I'm new here, and so glad I found this forum. I have posted a few times, so I thought that along with a funny story, I could also introduce myself to all of you wonderful people!

I took lessons when I was younger (I gew up in the 50s), accompanied music groups at school, soloists, even took voice lessons, but then (what I see as a common thread here), didn't play again until about 7 years ago. I started lessons again last September at the community music school at Northwestern University (Evanston) and it's the best thing I've done for both me and my daughters (twins, age 14). I always wanted to be part of an ensemble, and managed to find a woman who plays violin, is taking lessons at the local music school from a friend, who also played violin when she was younger, stopped, then began again (she's about my age) and she and I practice together on Saturdays, and life is wonderful ! (Chamber music performance is one of my goals ) Anyway, I wanted to play a piano duet with my teacher for the next recital, so I found an arrangement for 4 hands of Melody in F by Rubinstein, and took it to my lesson last night. I'm an OK sight reader (a carryover from my youth I guess), so Katy and I began playing Melody, and I was playing primo since I thought it looked easier than secondo. Hah! About halfway through, my brain disconnected and I started playing the left hand as though the notes had been written on a bass clef instead of treble clef, and completely lost my orientation. I am still this morning just amazed how that happened, and figured out I'm probably not the only person who has ever experienced that. Anyway, just wanted to share my funny story. I'll have more, I'm sure. And also, this site is a wealth of information - I have so much to learn!! Thanks.

Welcome to the forum, RhondaLynne! I'm in awe of anybody who is even willing to TRY to sight-read a duet! (Whenever I sight-read anything, there are painfully long pauses as I attempt to find the right position on the keys. I can't imagine being able to keep on pace with somebody else.)

I agree with you... piano is the best thing I've done for myself in years.

welcome! it must be great to have someone to play duet with regularly. i had tried to play a duet with a friend, either she messed up or i did along the way...

Welcome to Piano World, Rhonda Lynne!


I understand what happened to you because that has happened to me too when I've played duets. They are fun though, and when done properly are very beautiful.

John

Thank you everyone for the welcome. Many of the posts I've read are inspiring and informative and some make me laugh or cry, and I look forward to contributing, too.

BTW, do I have to memorize my music to be in the recitals?

That's the beauty of the on-line recital, RhondaLynne: just about anything goes. We have it on good authority that mr_super-hunky records HIS pieces while wearing his speedo.

Hi RhondaLynne--

Welcome to the forum! I understand getting disoriented, and often it is when I have too many things to concentrate on. I love to play duets with my teacher, but I have to practice my part very well in order to be a reasonable partner with her. However, I occasionally sight read pieces with my children (I have triplet boys, age 11, who are finishing their 4th year of lessons), and even easy pieces cause that weird problem with playing notes as if they're written on the other clef. I really think it's part of mental overload. If nothing else is going on, I don't have a problem. If the piece is a bit challenging or I am listening out for something else going on in the house, I can't keep it straight.

Monica, you've now put a picture in my mental gallery that will be part of the permanent collection!

Nancy

Welcome RhondaLynne!

Welcome to the forum. It is good to know there are a lot of beginners like myself. I seem to do better playing by ear than sight reading, though I had 12 years of violin lessons and one year of cello as well as playing guitar for 17 years. But I found the ultimate joy in music is the joy of playing the piano, especially duets! I started to learn on a Knabe piano. I love the sound of it! Best wishes! Hope you experience the joy of playing the piano!

-Mark