I'm pleased that my post activates some interesting reactions.
Interesting what you tell about the "journey".
In fact, due to health problems, I struggle with my piano, and yet, I feel as I play better than before. There are paradoxes all the way through the journey.
I began playing with a vertical oriented type of score called klavarskribo. So, for those who can't read scores. Then I took private lessons for six years, and I learn quite fast, so I can read pretty good quite complicated scores. So, that is a part of the journey.
Now, health goes down. And doubts come in the way.
To try to learn on theory, I looked at the Berkely Music theory lessons.
So, I'm still searching.
It's a huge paradox. I struggle with a young Schubert sonata. Schubert is tough you know. He doesn't know where to go, I feel deep inside a harmony with him.
Then, I said, get your left hand back in shape.
And I took Brahms Handel variations and Paganini variations. I played some little parts before.
I felt better, I played them better to. Not at full speed of course.
I am largely autodidact, and I feel free this way. I do not want any teacher. The teacher is inside myself.
I wrote to the pianist (the magazine from UK) to try include scores, with harmonic analyses printed upon it, to explain the harmonies.
That department is something that intrests me.
But, as I have to look it day by day, I don't, can't put any pressure upon myself to force the learning process.
We are humans with deficiencies, I learn while enjoying myself.
Playing 1 Handel variation pretty good, gives me a good feeling. As I am not acaemically taught, I feel more lucky,I did it on my own, even if I don't reach 3,4,... on my scale.
Some people on this forum of course have different ambitious opinions.
But, that's it for me. Try to do something every day... and enjoy the journey inside.
ps:
Anyone who have the seem affection for Schubert, please let me know.