Not sure where to start

[tripledavid]

I am a 20 year old college student who is looking to get back into playing piano. I played for 3 or 4 years back when I was in elementary school, but I never really enjoyed playing the "kids" music, so I ended up dropping it. Nowadays I am very involved in the music program in my school (I sing in a 3 of our choirs) and I have been listening to jazz music more frequently, and I am regretting giving up my lessons back then.

One of the most frustrating things for me is the fact that I can't seem to find music that I enjoy that fits my ability. I can read music pretty well, but my hands obviously don't really remember how to do it anymore. Any suggestions for music that would help me get back into the swing of things would be great!

Thanks for your help in advance!

[schwartzer]

What kind of music do you like?

Modern-pop, jazz, romantic, baroque?

[stevenarmstrong]

If you're looking for jazz, Oscar Peterson has a book, I forget the title, but it's for students. Jazz etudes or something...All the pieces are 1-2 pages and most are really cool. Very approachable. Try also searching Kerin Bailey and Christopher Norton - they both write very approachable jazz.

Classical...try Burgmuller Op. 100, Kabalevsky, opp 27 & 29, Prokofiev Op. 65, Gretchaninov Opp. 98 & 115, Berens Op. 70 (good way to get back into it), Schumann opp. 15 & 68.
Although some have the title "Children's Music" I can assure you, not much of them sounds childish except of course, maybe the first few pieces in them. But Burgmuller Op. 100 and Kabalevsky's works are ideal.

Hope that helps :-)

[gregh]

I'm kind of thinking of Alfred's book. I wouldn't say the music is childish so much as simple. It has to be. But as you go through it, here and there will be a note on the bottom of the page like "You are ready for..." Alfred's country book, or jazz book, or etc.

I haven't explored any of those. I imagine they will also have simplified tunes of that style, but lead you into playing "real stuff".