Question for you piano players?

Question

Ok well I'm interested in learning to play the piano, mainly because id love to learn radiohead's stuff. Anyways how long did it take you to learn how to play the piano well? And how often do/did you practice? Also, how much would I be looking to spend for a decent piano? Thanks

Answer 1

It takes several years, and daily practice. If you are sufficiently motivated, a minimum of about three years, I think. A decent used piano would likely set you back a couple of thousand dollars.

You will want to take lessons, usually once a week during that time, to teach you music theory as well as finger placement and tempo, interpretation of the music.

Answer 2

I have been playing the piano for 21 years. You can learn to play very well very quickly if you are willing to devote the necessary time to it. I started at 30 minutes a day but the better I get the more I practice. I am up to 1 hour per day. If you are looking to get a good deal on a piano try calling up a local college or high school and ask about surplus sales. Good quality for a lot cheaper. If you go to a store and spend less than $1000 then you are not getting anything worth buying. The best pianos are $2500 or more.
If you are really serious about it, get a good piano, a great teacher (ask for qualifications-get someone who has a lot of expierence) and dedicate a lot of time to playing and focussing on theory.
Good Luck

Answer 3

It probably took me about 2 to 3 years before I could play well (where I could pick up my own music and practice and play it without assistance from a teacher). I usually practiced 30 minutes to an hour each day. As far as a piano, if you are just beginning, I would suggest to look for a used piano. I actually found a good one for $300 but this was very cheap (and about 15 years ago). I would plan on at least $500-$1000.

Answer 4

I've been taking lessons since I was six, so I've been playing for nearly a decade now. I've not been that diligent in my practice during my younger years, which I really regret now. Now I'm older and more serious, and I practice allot more. I'm supposed to practice an hour every day, and I usually get it done. I think it took me about two years of piano to start sounding decent. Anyway start with trying to get in at least twenty minutes of practice each day when your beginning, and if when you get more serious about playing the piano, if that's meant to be, than increase your practice time. Find a good teacher who's serious about you. About piano prices... I really don't know. My parents supply my pianos because I'm only a kid, so I have no idea what price to look for.

Answer 5

Well,I know some well known pianists like: Claudio Arrau Glenn Gould Vladimir Horowitz Arthur rubinstein Svitoslav Richter Who have many great recordings And some lesser known pianists like: Yundi-Li Lang Lang Idil Biret Daniel Barenboim Martha Argerich Julia Fischer(violin and Piano virtuoso) etc

Answer 6

Many great answers!

I would also add that, if you are interested in playing Radiohead on piano, or learning to play any music by ear for that matter, you ought to have not only a solid grounding in technique, but also in music theory (chords, scales, etc.) and improvisation.

If you're interested in hearing one pianist's interpretation of Radiohead music for solo piano, id recommend checking out CDs by Christopher O'Riley.

As a piano student, I find many of his song arrangements are very interesting and inspiring. (who would've thought "Airbag" and "Everything In Its Right Place" could sound good for solo piano?)

Answer 7

Want to get professionally good? Years of daily disciplined practise.
Get good enough to play for friends? A good teacher who can coax you through the boring beginnings. Figure at least a year to sound musical - if you can actually learn it.
It's easy to teach 4-5 year olds, more difficult to teach adults. Lots of hand/eye stuff and almost incredible dexterity required for real skill.
You can get a decent old piano by scouting out clubs that hire bands; bands now use electric ones, and the clubs often have a decent oldie sitting there.
Pay a tuner/technician to check it out first. You'll have to pay at least a few hundred - unless you find a widow/widorer whose spouse used to play and needs the dustcatcher taken out!

Answer 8

For a decent piano...probably at least $6-7K...on sale. I would recommend starting with a decent keyboard. You can find one in the range of $150. and up...see if you like to play before you invest in a piano.

How good you get and how long it takes depends on you. If you practice and have any natural talent.

Answer 9

Um, been doing piano for 4 years. The key thing is to find a teacher that knows what she/he is doing. Gather information about them and compare. The better the teacher, the quicker progression.

Answer 10

i have been playing piano 4 about 8 years now. it doesnt seem like a long time, but with practice you would be surprised! you can email me at [e-mail]