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Hello all. I am 33 and my name is Michael and I have been trying to learn to play the piano on and off since about September. I am in the US. I tried lessons when I was 12ish and after a year and two teachers all I could was play the "C" scale. That was my homework every night. I am trying hard to pick this stuff up, but find it difficult finding a way of learning that keeps my interest. I look forward to learning and playing for self enjoyment.

I have tried Piano For All. I couldn't understand the practice songs. So I tried Alfred's, I was bored to tears with those songs. I have learned more just picking up sheet music and trying to play stuff. Does anyone have any suggestions? I do ok with Chords and scales, and given time, I can play "intermediate" songs.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum, BigIron.

I think it's critical to be trying to learn material that you find interesting and want to play. If all I was assigned for a whole year was the C major scale, I'd be chopping my piano into firewood!

This holds true for learning the piano as an adult. My advice would be to try to find a teacher who specializes in teaching adults and who will be willing to work with you on the kind of music you want to learn. You say that you do better picking up sheet music than working with a formal method series. That's okay, but you're probably going to learn better if you have a teacher helping you with technique on those things. The advantage of the method series is that it introduces you to new concepts in a logical order. It may be a little more frustrating to work solely from sheet music without the help of a teacher who can show you how to do certain things.

Good luck!

Thank you, Monica. I am in process of finding a teacher, it is hard to find a good person in my area, but I will not give up. I watched your youtube channel. Good work.

Welcome!

Do you have a particular interest?

Classical? Jazz? Rock/pop/modern music? Do you want to play as part of a band or do you want to focus on solo work?

Giving us some idea of where you want to go will help us throw out more specific advice. Until then, take Monica's word and search search search!

Good luck! We're always here to help

Hi Michael,

I just wanted to say "Welcome" - and to agree wholeheartedly with Monica. You can (and should!) learn to play by playing pieces that you actually enjoy !

The big advantage you have now is that, as an adult, you get to pick your teacher I know you said it's hard to find good teachers in your area - I hope you are able to find someone that you can connect with, and who has experience with adults, and teaches in a way that works for you.

You might want to ask them upfront - do they allow you to choose pieces to work on, and what styles they typically teach (classical, jazz, pop, something else?), assuming that's important to you.

And, what type of music are you interested in playing?

Hi Michael, Welcome to pianoworld.
Just like it learn it and enjoy it!

Sorry for the late response. I have been travelling with work lately. I am interested in playing a "Southern Gospel" style.

My two favorites are:
Roger Bennett - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0bLgD9w_U
Anthony Burger - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0UyTOHLvJE about 2 minutes in is neat.

I know, corny, but I just like how they do different things with the piano, and growing up in church, I know the tunes.

I would like to be able to expand into other areas but these guys make it look so fun. I have heard these guys do popular tunes also, and they were amazing!

Thanks all for the encouragement!

I have began my search, but no luck yet.

Hi Michael,
I think the value of "just picking up sheet music and trying to play stuff," as you put it is underrated, at least for an adult who already has the basics under his or her belt. I would just look for a few books of music you like at a level you think you can play, maybe a little higher, and you'll be amazed at how much you improve as the years pass. If there are things you don't understand, google them, or ask questions here. You won't likely become a concert performer, but at 33 that ship has probably sailed.

I took lessons for 2 years and quit them over a year ago, and my progress during the year on my own has far exceeded my progress during lessons. That may not be true for everyone, but many adults do better by concentrating on the pieces they enjoy rather than using a structured approach.