Absolute beginner looking for any kind of help

[durix]

Hi guys!

Where should I start? I'm 18 years old and have never played any instrument before. Though I've always felt a big attraction towards playing piano, I've never got myself around to it. That being said, I told myself: "To hell with that." and bought a digital keyboard (cheap Casio with 66 keys). Bear in mind that I don't have any musical experience whatsoever and that's why I think it will do just fine. My aim is to be just mediocre at best. I'm well aware that the probability to get myself into higher tiers is pretty much none - the chances of me playing Chopin are probably as low as me winning the lottery. All I'm looking for is the pure enjoyment of playing the instrument. I'd like to be able to play some of my favorite songs, that's all. I don't want to excel at it, just to be competent. I'm a huge fan of jazz and that's the genre I'd like to focus on if I get any better in upcoming years.

The problem is that I don't really know where to start. I can't read musical sheets, well I'm practically lacking the experience necessary in almost every musical aspect. All I have is a good ear, strong will and solid dedication to learn.
I'd get myself a teacher but it's not that easy in the place that I live in.
The point is, I'm in the strong need of your guidance. Any kind of help is much appreciated! If you have a book, series of videos or perhaps even a website that'd get me on the track, I'd be much grateful!

[adodd81802]

Even for a mediocre pianist, Chopin's Cantible is playable for a beginner as is a couple of his preludes. Such pessimistic attitude will always set you up for failure no matter what level of piano playing you are trying to attain so your first piece of advice is be realistic, not pessimistic and do your full research before setting your goals in stone.

The first step ideally as an adult beginner is reading music most definitely. If you own a smart phone or device, this can be easily done and in combination with simple pieces such as twinkle twinkle you can start putting 2+2 together to get your answer.

You obviously have access to the internet, google is your friend for the most part if a piano teacher isn't an option.

There is a difference between advice and teaching and so you can't be walked the entire way on a piano forum you have to take some initiative to self learn, methodically, have goals in mind and work hard.

https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/2014/04/11/how-to-read-sheet-music/

First website saying how to read sheet music, I'd say rather than try and digest it all in one go, break it down and find some simple pieces that you can identify with the instructions, mary had a little lamb, a-b-c-d song, happy birthday, there are VAST amounts of free music available online.

If you have no interest on anything other than hobby playing, you can throw a large amount of theory out, and by that I don't mean ignore it but I mean you don't have to memorize the relative minor of a G major scale (G major scale - what's that?!), but you have to be aware it exists and know the concept at the very least of music theory which will greatly aid your playing and reading of music.

There are 100's of books, studies and exercises that can increase your piano playing, however the problem is that because there are so many, they can differ greatly, without a teacher assessing your needs you are unlikely to find any text or writing that will answer 100% all your questions and in some cases wrong interpretation can causes detrimental affects.

For an adult learner with NO experience what soever on an instrument, be warned, you're going to struggle, but it's by no means impossible. getting your brain to understand the concept of hands together will be the major step in your progression.

Good luck!

[dcstudio]

If you have no interest on anything other than hobby playing, you can throw a large amount of theory out, and by that I don't mean ignore it but I mean you don't have to memorize the relative minor of a G major scale (G major scale - what's that?!), but you have to be aware it exists and know the concept at the very least of music theory which will greatly aid your playing and reading of music.

oh now addod... you did NOT just say that when you know I am lurking about today and that I love my theory. lol



actually when it comes to adult beginners I am always very curious to know what exactly has inspired them to learn the piano. 

to the OP: Is there a reason why are you interested in this now?  do you have a musical family?  when did you first think you might someday want to play the piano?  who was the person who first introduced you to the piano?

Is there a specific piece of music you have always wanted to play?  Have you ever seen a live piano concert?  who is your favorite pianist?

have you recently had a major life event... lose someone? or maybe just changed directions?

[ffchopinist]

Hi Durix! Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of piano! You're never too old to start... in fact, you're still quite young!  I have a former boss who started piano in his 50s, and he's actually been able to progress far enough along after some years to play some Chopin.  Don't let any mental hurdles get in the way of your enjoyment and of learning... if you work hard and dedicate yourself to it, you'll definitely get to where you want to be or beyond - I have no doubt about it. 

I'm a classical player myself and don't really have any experience with jazz, but I'll try and give some general pointers.  Learning to read music is definitely a good first step.  Even if jazz has a lot of improv, you'll still need to learn to read basic scores.  Also, it's important that you learn proper technique if you can (curved fingers, without tension in forearms or hands, using active fingertips, good placement, etc.), so that you don't injure yourself when attempting much more challenging pieces later on.  This is where starting with classical training really helps even if your aim is to play something else, like jazz or pop.  I don't have a specific series of videos to recommend, but I'm sure there are a bunch of great ones on YouTube. You may be able to find some teachers willing to do lessons over video conference, Skype, Facetime, etc. for a reduced cost if there are no teachers in your area.  That could be a creative way to get around the issue of not having a physical teacher where you live!

[outin]

Just try to find yourseld a teacher and you will see that a lot of things are possible if you are willing to invest some time and brain work. If you start with a teacher you will realize much faster why playing the piano isn't as easy as it may look and don't have to learn the hard way. At the same time a good teacher will help you resolve the issues that may stop you from reaching your goals.

Important resources for an adult beginner:
- A teacher to teach efficient and healthy technique and give feedback
- Regular practice, even if it's just 20-30 minutes a day
- Reasonable repertoire to practice, something that is motivating but not technically too demanding
- A mind that is always thinking and reflecting while practicing (not just mindlessly trying to train the fingers)
- Curiosity and willingness to research repertoire and theory yourself

If you have those, I'd say you'll be playing Chopin in no time, if that's what you want 

[adodd81802]

oh now addod... you did NOT just say that when you know I am lurking about today and that I love my theory. lol



actually when it comes to adult beginners I am always very curious to know what exactly has inspired them to learn the piano. 

to the OP: Is there a reason why are you interested in this now?  do you have a musical family?  when did you first think you might someday want to play the piano?  who was the person who first introduced you to the piano?

Is there a specific piece of music you have always wanted to play?  Have you ever seen a live piano concert?  who is your favorite pianist?

have you recently had a major life event... lose someone? or maybe just changed directions?

Lol DC. i'll keep an eye out for when you're active before sneaking in comments like this.

Hoepfully you'll understand my point, I certainly wasn't advocating the knowledge of piano theory, but the level of depth for someone that gave the impression they wouldn't be taking the piano too seriously is not as much as someone that aims to make a career from the skill.

[CC]

The books I recommend are: Humphries,The Piano Handbook; Neely’s “How to Play from a Fake Book”, and “How to play the piano despite years of lessons” by Cannel and Marx.

If you have time, read my free book (3rd edition) in my web link below.

[plink]

I am a rank beginner too. Although 63, not 22! I started piano six weeks ago on a small keyboard a friend gave me—two weeks ago I bought a mid-range electric piano. I average about 4 hours a day on the piano. My previous music experience consists of having taught myself recorder after high school and then flute in college (with one semester of lessons).

I am working with a number of books.

Alfred’s All in one course – still working through book 1. I dislike a number of their tunes, or the key they are written in or the way they are written, although at this point I have started changing some of the ones I don’t like to something I do like.

I do some Hanon exercises and some from Czerny, Bartok, and Kohler’ beginner books. I also have a book on scales, arpeggios, and cadences and am working my way through the scales for the different keys. BTW, library sales are a great place to look for music, and there is a ton of piano music out there. Check out estate sales too. Also, some used bookstores carry sheet music and music books.

I have started on Carl Humphries’ book. The CD is very useful.

I also have Kenneth Baker’s Complete Piano Player. I love this one, it has lots of great tunes, popular and classical (simplified or theme for some more complex pieces). At this point, I can play Wooden Heart (a German song popularized by Elvis Presley), a short (2 pages) simplified version of Liszt’s Libestraum 3, and am working on Mockin’ Bird Hill. For any beginner who wants to have a sense of accomplishment (and who doesn’t?), this one is great.

I also am taking Robin Hill’s online course, Pianoforall. His approach is via chords and rhythm. He teaches all the chords and nine rhythms. His printouts include fake sheets, so you get a good workout on and understanding of chords. When you first go on the site (hosted by Udemy), you will be offered a discount. I got the course for about $60 US. He has put it together very well.

On technique, Alan Fraser’s (he applies principals of Feldenkrais and Tai Chi) book (though his videos are more accessible—I would buy his dvd rather than the book); Niel Stannard’s videos (haven’t picked up his book yet), and The Art of Piano Fingering: Traditional, Advanced, and Innovative. Which I have started.

I do read other books about music: The Everything Music Theory book; The Piano Shop on the Left Bank; Piano Lessons: Music, Love, and True Adventures; Playing the Piano for Pleasure; On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression. Also bought David Hicken’s book Secrets to Better Piano Playing, which is an e-book. He has a lot of good information all the way around.

There are tons of free videos out there.

I am having a lot of fun with it. I just keep chipping away at it and continue to make progress.

[keypeg]

Now it's a matter of hearing back from Durix.