Where do you start?

[jemiller8966]

I've been playing piano for 2 years and really looking to start taking playing more seriously. In terms of repertoire where do you think would be a good starting place?

Also ive listened to most of the classics, but anything in particular you would recommend?

[cbreemer]

Bach !

[compline]

Good suggestion breemer!

I can play Menuett G dur  BWV. Anh. 114.
This piece is not difficult.  Perhaps Jemiller is looking for something more challenging, but I don't know what she/he already plays.  2 years as first timer student?  

[michael_sayers]

Good suggestion breemer!

I can play Menuett G dur  BWV. Anh. 114.
This piece is not difficult.  Perhaps Jemiller is looking for something more challenging, but I don't know what she/he already plays.  2 years as first timer student?  

Hi compline,

That J.S. Bach Minuet [which I don't think was actually composed by J.S. Bach] was the first piano piece I learned.  It is amazing how such music can still sound vibrant and fresh after decades of knowing it.

Maybe jemiller8966 can post a recording to give an idea of her or his playing?


Mvh,
Michael

[compline]

Yes Michael , I was about to question who wrote this lovely piece.  Was it by his wife?

[michael_sayers]

Yes Michael , I was about to question who wrote this lovely piece.  Was it by his wife?

I suspect so, though most persons seem to think it is by Christian Petzold.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Petzold_(composer)


Mvh,
Michael

[visitor]

Have always liked this series you are likely out if range if first book so start here

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Intermediate-Grades-Classics-To-Moderns-Vol-37-sheet-music/3594670?d=sem_SFD&popup=false&mkwid=5a0UQ1oP&pcrid=47878898422&gclid=CJSDg-Pw18UCFRQcaQod61kAlw

Then this one ( don't underestimate this here are some fairly hard standards I here but nothing out of reach )

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Early-Advanced-Classics-To-Moderns-Vol-47-sheet-music/3594688?d=sem_SFD&popup=false&mkwid=eIoVFwzI&pcrid=47878898422&gclid=CPSaxZbx18UCFZWHaQoduGAATw

There are others Related In The series  worth checking out too

Also take a look at final book of Michael Aaron course

No 5
https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Aaron-Piano-Course-Lesson/dp/0769214983

[jemiller8966]

Hey- Thanks for the suggestions.

I've played some Bach. Right now working on Minuet in G (slowly), and I've played Prelude in C major.

I'm 32, married, and work full time. So my playing is kind of limited time wise. But i played guitar for 15 years so i do have a musical background

Ill post a video tonight and you can critique or let me know what i should be working on at this stage.

Thank you!

[ewalker1]

Bach - Inventions
Bartók - Mikrokosmos (earlier volumes)
Schumann - Album für die Jugend

[chechig]

There is a composer I remember playing with not very difficult pieces, but with great melodies
A. Tansman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfjGLKfpp2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQKNwICyFk0

[jemiller8966]

Hey Guys- as asked here is a video of me playing Bach.

&feature=youtu.be


Critique appreciated. In a little bit i will also put up Erik Satie Gymnopedia 1 ( and a craft beer I'm drinking)

[cbreemer]

First of all you need to learn to play this in very strict tempo, without any hesitations. The tempo is
totally erratic here, I think mostly because you don't have the piece in the fingers and brain yet
and you visibly are groping for the right notes. But possibly you also need to develop your internal
sense of rhythm. Playing Bach will do that for you. Stick with this piece (or any by Bach) and it will reward you handsomely. Until you completely master it, consider yourself an artisan rather
than a artist. The set of Little Preludes is a great place to start for a beginner. Good luck ! And go easy on the beer ;-) Bach requires precision and focus.

[jemiller8966]

First of all you need to learn to play this in very strict tempo, without any hesitations. The tempo is
totally erratic here, I think mostly because you don't have the piece in the fingers and brain yet
and you visibly are groping for the right notes. But possibly you also need to develop your internal
sense of rhythm. Playing Bach will do that for you. Stick with this piece (or any by Bach) and it will reward you handsomely. Until you completely master it, consider yourself an artisan rather
than a artist. The set of Little Preludes is a great place to start for a beginner. Good luck ! And go easy on the beer ;-) Bach requires precision and focus.

I always feel like when I play it that I'm screwing up the Tempo. Do you have a video of how its supposed to be played, so I can use it as a guide?

Thanks for the critique

[cbreemer]

You don't need a video for that ! Just download a metronome app on your smartphone. Playing with
the metronome is tedious and frustrating but it needs to be done.

[jemiller8966]

You don't need a video for that ! Just download a metronome app on your smartphone. Playing with
the metronome is tedious and frustrating but it needs to be done.

No i know i don't need a video for the metronome. I just downloaded the app. I was just wondering if you had a video of Prelude in C major, which i could use as a reference.

Either way next video i post ill put it in the correct forum..

Thank You

[cbreemer]

You just need to Google " bach 939 tutorial"  and voila :

Not the ultimate in Bach playing but decent enough and a good start for a beginner.