give you a game plan for achieving your goal of playing more complex songs. That's what they are there for. A good teacher is a very powerful tool. I wrote an article about finding a good piano teacher here: https://pianolessonvancouver.com/finding-a-piano-teacher/

Good luck!

[49410enrique]

you know what the basics are now. good. now refine refine refine. the best pianists in the world have a secret that really isn't a secret, they're success stems from being able to consistently execute the basics flawlessly, and is actually about 50% of the formula for virtuosity.  = 50% uncommon creativity + 50% fundamentals done uncommonly well.

now practice practice practice and good luck. keep us posted on your success