Learning to play the piano at home....?!
Question: I used to play the piano when I was really little. But for some reason, my mom let me quit and I haven't touched one since.
I know I was not bad when I was little.
My grandma has had a stand-up piano forever and I've always wanted it. Now, she's moving and my mom asked her if I could have it. She said I could have it as long as I learn how to play.
Otherwise, she'll sell it. That piano has been around for as long as I can remember and I would really hate to see it go.
So I have to learn to play again.
I've got a couple questions here. First, is it possible to learn the piano on your own with online lessons or books?
Second, what's the difference between a keyboard and a real stand-up piano?
Answers: I used to play the piano when I was really little. But for some reason, my mom let me quit and I haven't touched one since.
I know I was not bad when I was little.
My grandma has had a stand-up piano forever and I've always wanted it. Now, she's moving and my mom asked her if I could have it. She said I could have it as long as I learn how to play.
Otherwise, she'll sell it. That piano has been around for as long as I can remember and I would really hate to see it go.
So I have to learn to play again.
I've got a couple questions here. First, is it possible to learn the piano on your own with online lessons or books?
Second, what's the difference between a keyboard and a real stand-up piano?
It is possible to learn to play the piano on your own, yes, as long as you're willing to be diligent about it. Many self-taught players don't bother with all the scales and drills that build technique; then again, a lot of them still manage to become reasonably proficient. I took lessons for six years when I was a kid; after a few years of not having lessons, I picked it back up on my own.
An instructor would be able to tell you whether you're doing things correctly; that kind of feedback is missing when you teach yourself. But if you've got a good ear for music, you might be able to do without it. Also, an instructor would provide you with motivation to keep up with your practice.
As for the difference between a keyboard and a real piano: some keyboards do not have the full 88 keys, and some do not have weighted, touch-sensitive action. If keys are not weighted and touch-sensitive, then they don't feel like a real piano. If you're looking for something that responds like a piano, you should specifically look for a "digital piano" (like a Yamaha Clavinova, for example) rather than just any old keyboard.
A stand-up piano tends to have better sound quality. I'd go for it online- if you know the basics, you should be able to have a decent crack at it. It's something I've been doing myself lately- once you're past the foundation levels, try finding the sheet music to songs you enjoy and have a go at them.
Best of luck!
Certainly, I've been playing for 10 years on my own and I can play a wide array of classical and jazz pieces. It depends on whether your better at being self-taught or not to some extent though.
I just looked up sheet music online and began learning scales and applied theory to sheet music...Learned theory then how to play based on theory. My technique is a little different than the average "taught" player, but that's simply because I learned from various sources.
Keyboard is electric? Stand-up...If you mean like a grand piano isn't. Keyboard is more along the lines of a synth, or can emulate electric sounds. The number of keys is different as well I believe..
i think that it is possible to learn how to play the piano at home without books. I taught myself but i also am in band. It is easier to learn different instruments if you already have musical backgrounds, well at least that you can remember. If you can't really remember anything, they play around with the piano. try to do little songs like mary had a little lamb. See which notes sound right. usually B A G. Well I have friends that i try to help to teach them to play, and they have the hardest times, you just got to learn how to experiment, and listen to what sounds cool to you. Well, good luck!
~Vindor~
I'm pretty bad at the piano myself, but as a voice major I have to study it in college. In class I use a keyboard, but when I practice I use a real piano. One thing that's different about a keyboard vs. a real piano is that a keyboard's pedals may not be very sensitive, or it may not have pedals at all. Also, I find that I have to press harder on the keys when I play a real piano.
I'm sure you could learn to play the piano at home, especially if you're just doing it for fun and not trying to become a legendary concert pianist or something like that. :P
It's cool that you're trying to salvage your grandmother's piano. I hope you have fun!