Do I need to go the traditional route? Improv Related.

[trosa]

What would you guys suggest if one's goal is more improvisation and composing melodies, rather than learning to play other peoples music. 

I want to become proficient with all of the scales, progressions, etc..

What route do you suggest I take? 

I was taking piano lessons for a few months and just felt like it wasn't taking me towards my goal of being able to find my own melodies and sounds proficiently.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

[bronnestam]

I reply from the POV of a fiction writer, not really a pianist (because I am not a skilled nor very experienced piano player).

The best, and ONLY way to become a fluent writer is to read a lot. Period. First, you have to know what's already out there. Second, you have to study other writer's tricks, mistakes and skills.

I guess the same goes for composing. You have to play a lot from other composers' work in order to make your own compositions.
"Good composers borrow. Great composers steal." /T.S. Eliot

[cjp_piano]

You need to find a teacher who specializes in improvisation as well as other skills. Too bad you're not near me, I teach it all!

[soitainly]

 Yeah, like others said, listen to a lot of music. Some people seem to have a knack for improvising and composing, but most of us have to work hard at it. I think a key element that may be missing is learning to play by ear. That doesn't say you shouldn't read music or learn theory, all of that is important too. I think being able to hear and absorb music of all types is crucial to being able to start creating your own.

[ajspiano]

Play other peoples music. Do so not only by reading, but also by listening.

When you do, consider a process of learning that follows 3 basic principles, and do them from a compositional/improvisational perspective.

Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate. (not my words - courtesy of Clark Terry, jazz trumpeter)