..im new to the site so i thought id introduce myself. Im 26 and i live in England with my husband and 2 children.

My husband has just got back from a 6mth tour in Afghanistan, so i felt it was time for me to have a hobby, now i have time!

Ive had an old piano in my garage for 2 years (i got it free from the country pub i used to work in) And i have just, in the last 3 weeks, got it out and started to teach myself to play.

So far its going quite well, im doing a bit eveey night and i feel ive learnt loads already.

My question is, do you think i will evetually need lessons? Im noy sure how it works, or do i just wiat until i reach a stumbling block??? :rolleyes:

Thank you

Hello
My teacher has made me progress a lot faster, and what is even more important, a lot better. I don't know if that's just for me, but choosing a teacher was the best decision I could make!

Thank you.

I must admit, i was thinking ust trying the one out in my area and seeing how it goes. I suppose it doesnt hurt to have gotten a bit of background knowledge first

Hi *Twinkle*,

I'm glad your husband got home safe and sound.

In tems of whether or not to seek out a piano teacher, in my view, it depends on your particular goals and objectives. The teacher is probably the fastest and most accurate way to go, especially if you want to read music or play classical music; but if you have any musical background or a natural ability to understand the mathamatics of music and the keyboard, you can teach yourself.

You can learn scales and cord progressions on your on from online sources and books.

Learning to play the piano is fun and entertaining, whether you are self taught or have a teacher.

I'll bet the old upright piano you got from the pub sounds good!

Best regards,

Rickster

Hi Twinkle - what a nice cheerful name. You'll have to be the one to decide if you need to go further than you can get yourself on your own. You'll certainly find all the support you could want here though. Thanks for joining us!

No, you guessed it! Its quite out of tune at the lower end. Im just starting to 'put 2 hands together' so to speak, and it sounds horrible! (nothing to do with my playing im sure! It being tuned in July, as it needs to 'adjust' to the new temparture and postion etc.

So im hoping it will sound a bit better!

Im the sort of person who wants to be able to do everything, and excell at it to boot! Ive got a long and neverending road ahead, but im addicted!

Im glad i found you guys

it's great to hear you return to piano. you can teach yourself of course, but if you want to progress quicker and be able to play some serious pieces, then it's a good idea to find a teacher. depending on what your primary interest in piano (classical music or pop or jazz or accompaniment or whatever), you want to find a teacher focusing or specializing on the interested area so that you can learn as much as you need from the teacher.

if you're just a beginner, taking a half-hour lesson every week would be enough. as you advance more, you might want to have a 45-minute lesson or 1 hour lesson every week or every 2 weeks. teachers will tell you how much they'd charge for various length's lessons, and how they expect you to pay for that (after each lesson or monthly payment etc.). the important things about getting a good teacher are basically 2 things: (1) if the teacher has good qualification (music/piano performance degree); and (2) whether the teacher can teach adults. ask the potential teachers questions before committing to lessons.

good luck!

Welcome to the forums!

It's definitely a good idea getting the old piano tuned, and also a good idea to let it settle into its new location first.

As far as teachers are concerned, it very much depends on you as an individual and what your objectives are. Many of us here are self-taught. There are a lot of resources available on the internet -- books, music files, sheet music, videos and even on-line courses.

Even with a teacher, you are still the one steering your ship. The teacher provides some direction once a week. If you can get your direction from other sources, then you don't need a formal teacher.

Enjoy your journey, whatever direction it takes you

Welcome to the forum, twinkle! Yes, piano can be very addicting indeed. I agree with everything everybody has said so far, and would just add this: Don't be too frustrated or impatient at first. The first couple of months of piano are the hardest, and it can be frustrating to play only easy beginner stuff when you want to be playing polished pieces. But that day will come sooner than you realize if you keep practicing consistently.

Welcome Twinkle. Glad you husband came home safe and sound.

I tried teaching myself and for a while was doing pretty well. Problem was,that often I would select pieces that were beyond my technical abilities, and would get frustrated.

Also I lacked ability to really judge whether I was doing things correctly or not. Sounded good to me but not to anyone who knew anything about how a piece should sound.

Finally I got a teacher, and it has made all the difference in my playing.

My suggestion is that you try it on your own for a while, then decided whether or not you need a teacher. Also, a lot depends on what kind of music you are trying to learn. If you want to deleve into the realm of Classical music you will want the guidance of a teacher. If your preference is for non-classical, you can progress quite nicely on your own. Gaby Tu

Thank you for your replies

I woul;d like to go down the clasical route, as when i hear some pieces being played by accomplished musicians it makes my eyes well up! I want to do that!

I think i will plod along as i am, and you are right, i am getting the odd frustrating moment, but i walk away for a few minutes then i come back and find it coming together again! It feels great.

I cant wait to have it tuned!

Welcome *Twinkle*, I like your screen name, magical and inspirational! your goal is totally within your reach. Enjoy making music.

Welcome to the forums, *Twinkle*!

Do you have any favourite classical pieces that you would like to learn?

Glad to hear your husband has returned safe!