Ok, so...

I had my first lesson on Thursday night and it went as well as can be expected. We started off with an explanation about the keys and how middle c separates the treble from the base clef and how right and left hands are used for each.

Then we went on to talk about the different sorts of notes, semibreve, minim, crotchet and semi-crotchet and how many notes they are all worth, and then we talked about rhythm and time signature, as a result of which much clapping ensued!!

Then we played the c major scale and discussed the rhythm of a couple of pop songs.

My teacher is lovely. I posted before about how I was worried about her being a sort-of-friend but if anything we seem to be getting on better because of it. So that is very cool.

I found most of it came reasonably easily, especially the c major scale which I can handle pretty well after practice. Rhythm on the other hand I'm having troubles with. I know the top number of the time signature indicates how many beats, and the bottom number indicates which note gets the beat but saying it and understanding it on a practical level are certainly two very different things.

I remember beginning to learn guitar and I didn't understand rhythm then, which was a major part me giving it up. But I'm certainly a lot more dedicated to the piano so I'm just going to plod on until i've cracked it. I'm looking around the internet and browsing a few online lessons which are helping some.

Looking forward to the next lesson though and i'll definitely mention that it's rhythm and time signature that's my weak spot at the mo.

That's all for now...wish me luck

Don't worry about rhythm and time signatures; it'll be something you'll be controlling soon. Try to hear as much music as possible, work on note identification and on rhythm exercises. The left hand will be no problem after some time. You have to be patient and, most important; you must have a positive attitude always, and a great desire to learn.
By the way, I don't know if you've already been told, but you should know that studying Piano is really addictive, I mean... very, very, very addictive. And there’s no chance to avoid this: you’ll see the world a different way.

Enjoy!

Sounds like you're off to a great start, JustForNow! I agree with Alvaro; don't be too hard on yourself. I really think the first 3 months of piano are the hardest, and once you get the music notation down and basics like hand independence and pedalling, it's all (fairly) smooth sailing from there. Just don't let yourself get too frustrated early on.

actually, you can learn those notation stuff on your own (from any music notation/theory book), and save the lesson time for playing techniques. you can always ask your teacher any notation questions if you don't understand. it's better to pay a teacher for some more important stuff.

The site listed below will help you learn your notes.

http://www.emusictheory.com/drillPianoKeyFinder.html