Hi, I've teach my self to play piano. I've learned on a keyboard, reading music, etc, and as a result, of course, I got some bad habits like my fingering. I see videos people playing the piano and their fingers play the piano smootly, nice and relaxed, elegant and professional. Well when I see my self playing, I tend to keep my fingers all crooked and bend towards my hands, and it looks like I am typing instead of playing. What can I do. Should I keep it that way as long as works in my playing or should I correct it now.
I would apreciate any advice. Thanks

Carlos

did you ever complete a method or instruction book on piano playing? if not, you should get a book like that. among the very first thing a good piano instruction book, it is the hand position and correct shapping of hands over keyboard. you may also check some lesson videos at youtube.com to see how a hand should be positioned and shaped when playing.

it's far more important than you can imagine, because a lot of basic skills can be developed from a good hand position, or else you would either develop bad techniques or habits or have a lot troubles later on.

however, i'd give you some ideas on such basics, pulling from my mind right now (which taken as an exercise):
- as you put your one hand on your keyboard surface (without pressing keys), your hand should have a natural curve (not flat), i.e. it should have a shape of your hand when you're in sleep.
- now, maintain such a shape but with only your finger tips(or flesh pad of tips) touching keys (with each finger on 1 key).
- after you've done above, now start pressing key one by one in order of 1,2,3,4,5,4,3,2,1 (thumb=1) in succesion. while you're pressing a key with one finger, try to keep other fingers over the key surface as before without either pressing keys or lifting from the key surface while maintaining the shape of your hand.

do above with either hand, which is a starting point for a good playing basics.

Thanks, I understand, actually you explained it very well. I will try it right now.

This is an excellent book for learning finger and hand motions that comprise good technique. It's expensive but you may find it in your local library.

This may cover the same topics, at a more affordable price.