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Beginner piano

Discussion in 'Music Ministry' started by Sopranette, Sep 13, 2007.

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  1. Sopranette

    Sopranette New Member

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    Yes, I know I have posted this question before, but I forget the answer. Sorry! So, what is the fastest way to learn piano when I can't even read music. I've got this beautiful, newly refurbished (by me) piano just looking at me with the expression, "Well"? (Some may know the story behind that piano!) And no way to play it! So now it's time for me to introduce myself to this instrument. And I want to learn fast! Can anyone recommend a good praise/worship book, to learn from, or anything really?

    love,

    Sopranette
    I've already gotten compliments on my beautiful piano, and the kids can't keep their hands off! And can anyone suggest ways to "unstick" some keys? Some of the wood keys swelled up at one time. Sandpaper helped most, but there are a handful that still stick. Thanks!
     
    #1 Sopranette, Sep 13, 2007
  2. ccrobinson

    ccrobinson Active Member

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    A quote from one of my favorite movies is apt.

    "The only way to get there is to get there."

    Unless you have the natural ability to play without reading music, and many do, there isn't really a fast way to learn how to play the piano. I think you should find a teacher that can help you with reading music and learning proper technique, but, failing that, getting a couple of beginner books will help you do these things also.

    Have you had the piano tuned? A good tuner should be able to a) get them unstuck, or b) tell you why they can't be.
     
    #2 ccrobinson, Sep 13, 2007
  3. Joshua Rhodes

    Joshua Rhodes <img src=/jrhodes.jpg>

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    Try the Michael Aaron Piano Book Series... obviously starting at Level One. It should teach you to read as well as play quickly. As with anything else, you'll advance in proportion to the practice and amount of time you spend working. Natural ability only gets you so far.
     
    #3 Joshua Rhodes, Sep 13, 2007
  4. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    A series we like is the Bastien Piano books. My girls used them and did well.
     
    #4 annsni, Sep 13, 2007
  5. TaterTot

    TaterTot Guest

    Get a tuner and a teacher. You will probably enjoy the weekly interaction and the self teaching methods cant help you correct your mistakes or show you correct technique. As with anything worthwhile, it takes lots and lots of time (and tears) and patience.

    PS, how did you refurbish it yourself with out a tuner and fixing the stuck keys lol
     
    #5 TaterTot, Sep 13, 2007
  6. Sopranette

    Sopranette New Member

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    Thanks! I'll look into both these methods. I can't afford lessons right now, or a tuner just yet. Waiting for tax refund time...By refurbishing I mean I painted it. It was in deperate need of some loving care, that's for sure. I used very small brushes to cover every inch. After I add a design, I'll give it a coat of varnish, too. Most of the keys are fine, after a little rub of sandpaper between them, but a couple of them stick still. I've been trying to find a way to get underneath them, because they seem to be sticking at the bottom somehow.

    love,

    Sopranette
     
    #6 Sopranette, Sep 14, 2007
  7. Sopranette

    Sopranette New Member

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    Well, I've managed to free up all the stuck keys. Now it's just a matter of design, tuning, and varnish. Oh, yeah...and actually learning to play it, too!

    love,

    Sopranette
     
    #7 Sopranette, Sep 19, 2007
  8. pops

    pops New Member

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    Hello:
    You must get it tuned - It should cost $100 or so but you cant learn to play if you don't know the correct sounds!
    If you look online for 'free piano lessons' you will find a bunch of responses but in reality are not free! The WEB page I reference below is actually FREE he does have things for sale but you can go a long way on the free ones.
    http://www.mypianoworld.com/
    Now you have to make up your mind to learn and that means practice. In my opinion (I have not yet followed this) is pick a time of day when you can devote at least 15 minutes without a interruption a get going. Later work up to at least 30 minutes per day.
    You can do it! - No more excuses now
    You can send me questions or post them here but I wont be able to respond for about five days.
     
    #8 pops, Sep 27, 2007
  9. Sopranette

    Sopranette New Member

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    Thanks, Pops! I have learned to play "Ode To Joy"! Hee, hee! It's a start, but everyone starts somewhere, right? It's starting to look really glorious, paint wise, anyway. I practice more than 15 minutues a day, and sing along, too! The improv stuff I try is fun, too, and the kids like playing around with it, also. One day my voice will go, and I don't like the choir stuff, anyway, so this is my way to enjoy the songs I like without having to settle for the contemorary christian stuff the choir learns!

    love,

    Sopranette
     
    #9 Sopranette, Sep 27, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 27, 2007
  10. Mike McK

    Mike McK New Member

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    If you just want to jump in and start playing, check this guy out:

    http://www.scottthepianoguy.com/

    He has a show on PBS called "The Piano Guy" and he makes basic chords and left hand exercises so easy that my brother in law, who can't carry a tune in a bucket, saw the show twice and was already playing basic tunes.

    I like that he takes the time to demystify the piano for those who may be intimidated by it.
     
    #10 Mike McK, Sep 27, 2007
  11. pops

    pops New Member

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    piano

    Sopranette:
    Way to go!! - Remember learn your scale and first four chords - No fair looking at keys!!
     
    #11 pops, Oct 1, 2007
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