Heres the lowdown: I'm 16, found myself a job and am working pretty much full time, have wanted to learn the piano for nearly 2 years now, and will be buying an 88 key 300-400 pound keyboard in due time with my money! But just in case, I decided it'd be wise to get a few lessons first and really see if I want to continue (I think I most likely will!).

I'm in the middle of arranging my first lesson with a teacher. And I'd just like to know what I can expect to happen on the first lesson? More like an interview, finding more out about what I like?

Also, if she asks what type of style I am into, I'm not too quite what to say. It all started off years ago when I enjoyed just playing keyboard on and off at school (regardless of WHAT I was playing), then when I hit college I never touched a piano (well, still haven't to this day). I also started listening to these songs a lot (These are my favourite solo's):
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=n9_pP37RAJk
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t9mg5AQqEKA
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eR-DAQgqy68
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=od34wBo7FzA
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9f4U_14YiU8

Can anyone tell me what the general style of music this is?

Also, I don't expect to be good within months of learning. I'd just like to ask, what is the learning curve of becoming decent at the keyboard/piano?
I know I'm going to be practicing every day, and lessons once a week and possibly help from a Grade 7 childhood friend I have near me.

Very excited and can't wait =]. Seems more satisfying, as I've paid for all of this myself!

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum, Lavace, and welcome to the wonderful world of piano!

The music on the Youtubes were from anime cartoons and video games. I guess I would call it "anime music" myself. I think there's a lot of really creative and pretty compositions coming out of that genre.

Search the archives here and in the nonclassical forum for "anime music" and you'll find some links to other video clips and sheet music sites.

The sharpness of the learning curve depends largely on how much and how efficiently you are able to practice.

When you meet with the teacher, the important thing is to ask about the teacher's studio policies and teaching approach. If you want to play mainly one particular style of music, you need to let the teacher know that and see whether he/she will be flexible and work with your interests. It is also a good idea to ask how many adult students the teacher has.

Good luck, and let us know how your first lesson went.

And here's another welcome. Well done on the new job too

Seems you will at least for a while be practising on a keyboard. You might also check with your teacher on her policy about that -- some teachers may be picky. And you will find it a little difficult at first making the transition from keyboard to piano, if that is all she has at her studio.

Lavace welcome, on your first lesson your teacher will put you behind the keys just to see how you do. (No worries about that they don't expect much ) What I was wondering as you don't have a (digital) piano yet.. do you have a keyboard as bruceee mentioned? Because if you don't have any means to practice at home taking lessons can be difficult. You need more time behind a keyboard and preferably on your own without a teacher watching to get started.

About the learning curve that depends on your goals/commitment. My experience is that within a year you can play a descent song that you like, and learn many more that you like (although learning a new song takes time). Things like true sight-reading and more advanced music will take longer.