Wow! This board doesn't get too many visitors. If any non-piano people read this here is my question....
What are you doing looking in the piano world for things about other instruments?? ha ha i'm just joking. I really felt a need to put a post here because its been about 2 months since someone has.

Yes it has been an extreamly long time since a post was last posted here. It seems that this gets no visiters at all.

What would a non-pianist be doing on an all piano site? I've often wondered the same thing myself. However, it could be for people who play other instruments as well as piano.

[ August 21, 2001: Message edited by: jgoo ]

That's exactly what it's for.
People who play piano and[/b] other instruments.

In fact, I saw a thread somewhere on one of our forums asking what other instruments people play. I'd love to see those folks get some discussions going over here about those other instruments (including voice or even dance).

Frank B.
Piano World

Okay, then I'll bite. Related to what I posted concerning other instruments: I've always been fascinated by organs, particularly pipe organs, and am dying to learn how to play one. How hard is it for someone who knows how to play the piano to learn how to play an organ? I would guess that one would have to get used to the pedals, and coordinating the hands and the feet (kind of like getting used to driving a stick-shift car when one has been driving automatics I presume?)

Have you guys been to Maestronet? It's mainly a violin forum but there's an area for pianists and it's pretty quiet. I guess the same thing here. I lurked there for a long time waiting for action but finally I found here!

Besides piano I also play flute and double bass. If I could learn one more instrument, I would choose violin or cello . . . but a senior high school student only has so much time.

Playing the piano will certainly give you an advantage because you already know how to read music and are familiar with the keyboard.
That said, the technique for organ is quite different from piano. You are correct in saying it would take even more coordination.
Full pedalboard footwork often requires using both feet (and still being able to work the expression pedal(s) ).
Then there is the challenge of playing an instrument with multiple manuals (keyboards).

But it's worth it! There nothing like the sound of a majestic pipe organ (or its electronic equivalent).
Go for it. Find a good teacher and a place to practise.
Good Luck!

Frank B.
Piano World

I play bassoon and percussion in addition to piano. I tried flute quite a few years ago but my ears couldn't handle it! ha ha

I play tuba, 'cello, and clarinet in addition to the piano.

Thanks a lot for the suggestion. Wish I had the resources (read: money) to be able to pursue this idea. Certainly, there are a few lovely pipe organs in this area (I live within walking distance of Duke University, so it's easy for me to drool over their organs!) and hopefully, once I get a real job, I'll be able to pursue this interest of mine. For now, it's just a pipe dream ... sigh ...