Why Do You Want to Play the Piano??!

[ichky]

Hi All,

I'm doing a project, and I would like your honest opinion.

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
What makes it a MUST for you?
What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

Your help is much appreciated!!

Thank you in Advance!

Ichky

[p2u_]

I would like your honest opinion.

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
What makes it a MUST for you?
What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

I'll reply in random order because per question doesn't feel natural:
In my case it must be a mental disease, an obsession. One advantage: it doesn't hurt. I just can't stop doing it. I'd rather die than not play. About the reward: Well, deep satisfaction for myself (an almost religious experience), and appreciation from others. It was triggered by a childish wish to imitate my hero; I heard a great pianist play great music and that was it. I thought: "That's me! That's what I want for myself."

Paul

[zezhyrule]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?

Because I enjoy it o_o

What makes it a MUST for you?

I... enjoy... it?

What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?

I would not have enjoyment 

And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?

...enjoyment

Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

I had no joy n_n


Was this post redundant much? Actually I was just being silly, real answers would require lots more thought and I'm too lazy so 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Because I enjoy it o_o
I... enjoy... it?
I would not have enjoyment 
...enjoyment

I had no joy n_n


Was this post redundant much? Actually I was just being silly, real answers would require lots more thought and I'm too lazy so 

What this guy said.

[hfmadopter]

Your help is much appreciated!!

Thank you in Advance!

Ichky
[/quot

What is the purpose of your project, why are doing it ? What got you into doing projects ? Why are you motivated to do this particular project? What will be the concequenses if you couldn't do this project, especially if you don't gain mastery over it ?

Meanwhile, there was just a thread similar to this one, might have been in the Performance forum. My real answer is already there. You might have to seach a little but it's a pretty full topic already.

[roderick875]

I love it! I love the music, the sound, the art, it's just something I always wanted to do. And now that I'm doing it, life couldn't be better!

[j_menz]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
What makes it a MUST for you?
What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

For the fame and the groupies.
Some things just aren't optional; breathing, drinking, eating, piano
I'd be impossible to live with.
I haven't mastered it yet. Looking forward to the fame and the groupies.
Birth.

[ajspiano]

1. Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
2. What makes it a MUST for you?
3. What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
4. And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
5. Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

1. It's not really a conscious wanting, its more like what I imagine priests refer to as their "calling" to god. Its not a choice for a reason, its just who i am. I'm generally consumed with music, and I can not release it vocally (because my voice is a turd) thus an instrument is required - piano is my weapon of choice, but certainly not my only option.

2. As above.

3. Insanity - this is not a guess, I get angry and frustrated without it, resulting in dubious decisions relating to other aspects of my life. Ultimately I am calmer and more satisfied having had a musical release for the day. If I go for more and more days I get more and more dissatisfied until I reach some kind of breaking point where I kind of just shut out other priorities - such as eating and sleeping - to go play piano.

4. Nothing tangible, just some kind of inner satisfaction.

5. No, I was apparently busting keen at an age that I can not remember at all.

[hfmadopter]

1. It's not really a conscious wanting, its more like what I imagine priests refer to as their "calling" to god. Its not a choice for a reason, its just who i am. I'm generally consumed with music, and I can not release it vocally (because my voice is a turd) thus an instrument is required - piano is my weapon of choice, but certainly not my only option.
[quote

I understand your position perfectly. It's not really describable. All I know is that I sing inside my mind every waking moment almost. Chopin, some great songs, singers lyrics are going on in my head constantly. When I play piano it subsides somewhat as it's coming out through the keys is best I can say. But then my own playing starts singing in my mind when I'm away from the piano. It's beautiful to listen to, any of that !

Songs or pieces of music must sing to me. Of course we all know about getting that through the keys and out as beautiful music is the task at hand. That's the tough part ! That's what technique is all about. I understand how some famous musicians and composers had near or even full nervous breakdowns if this is what was in their heads and frustration set in at their high level of accomplishment. Me , I'm just average Joe living with music from within.

[williamraym]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?

I just happened to like it, I used to fool around with the piano and probably because of that, I kind of enjoyed it and wanted to learn it!

What makes it a MUST for you?

I want to play a special song in a piano for her.

What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?

I learned to become responsible about the things I want to achieve, like me learning how to play the piano is not easy but with full responsibility I am currently learning more about the piano, and I could apply that not just in piano but in life challenges.

And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?

I would have a great skill on the field of music!

Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

Like I said on the first question, I was fooling around on the piano when I was a kid.

[brianvds]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?

It is the most versatile of instruments, and can stand on its own without needing an ensemble. Therefore suitable for a loner like me. :-)

What makes it a MUST for you?

It isn't a must. For some years, when I didn't have access to a piano, I played a bit of guitar - I liked it for the same reason as the piano, namely that it worked perfectly well as solo instrument and is fairly versatile. Also has a very rich, mellow sound, and is actually better than a piano in being much cheaper and far more portable.

But ultimately it just wasn't as satisfying. It is far more difficult to master, while at the same time not having remotely the same quality of music written for it.

What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?

Well, I would survive, but my life would become impoverished.

And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?

I don't think I can claim to have mastered it. :-)
To the extent that I have, I have no idea what the reward is, except that I find it a meaningful activity.

Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

No, nothing that I can remember, but family legend has it that I could sing before I could talk, we had a piano in the house, my grandma could play quite beautifully, and so, when I was old enough, I took lessons for a few months. Didn't like it very much, so when the teacher moved to another town I didn't bother any further for some years. In my teens I regained my interest, but mostly just improvised my own stuff on the keyboard. Must have been torture for the neighbours.

I was an adult before I took it up again, teaching myself what I could. At one point I was quite serious about it too, but ultimately found that I have neither the interest nor the stomach nor the time to practice hours and hours per day, so now I am perfectly happy sticking to easy intermediate level pieces. One of the marvels of the piano is that even with humble intermediate level skills, you have access to a huge amount of music by some of the greatest composers in history.

[unholeee]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?

I don't want to play the piano, who told you that? Maybe they are pulling your leg. And it's probably because I can't take an easier route, like singing (in key).

What makes it a MUST for you?

Chopin. Rachmaninoff. Likely because it can imitate any style of music, classical, to metal, to jazz to .. jingles.. to jaws.

What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?

I can't play it............ well enough anyway. I would probably find another vice. Like heroin.

And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?

I can finally relax my brain as well as my hands.

Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

Sorry I was distracted by the swaying watch.

[graceandbeauty]

I think I am like the others I feel compelled to play! I am around town or whatever and see a piano I want to play. I see a child getting frustrated with playing I encourage them its part of me. I guess Balanchine's  quote stands for pianists. he said" I don't want dancers who love to dance, I want dancers who have to." For some pianists it is a necessary part of life.

[dee101]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
What makes it a MUST for you?
What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?

Last question first: Listening to Muse's Absolution album and wanting to be able to play the piano parts and through Muse I became acquainted with Chopin, Rachmaninov and other classical composers, which expanded my musical knowledge and appreciation.

Now first question: Same as above. I started piano lessons when I was 15, nine years later I still haven't properly learnt any Muse songs. I've messed around and learnt sections and sight read parts. I got sidetracked with the grades and learning those pieces and playing those pieces really really well.

Question 2: A MUST? at this stage, it's a goal that I don't want  to quit and regret later on. (of which there has been a good few.) But apart from that, I really don't know anymore. I love music and music not being a part of my life is a very very scary thought.

Q3. If I couldn't play.... probably would have picked up another instrument along the way. but thankfully I can play and play really well, not at concert pianist level but I don't care for that.

Q4. After I learn pieces, especially the really scary looking ones on paper: Satisfaction. Nothing beats knowing you have achieved what you set out to do and seeing positive results

[penny_18]

I don't think there's a direct answer for question 1. I remember watching my aunt play it as a child and simply be fascinated by it. I'd asked my mum to let me have lessons then but I had serious social problems and she feared I wouldn't know how to deal with the teacher. Then one day about three years ago, something (can't remember what) reminded me of it and I became moderately obsessed by anything piano related. I got into classes and my obsession has been growing since.

I think it's about feeling for me. Also, I've never seen myself as a very creative person, but I've realised that playing helps me become more relaxed with that aspect. Also, it's my medicine for when I'm upset or angry. So I really can't imagine not being able to play anymore. (Hope that answers questions 2 and 3).

I don't know about question 4. I'm pretty critical of my playing so I find it harder to play when I set too hard achievements. I guess I'll never feel like I've mastered it completely so I'll just keep practicing. For me it's not so much about rewards as it is about personal development. I do wish to be able to play certain pieces but they usually change according to my mood. I think the ideal would be to be able to try and learn the piece that moves you at your present time, and not have to set it as a goal for when you're ready.

Just realised I've already answered question 5 too so... Hope I've helped. 

(sorry for the long post)

[silverowl]

Why is it exactly that you want to play the piano?
I've always admired the piano, and the music it creates. I love classical music, and want to learn to play many pieces instead of just listening to them. It's also a great hobby, enjoyable, and a great physical and mental challenge.

What makes it a MUST for you?
I wouldn't call it a must. You get in what you put out.

What would be the consequences if you couldn't play it?
I would never get any better, or achieve goals that are associated with learning how to play.

And what reward do you achieve once you learnt how to play or master piano playing?
I don't know how anyone can answer this who is just learning. I do know that in the little time I have been playing, the experience is rewarding within itself, and I get shots of euphoria whenever I accomplish something like getting down a difficult measure, proper pedal usage, achieving the sound I invision in my head, etc.

Was there a certain past event in your life which triggered you to wanting to learn?
My aspirations come from the classical pieces I always wanted to learn how to play. I just have to be patient since most of them are beyond my current skill level.

[aindavou]

In past I want to play to acquire some ability, than play games and do nothing more. In past i thinkin, how I’m a shy boy, I think, the piano skills can be good to conquest a lot of girls. But in first time with the piano, show me a great and wonderfull world. I enjoy a relationship with Piano. – It’s become, how said someone, an obsession, but an obsession with good feelings, like a drugs.
Existence of life is a quest without response, but before enjoy on piano I cast most time thinking on it. I’m not philosophe and these questions make me sad. With piano this stop and all the time is music, music, music…
How reward, I gain a lot of things. The best ones is that now I like studies, not talk about piano, I like now studies any stuff… The piano way made me percept ‘when I learn anything it modify how I see all the rest’.

English not my native language, and I try.