Alfred adult piano series? Any good?

[goshal904]

Hello,

I just turned 25 and bought myself an Yamaha digital piano. Now I am looking for an piano course. So far, I have only found the Alfred's series. Are these any good? At first I want to learn on my own, until I have found myself an teacher, which is very hard, since I live in an very small town in Holland. Maybe skype lessons will be an good option?

Thanks

[hfmadopter]

It's aboout as good a place as any to start. Add in a few tutorials at say Youtube as well. The Alfred book one for adults does lean towards corded playing vs single note melody lines.

Some 35 or 40 years ago now I started with the John Thompson series, I think Alfred might be a bit better start but both work faster if you have a teacher. I believe my teacher only took me through book one and then we moved right on to more advanced work and ultimately to the New England Conservatory work book. But too I had already 4 years of accordian lessons under my belt when i fouond my piano teacher.
David

[goshal904]

Thank you David, I will start with the Alfred's course first. I really want to have an teacher, but I can't find one in my small village  .

Do you or other members recommend skype lessons? My goal is to play both classical pieces and pop songs eventually.

[outin]

Somehow I am very sceptic about skype lesson for a beginner, an advanced player with specific issues it might work. How far would you need to travel to get to a teacher? It takes me about an hour to get to my lesson after work and another hour to get home, but it's certainly worth it.

I bought the alfred adult piano course when I started on my own, but only played 4 or 5 pieces from it because didn't like the music and knew most of the theory already. In general I think it was very clear and easy to read and quite comprehensive for a beginner, nothing really to complain. I then started using the old Michael Aaron books (that's what was what we used when I was a kid) because at least the music was classical, although simple arrangements often. After I started lessons my teacher ditched them too and we started on repertoire and small studies. In the beginning I kept asking for finger exercises, because I felt it was too hard to learn the technique and the pieces at the same time, but she doesn't believe in that I guess so I gave up

[drflash5080]

No the Books are a waste of money.  They have no continuity and basic skills and foundations are better found in learning Bach and have a Good Teacher.  I have three book series and regreats over wasted funds.