Should I get a tutor?

[rukunetsu]

Hi, this is my first time posting and I'm not sure if anyone asked a similar question before.

I was wondering if it was possible to self-teach jazz piano for a person who's somewhat familiar with classical solo piano. I'm 26 but basically stopped any kind of formal lessons around age 18. Back then, I was able to play some advanced pieces from Chopin (ballad No. 1) and Liszt (Un Sospiro,,?) so I think I'm not at a beginner level though I stopped learning 8 years ago.

Since then, my classical edge is somewhat lost. I don't practice/listen to music much. I just enjoy playing by the ear, from memory, or simply improvising by myself. For the past years, the only time I had to perform was during church worship services where I was playing the keyboard in a band (basically the genre was modern Christian rock most of the time).

After going to college, I've always thought that I don't have time for piano..which was sad. Now that I'm out of college, working part-time, waiting for the first semester at grad school to come in August, I really think this may be the last chance that I truly have the free time to choose to learn more piano. and I'm particularly interested in jazz/blues at this time.

I haven't invested on any book or online lessons so far, and would like to know if it would be too challenging if I were to start studying by myself. I play by the ear pretty well but when it comes to rhythms, it's sometimes challenging, probably because I'm not used to playing that way.
Would it be better to find a tutor or should I look into other resources?
If anyone can share their experience/opinions, I would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[cjp_piano]

It's almost always better to get a teacher instead of doing it on your own. If you really want to do it, find a teacher! (this is coming from a teacher, of course)