Hi everybody.

Just thought I'd share an update on my progress after two full weeks of practice.

After some basic exercises in C using alternative hands, I've now expanded up to a full octave each way, so finger positioning has been tricky, but I'm getting used to it.

I've also played some exercises using C, F, G7 (2 versions) chords, and arpeggios.

I'm really enjoying stealing an hour or so per day. The headphones and my Yamaha P35 are a God send for not disturbing anybody, and my wife's cynicism is slowly disappearing!

I keep dipping in here, and the enthusiasm of everybody is infectious.

Cheers!

Hi again, glad you are finding an hour a day with a four-year old at home, and enjoying the Yamaha P35. Are you working through one of the method books? Or charting some other course?

The Achievement of the Week thread is where many of us check in with our weekly reports and encourage each other.

Some other newcomer takes the time to learn a piece here and there that the wife appreciates. That approach might earn you some more brownie points with the wife.

Well done fella.... i agree with the idea of learnng a few pieces to please the wife.... though secretly she'll be proud of you through all of it anyways..... plus, like me a 4 year old really helps i find, bella is interested in ppaying and listening to me too.... till she gets bored anyways! :-)

Hi Sand Tiger.

I've been using the 'Play It Today' course (with accompanying cassette). It's 40 lessons in total, which teaches technique, reading music, as well as expression. AnthonyB explains it better on the link below. It's something I used to follow in its early stages as a kid.

http://www.abrsm.org/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t835.html

I'll probably back this up with getting some sheet music for some of my own tastes in music, but I need to be technically better first.

I guess being an adult learner has its advantages. I find my patience to be better, and concentration span to be greater when trying to read notation. This is something I didn't apply myself to at school when I was playing.

I'd love to recruit the services of a local teacher, but with time at a premium, and another baby on the way in July, it's not viable, so I'll have to persevere with this way.

UK Paul UK.

Thanks for the reply mate. My little lad is keen on copying pretty much anything I do, so I'm hopeful he'll take to music with all the enthusiasm that I had, but with a bit more dedication (and encouragement from me)!!!

The wife originally didn't 'get' why I wanted to learn again. When I pointed out to her that I am not the type of husband who likes to go out most weekends with 'the lads', and who has long stopped wasting money watching football, and who can't afford a golf membership (as much as I'd like one), then she's started to realise that me having this hobby to keep me mentally active is not a bad thing at all.

Just wait until I serenade her... !!!