Piano Forum

Topic: What are the steps in learning to play the piano?  (Read 1170 times)

Offline duckiestplains6

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What are the steps in learning to play the piano?
on: August 13, 2014, 04:07:19 PM
(Please bear with me in this long description of importance :P)

Ok, first thing off, I can't get a piano instructor, so don't be compelled to tell me to get one when I can't get one :p  So now I wanna teach myself how to play, but the thing is I dont really know the order in which I should learn all the things. As of now, I did learn which letter goes with which key, so after that, I just learned how to do the C Major scale, (with both hands together), now Im thinking I should just learn the rest of the 12 major scales or some of them, because I heard doing scales can get your hands to work together and using the right finger for that certain key.

After doing some of the major scales, Id probably start learning how to read sheet music, cause I guess you gotta learn to read to play. So do you think this is all ill need to learn to play piano, or are there more things I should learn and in what order? (I am sure there are more things i need to learn).

Btw I am 17, and the thing I am really interested in playing on the piano are soundtracks from video games and movies. So Im not really interested in classical music, just soundtracks, so I dont know if theres a difference in steps to learn piano with knowing I just wanna play soundtracks, but now, to give a realistic idea of what kind of level I want to be playing at on the piano... and what I wish to learn... here are the links...



AND..



So is it possible to teach myself to learn at this level, and to play those songs? (Without a piano instructor)

And I know this isnt a thing where I can get done in a week, I know it takes a lot of time and practice, to play the piano, and I am up for the challenge, especially with teaching yourself, but one more question... just, how long do you think It will take to learn that level of piano playing? (The two links I showed above). I just want to know in practical terms what Im up against, and how much I would have to actually put in, to reach that level.

So please help me in anyway whatsoever with the steps I should learn piano, and if the steps I told you up above (just learning scales then reading piano sheets) is a good idea, and also if Im able to play at the level of the two links above (without a piano instructor). And how long of a estimate it may take.

So thanks for bearing with me, and all answers are much appreciated. Thanks.

Offline hmrichter

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Re: What are the steps in learning to play the piano?
Reply #1 on: August 13, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Well good on you for learning what you have. Honestly, before you learn the rest of the major scales you should learn how to read music. That's just a life skill honestly (you're looked at better if you can read music vs someone who can't), and it's the basis for learning to play.
Since you can't get an instructor, whenever you have a problem in anything you should post here so we can help out with it before it becomes a bad habit.
Based on the style of music you want to play, go to ninsheetm.us . They have almost every piece of music in any nintendo game, and it's totally free (just print it via .pdf).
Yes, learning your scales is a good idea for those reason you listed above, and it helps you think in keys, which can help when composing (if you choose to do so).
Even though you said you aren't particularly interested in classical, pick up a piece or two every once in a while. It helps give your technique a little boost.
Also, even though you may not have access to an instructor at this moment in time, keep on the lookout for one. You can email me (harrisonrichter01@gmail.com) if you have any further questions.
WIP:
Bach WTC Fugue 2
Chopin 17/4
          32/1
          70/2
"There are two things that are infinite- human stupidity and the universe, and I'm not sure about the universe." -Albert Einstein
 

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