In person Versus Internet-based Lessons

[geoffgordon]

Hi, I am brand new to the site/forum and to piano, and frankly, given all of the information available here I'm a little overwhelmed, by the kind of topics and questions being asked I am left wondering if there are any real "beginners' here like me.

That said, here is my question:  As a newbie to piano (and BTW I haven't played an instrument since high school - and that was 40 years ago).  Because of my work and travel schedule I am a bit reluctant to make a commitment to a piano teacher and attend lessons in their home or a music store, right now I'm not sure I want the obligation of having to potentially re-schedule - doesn't seem fair to them.  My goal is to start by simply enjoying the piano and enjoy learning about it, including how to play - while having fun with it - I'm not in a rush.  I am trying to decide if:

1) I go out to someone's house or a local music store on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for beginner lessons;

2) I subscribe to lessons that are available over the Internet (I have seen and reviewed a few, the one that seems to come most highly recommended is "Piano For All".  If I take that course over the Internet I have also thought about supplementing it with an online course on Music Theory, one that appears to be well reviewed is called "Learn music theory fast"

3) I start with an Internet-based course(s) and then at some time in the future, e.g., 6 - 12 months, I then blend the Internet courses with a live teacher.

Given the level of expertise on this website and forum it sounds like there is an answer out there somewhere.  Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations about how to proceed?  My apologies if the questions are extremely basic but as I said I am just getting started.  Any insight is appreciated.

Kind Regards/Geoff

[faulty_damper]

As a former piano teacher, the adults who have gotten back into piano tend to be the most flaky.  They lack a lot of confidence because they feel like they should be a lot better than they are.  They also have minimal aspirations because they don't want to fail if they don't meet them.  As such, taking lessons is a huge step and they don't want the pressure of a teacher and a regular lesson schedule.

If you're going to take lessons in person with a teacher, make it clear that you want to start simply and that you are prepared to start from the very beginning.  Also make it clear that you don't want any excess pressure.

Do you have any piece of music that you want to play?  Why do you want to play the piano?

[keypeg]

You want to get a proper physical set-up and guidance first.  That part is the least possible on-line.