Tips for a beginner piano player?

Question

I have been listening to classical stuff like beethoven for like a year now and I want to start learning how to play. I just have a few problems like no time and no piano so I was going to try to use one of those learn piano by yourself and keyboard pianos to begin. Does anything sound wrong with that? cause I dont really know where to begin.

Thanks

Is it possible to play Beethoven's moonlight sonata on one of those keyboard pianos? not great of course.

Answer 1

Speaking as a piano teacher, my first reaction is to tell you not to try to teach yourself to play the piano. I've had students come to me after being self taught, and while they may have been okay with note reading and the like, the technique is always really bad, therefore, while there may have been an understanding of the pieces that they were trying to play in terms of reading the music, but the technical virtuosity to actually perform the pieces properly, with good tone and control of the fingers, etc... just wasn't there. That being said, if you absolutely MUST teach yourself to play, sit up straight when you play, curve your fingers, making sure that the knuckles are higher than the wrists, but don't make your hands rigid and claw-like, just a nice relaxed curve, like you're holding an orange, keep your heel on the floor when you pedal, do finger exercises (!!!!!) - you can start with something simple like "A Dozen A Day", and then Hanon, etc..., and if your knees are under the piano keyboard, you're sitting too close to the piano. Oh, yeah, and sit towards the edge of the bench, not all the way to the back of it. Have fun!

I have more to add. First of all, Glinzek is bang on about the Moonlight - don't try it on the keyboard, it's not gonna happen. Sorry. Secondly, we're really not trying to be a bunch of uptight, anal-retentive purists here (at least I'm not, can't speak for anyone else, ha, ha) but playing a piano is light years away from playing a keyboard or even a digital piano (which may get somewhat close, but will NEVER be the same as the real thing - how do you get tonal colouration from a microchip?). I would urge you to head down to your local music store and just sit down and try out a keyboard, and then try out a piano. Notice the difference in touch (which as others have said is important to building finger strength) but notice also the DIFFERENCE IN SOUND QUALITY. You can just do so much more with a piano. And renting is an EXCELLENT option. Most music stores will even apply any monies that you've spent renting the piano to the purchase price if you decide to buy the instrument later on. And it doesn't have to be a Steinway grand, either. As someone else said, a nice used upright will do far more for you than any keyboard will ever do. If you end up sticking with it, you're going to need a real piano after a while anyhow. Good luck to you :-)

Answer 2

Do yourself a favor and find a teacher. You also need to ask yourself if you want to learn to play the piano, or just keyboards. If you want to play the piano, you'll need a piano. There's much more to it than just pressing the right key at the right time. Of course it's not a bad idea to start out with a keyboard to find out if you have the time and passion for playing than buying a piano and have it gather dust. That is if you have a keyboard piano already. If you have to buy it and are going to I'd suggest you go for a real piano instead. Even a decent second hand piano is fine. And no time=no results. Don't kid yourself.

Answer 3

It can be a great start - but realize that the 'action' (the response from the keys under your fingers) is completely different, and making the transition from the keyboard to the piano is almost like learning to play another instrument. Be sure to check a variety of sources for good hand position and accurate information, as most piano schools use the same approach - it is much more difficult to relearn a bad habit than to start with good technique. Good luck, and I hope you're successful!

Answer 4

Nelly73's suggestions are excellent.

I will add this:

You don't say how many keys your keyboard has. 61, 76, or 88? If it's the first two, put away your dreams of Moonlight Sonata -- not enough keys. Also, if it's the first two, they will not be weighted like an acoustic piano, and you will not develop the finger strength needed to play well. Moonlight also requires some very subtle pedal technique, and a singing tone which NO keyboard out there can duplicate.

Many dealers will be happy to rent you a nice upright piano -- can I suggest you do that instead of the keyboard route? and I urge you to find a teacher.

And the final suggestiion: Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice,practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice. There is no substitute for time.

Answer 5

You should find time, at least temporarily, to take at least a semester of lessons. Look through your newspapers, check out coffee shop and music school bulletins. You should be able to find several people offering to teach piano.
I knew some kids who only had a keyboard at home to practice on and they were fine as long as they practiced some whenever they had access to a piano. Check craigslist and similar sites. Some one might be needing to get rid of an old piano. Just make sure to get it tuned.
Good luck.

Answer 6

If you have no teacher, use the Alfred Adult beginner book. I use that one for my adult and high school beginning students. It has theory and folk tunes to help you with the skills.
Mostly, practice, practice, practice, practice
It depends on how many key your keyboard has. Some have 88 or 72. That would work.

Answer 7

You might want to check out Alfred's Adult Beginner method. It contains a mixture of Theory lessons and pieces you will recognize.

Answer 8

There's no real problem wtih that. Just have a consistent study session.

Answer 9

Excellent choice. Just get a small electronic keyboard and always practice your scales.

Answer 10

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