First off, I just want to introduce myself. I'm 16 and I have been overwhelmingly inspired to start to learn how to play the piano. Im trying to teach myself, but I have no earthly idea where to start?!? I prefer to learn to play the piano by memory or just looking at the keys, although I understand that is unprofessional.

Background: I use to play the violin, but that was about 3 years ago, and I do not remember how to read music notes anymore.

Any help on how to start off is more than appreciated.

BTW: I hope Im posting in the rite forum.

Get a teacher. If you try to teach yourself from scratch, you will fail miserably no matter how devoted you are.

Probably the best place to start would be to find a teacher. Of course you can learn on your own, but don't discount the benefits that a teacher can bring.

You should try to learn to read music - it is an indispensable ability in playing classical music. Also, familiarize yourself with all of the scales (with proper fingering) and keys.

Those are just two suggestions, but again, if you're serious about playing, which it sounds like you are, it is in your best interests to look for a teacher.

Sorry - I actuallly see my first comment seemed a little too harsh.

You can certainly teache yourself the fundamentals of piano and notation, but if you really want to get to the point where you can play decently, then you need a teacher.

I was afraid of that solution...but i need all the help i can get.

Rite now i cant afford to get a teacher, maybe i can familiarize myself with the basics first, any suggestions?

I'me xactly the same as you Zyphirr..Apart from i'm 15. Im trying to teahc myself hwo to read music, even though i've already taught ymself Moonlight Sonata, Entertainer. Fur Elise, Maple Leaf Rag, and others

Hello Ratt! Did u learn those by memory?

If you're set against having a teacher, then you may want to look into some of the methods that are out there. I started out with some of the John Thompson books, and I think they have some good points. It will teach you how to read music, some standard fingerings, some basic scale work, arpeggios, etc... Bear in mind that some of the exercises at the beginning may not be too interesting - but stick with them. While they may not be too interesting, the rudiments they teach are important.

For someone who is just beginning but doesn't want a teacher, that may be a decent starting point.

Thanx much 8ude! Btw, can i use violin sheet music to start out?

Hi. I'm 15 and for the most part have had a teacher since I was 8. But while having a teacher is pretty important and a big asset, I would consider self-motivation and persistence a far greater advantage.

First, I'd say you should start to learn how to read music. It'll take awhile to get to the point where you can comfortably read music without committing lots of time to figuring out individual notes and writing out the notes, but it will help a lot if you can read well.

As for technique, I would suggest getting the Hanon book. It has 20 technical exercises that will help enormously with the strengthening of your fingers, and it also has all of the major and minor scales, arpeggios, and cadences written out. This will help with your technique and your sight-reading regarding your familiarity of the different key signatures.

Everything I mentioned above sounds completely boring, I know. But that should familiarize you with some music fundamentals and keyboard skills.

Meanwhile you should be learning some fun stuff. I dunno what kind of music you're into, but whatever it is, make sure you tackle it and if possible, listen to recordings of it.

It also never hurts to study some music history. I'd get to know your classical classical composers, and listen to recordings of each composer and get a grasp on what kind of music you like, and music you don't like.

I hope this helps. Good Luck.

Thx Kid!

Get an adult beginners book if you can't get a teacher. Or take a group piano class in a community college.

Would you like to be operated on for brain surgery by someone who never went to medical school...same thing applies to music, only music is harder. Many communities have musical outreach on a sliding scale basis - it's the best investment you can make - other than going to the gym and knocking off the salt, sugar, fat, etc. etc. You will progress faster and have a more satisfactory result with a teacher - Music is forever - go for it...

My advice would be to get hold of a graded adult piano book. This should contain progressive exercises and pieces. It is possible to teach yourself to play and you can play a lot of simple pieces by ear if you know chords. If you can't pay for lessons you could try and find another piano player for some tips. I recommend watching players wherever you can. Some pieces provide interest whilst teaching technique rather than doing only exercises. This is the best way to go for a beginner I think.

*buys the kid a drink* You're gonna need it. :p

lol, yes, im doing alot of research, ty all for the tips.

Is there a high school music teacher you can ask for help? Even if their first instrument wasn't piano, they all had to take piano classes in college and can teach you something.

Go to as many recitals in your area as you can, listen to recordings.

There are also some videos you can buy or even get from some libraries that teach the basics of piano playing.

Zyphirr, I am a self-taught pianist. I started when I was 7 and am now 22. I didn't have a teacher until I started college. I am living proof that it can be done. Motivation is the key and it sounds like you have it. I have a lot of ideas for you to get started. Stay away from Hanon!! Technical exercises are out of context and can do more damage than anything else if you do not know how to play them correctly. I have so many things I could tell you, but this is going to get to be a really long post so if you are interested in what I have to say, my screen name is sunshinetrumpet. Send me an IM and we can discuss this. I only wish my piano students were as motivated as you are!