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There is no substitute for a teacher (as you'll hear over and over). But a good book from the library coupled with the practice tips wiki are excellent budget starting points. Specifically, I personally found learning the note names on both staffs by (badly) singing short sight reading pieces and scales (two octaves up and down) has meant I can focus a lot more on the fingering rather than wondering what _is_ that note? Free sight reading app (no ads, I made it https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader): Also- has the bonus beta capability that if you download sheetmusic in musicxml format you can upload it to the app to practice with real time feedback.
Here's what worked for me:
- Play very slowly, say at 25% speed. Use a metronome to keep you honest. (In case you don't have a real metronome, the Pro Metronome Android app is great.)
- Progress very slowly. Repeat 1–2 measures over and over again at 25% speed until you've really got them down with both hands before attempting the next measure(s).
- If you still can't get it, work on the same 1–2 measures “hands-alone”, at both normal speed and 25% speed, until you've built up enough muscle memory to play them in your sleep. Then go back to step 1 and try again.
[Edit: Added step 3.]
Funny you should ask :)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Free, no ads, I made it- I would love feedback. I continue to update it.
Try "flash memorizing" one measure (one staff to start). In the same way if someone flickered "piano" in front of you and asked you to spell the word- you could because you recognize the word. By contrast, if someone flashed up "oapni" and asked you to spell the letters it would be way more difficult. Basically the only way (I think) to be able to accomplish one measure recall is to recognize the structure of measures. e.g. "all ascending quarter notes, one step at a time, starting at c4" let's you focus on the other measure for example rather than reading off c4, d4, e4, f4 one note at a time.
And of course, certainly practice e.g. no ads, free, I made it: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Your neighborly sight reading evangelist.
Flash cards can help too or write all your scales, chords, appregios on papers and draw them randomly. Then play whatever you draw. I find learning them in sequence is a crutch. I know them by order but if you randomly asked me what's sharp/flat in any given key I would struggle to provide consistently strong answers. I could easily say G major has F# but like to hell if I know what Bb major is. I could play Bb major but I can't tell you how lol. Random on the spot tests help with that I think.
I'd look up things like "core classic for piano grade 1-2" from the ABRSM editions, you can find them on Amazon as well! They're not terribly expensive either!
Look it up here Core classics for piano grade 1-2
Visual scales, the mnemonic from /u/I_P_L, and the "continuity observation" from /u/debacchatio have helped me as a clarinet (treble clef) player coming to piano.
By visual scales I mean becoming comfortable saying notes forwards and backwards and associating them with their positions on the staff _not_ just looking at your hands. Instead, look at the scale on the computer/paper and play and _say_ the note names as you go up and down. [Free, no ad app (I made it) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.scaleschords ]
The real take away from the continuity observation is that middle c anchor point between bass and treble clef. I also use E2 as an anchor point, and then F2 is one above and D2 is one below. and I remember "this is the F clef" (not the "G" (treble) clef), so the two dots of the bass clef identify the F3 line.
I don't have a good answer for you but instead what will hopefully feel like validating commiseration. I have been doing what you have been doing, but with Bach. I learn the pieces slowly and then I just drill them. I have gotten to the point where I can play them quite quickly and with flair.
Basically, I learned the first one, then I started playing that every day before I learned the second one. Then I learned the second one and played those two every day before I spent time learning the third, and so on and so on. I can now play the first 4 from memory very quickly and I am just upping the speed every time. I find myself learning the harder pieces more quickly now and my skills are increasing in recognizing patterns in sheet music as I pick up new pieces, but my skills in playing the pieces quickly and having confident posture and fingering is improving with the pieces that I know very well now.
So, like you, I am not trying to build a repetoire, but instead using the book to build out a variety of skills - reading music more efficiently, learning musical pieces more quickly, and then building up my finger skills and my ability to play confidently at a quick pace.
In other words, I don't think you ever fully "complete" a piece. I consider a piece "learned" when I can get through it three times in a row without messing up. But that just helps me know when it's time and I'm ready to learn the next one in the book. I keep playing it to improve my skills.
Mary Bond. It takes your whole body to play the piano so you gotta get really involved in the whole thing. The shoulders part is also reallllly fascinating!
Top line of the treble clef is F, not E (Every Good Boy Does Fine) and the C lies on the space F-A-C-E ("face"). Does that help? and yes, the markings apply to all octaves of the notes as well as u/I_Hate_Spelling says.
If you'd like a little more basic (but no subst for a book) intro to the staffs, you could check out this (free, no ads, I made it): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
I'm not sure what is it you want, I don't hear a keyboard on the
Here are the chords though
edit: also... roblox piano? what?
I was actually struggling with this myself for the really low register notes today (I came from clarinet- so bass clef has been a real problem for me)- The gist of the responses seems to be "practice", which is easier said than done without the right material. All beginner material is basically focused on a few notes most of the time. I wrote this app (free, no ads), which jumps around a bit more- but only withone five finger positions, so we can repeat notes in one section, then jump to next section. feel free to give a try! Would love to hear if it works for you.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
I fall into the "there probably a right fingering for most things and definitely for scales" camp. The thing is "the right fingering" for other pieces often can come from scales, so knowing the scales then biases you in the correct direction. Here is a free, no ads, I made it, scales & chords app, where you can turn on/off the fingering: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.scaleschords also gives real time feedback if you have an electronic keyboard.
Time signature…Top number is the number of beats in a measure, the bottom number is the type of note that gets the beat. 4/4 is 4 beats per measure, quarter note gets the beat. 6/8 is 6 beats per measure, eighth note gets the beat. For rhythms and more I would recommend reading payson method piano. It covers reading music, practicing, and creativity. Hope this helps, good luck! Payson Method Piano by Andrew Payson https://www.amazon.com/Payson-Method-Piano-Andrew/dp/173293231X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=payson+method+piano&qid=1586154106&sr=8-2
I would read Payson Method Piano, it covers reading and creativity but it also is a really great resources for learning new chords. In particular I would look at augmented chords, diminished chords, and 7th chords and then try arranging them by changing the order of the notes. That would add a lot of complexity and depth to your music.
Payson Method Piano by Andrew Payson is the best. It covers how to read music, how to practice, and creativity. I use it with all my students
Fyi- if it's working for you, another incentive- just pushed a feature that lets you upload your own uncompressed musicxml files into the app. You seemed like someone who likes to customize so just giving you a heads up. I also actually bought a bunch of midi splitters today for my keyboard so I'll be seeing if I can split to my phone and the computer simultaneously. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Hi! I was responding to the OP when I saw your comment here- this app (free, no ads, I made it), lets you toggle the note names on and off. Also (reason why I was reposting) I added a feature that lets you upload a musicxml file exported from muscore into the app. It's not a perfect renderer, but it can do basic notation and 8th notes. Would love to hear if it works for you (if it doesn't just email me the musicxml and I can trouble shoot). https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Hey! You can now upload musicxml files in the app- wanted to let you know the feature is live as I've been working on it for weeks now. It's not a perfect renderer, but it can do basic notation and 8th notes. Would love to hear if it works for you (if it doesn't just email me the musicxml and I can trouble shoot).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Thanks!
Music education app developer: totally biased alert!
Every tool has a strength, and with that in mind, max out the strength of apps: on demand, bottomless set of exercises, sheet music doesn't pile up around the house, real time objective feedback (connect app to keyboard), graded difficulties.
But don't neglect the strength of a person either: personal connection/their journey, muscle technique (big one here), non-piano playing connections/context e.g. career advice in music, the as yet not fully quantified elements of music aka "taste".
The concern with some apps is that they might very quickly get you from a-z but miss a host of fundamentals that are needed to go beyond or branch out of z.
Free, no ads, I made (obligatory plug as a sight reading evangelist): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Depends what’s your price range, I’m a complete noob and I got a casio 61 key it’s touch sensitive and has all basic features and I was able to buy it as a high schooler by saving up allowance
Can’t find the one I exactly got but mine didn’t come with a stand and dvd and other stuff I had to buy the stand separately
Casio Casiotone CT-S200 61-Key Portable Digital Keyboard Bundle with Adjustable Stand, Bench, Sustain Pedal, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5NSBNX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2HNVEAXXXBQ6636KFYBZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
No worries- just a fact of life. But if you have android friends, feel free to pass along- like i said, as a sight reading evangelist I'd like to bring 13 Hammers: Sight Reading to as many folks as possible- since it's free that means android to start. Until then, SR factory as recommended by /u/jodiemoesha seems like it has some pros to it as well. Love to hear about your progress!
You mean sheet music?
Learning sheet music is a tad bit more complicated to learn by yourself but completely possible. I'd recommend getting a beginner piano book like this one.
I will add though that the way I learned piano didn't involve sheet music. Was it for the better? I'm not sure. I've been playing the piano for 6 years and I still don't play the piano using sheet music.
If you can manage to learn alongside using sheet music then you'll probably be a better pianist than me.
top down kind of depends on where you have your piano set up for it to work.
for mine, it's below the stairs so I attach an extendable arm to the stairwell.
similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Flexible-Rotation-Bracket-3-5-6-3/dp/B07P7Z1FWL/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=PHONE+holder+arm&qid=1623327538&sr=8-10
might not work for you if there's nothing above your piano to attach it to; you might have to jury rig a broom pole or something lol
Didn’t get a DM, but here’s the Amazon link:
River Flows in You and Other Eloquent Songs for Solo Piano https://www.amazon.com/dp/1480366528/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MR9MSDMKKM7CJA01G5EY
DM your email and I’ll send the PDF
Too bad... I just bought a USB A-B cable and connected the piano to the computer. I managed to use my keyboard as a controller for my DAW (zenbeats) layer some synths on it and record my piece through there directly (you can play the pure piano sounds as well).
Notice that if you do it you'll hear both - the synth sound and the piano sound from your piano speakers directly. if you want to hear the synth sounds only you'll have to turn off the "local control" function. look it up in your model's manual.
Basically since the sequencer has its "midi thru" turned on, the sound from your synth is just chained to the keyboard, which respond to the key storkes by generating sound through its internal sound generator. by turning the local control off you disconnect the internal sound generator from the controller (i.e. the key strokes).
Anyway I elaborated too much... I looked up the developer email for piano everyday on google play and wrote him a request to add this feature as it can be useful for a lot of users (hopefully it will get to the right people). I encourage you to do the same and send a request to show real need :>.
The email address I found: [email protected]
The source from which I drew the email address (all the way down under developer): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.roland.PianoPartner3&hl=en&gl=US
Agree- one really needs new music to keep going, and just practice and more practice. (free, no ads, knock yourself out, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader). As /u/debacchatio pointed out, it's a slow process, and I've found it quite nice to keep a practice log showing that I did practice and how, slowly, I do increment the difficulty of the pieces I'm playing. I look at it at the end of each practice session as an ending ritual [built into the app, i made swipe down, to get the three dot menu]. I think one of the moderators of this forum has a website called tuneupgrade which is more general purpose. https://www.tuneupgrade.com/
Enjoy!
One thing I would do sooner rather than later is make it possible to put your sheet music at eye level when sitting, it will help with posture. If you look at acoustic pianos, the written music is higher up.
You can either put some sort of shelf something like this or get a music stand.
Coincidentally, I just came acroos this book today (I have not read it)
https://www.amazon.com/Pianists-Guide-Historic-Improvisation/dp/0190920408
As a beginner myself I use this app while commuting: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.melvil.noten
This is by far imo the easiest way to learn the notes on the staff when no piano is around.
>a book with music that progresses with the level, kind of like the Suzuki Method for violin.
There's a series of Suzuki books for piano.
https://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-Piano-School-International-Complete/dp/B07VZNJ1FF
If you're looking for something similar to their violin method, this is it. And there are many other options - Masterwork Classics, Journey Through the Classics, Classics for the Developing Pianist, and so on.
You have motivation, a resolution, and a specific goal in mind. That's a great starting point.
If you're looking for an effective way to achieve your goal, grab some sheet music:
https://www.amazon.com/NICK-CAVE-ANTHOLOGY-PIANO-GUITARE/dp/0711986819
Then, find some teachers in your area, and tell them what your goal is. Show them the sheets, explain that you want to build up to this in an efficient manner, and schedule weekly lessons with the teacher that is most likely to get you there, based on the initial communication with them.
If going with a teacher is not an option for you, then just grab a method book (Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is a solid choice), and work your way through the pages.
I'm going to order this book and check it out and in a future update give a response. It seems like an interesting book from the preview pages I can find of it though.
[Future Update]
/
If you're looking for more Sight-Reading books that are systematic I would deeply suggest the Hannah Smith book:
https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Sight-Reading-Exercises-Technique/dp/0793552621
If you are honest with it, then it will make you a better Reader//Pianist.
//
If You need even more Resources to help you with anything Piano-related you can also check out this giant Chart of Resources I made for Music/Sight-Reading.
I made it for the Absolute Beginner but it can help anyone, at any level, looking to Learn How-To Read Music, get better at Reading Music, and even teach you Lead Sheets if you're interested in going down the Path.
*(I do admit that some of these statements are assumptions but I really do hope some of this stuff can actually help in some way. I enjoy helping Musicians find a path line to getting better since learning Music can be very confusing without a Good Teacher//Anyone to guide the way.)
If she was singing, then it's not solo piano music (which most of the people on this sub are interested in), it's more likely she had books of songs for family singing at home, with an accompaniment that a decent intermediate pianist would be able to play without too much work. So they'd be popular songs of whatever period she liked and had music for.
There are lots of books like this from various periods. I have two - Let Us Have Music For Piano has popular and classical songs from the 30s and 40s and from the 19th century, and US folk songs, nearly all of them with words and a vocal part. The Giant Book of Standards has lots of popular show tunes, film tunes, and jazz standards, listed on the back cover if you click "look inside". Again always with words and a vocal part. It's very likely that at least some of the tunes you remember will be in one of those.
Can you remember anything about the songs? Mood, any bits of words, what they sounded like or reminded you of?
I have Alfred's and love it, but I see other's on this sub mentioning Faber's as a great resource as well so I added that to give you some options, but I can't personally tell you how good it is.
Here is the one I used:
But don't feel like you have to buy it on amazon.
I use etymotic plugs even professionally. They are good enough without the insane cost of custom fitted plugs. They don't really screw up the "EQ" of natural sound the way that foam plugs will. So the balance stays about normal... just quieter.
There's a nice, simple version in this book, and a lot of other songs you'll probably like:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Giant-Book-Standards-Sheet-Music/dp/1470610671/
Here's a good book for Arpeggios..
Complete Piano Arpeggios:... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y32CRRX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For general scale fingerings, just do a Google search. There are a ton of free ones out there.
my 2 cents - in the beginning, I paid for 1/2 hour lessons from a private teacher, every 2 weeks. (I did that for 5 years). My progressions from knowing nothing to be able to play advanced pieces was the progression thru a series of books. From basic fingerings, scales, etc. They were rated at grade 1 thru 5. At one point I had about 5 different books I was reading thru. Sight reading on a daily basis is good to do, but the idea of sight reading is to start with simple stuff - look it over, understand key signature, tempo, run thru it hands separate without stopping, then hands together, without stopping. You're not trying to LEARN the piece, just read thru it. There are some good books on Amazon for sight reading - starting at GRADE 1 and moving forward.
Here's an example of a series (this is GRDAE 2)
I've had a look and I'm not sure if this is the right one to start with. Perhaps you might know?
I have a note speller book that I think has helped me a lot with sight reading. This is the one I use:
Maybe virtual lessons would be an option while you are waiting for a local teacher. I take virtual lessons via FaceTime and really like it. My teacher is in the same state as me but she has students all over the US.
Hi, I dunno if that book is good or not but I have found this one that it's FREE till 9/11 in kindle edition.
There are fingering and inversions for all chords (triads).
the complete book of chords, cadences and arpeggios I know it’s not exactly what you’re asking for, but it’s a much better choice considering you can Google the answers to the other book. I always recommend it. I hope it helps.
is this the link to the book you mentioned ? https://www.amazon.com/%C3%89cole-Primaire-Instruction-Twenty-five-Progressive/dp/1013519752/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2AS9V6UJMQ1H2&keywords=Duvernoy%E2%80%99s+25+easy+and+progressive+studies&qid=1667402722&sprefix=duvernoy+s+25+easy+and+progressive+studies%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-9
​
I am also learning from the very beginning
I
The cadence patterns that are in this book are the absolute bedrock and you'll see these everywhere. But at someone it'll just be an issue of practicing through each inversion of every given chord type and getting comfortable at wrapping your hands around them.
Pocket Composer is an absolutely amazing tool for Android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.own.pcomposer
Within barely a few minutes, I learned aspects of chord construction that had mystified me for years. I highly recommend it.
Hahaha, no. You are really putting the cart before the horse here.
You should get this book and learn 5 pieces from it. And learn them well, and play them well. When you have done that get the next book in the series. And so on and so forth.
I can confirm! I've just started learning piano. Using an app (Clefs in my case) is a fun way to practice sight reading. I connect it to my digital piano, and it checks if I'm pressing the correct keys. Feels almost like playing a game. The instant feedback and feel of progress is motivating. I can do hundreds of repetitions per session.
I've tried a few things. While I don't really get sweaty that much, I do have fairly oily skin in general and that combined with a high humidity area often leaves my fingers very moist.
I tried liquid chalk (which people tend to use for lifting or climbing) in very small quantities and it worked pretty well (and no, there's really not enough on your hands to worry about it flaking into the keyboard).
But I've since found a better product more aimed specifically for this. Carpe is what I keep in my gig bag now. It's an antiperspirant lotion. It's a bit stick right after application, but within a minute or two it leaves the area pretty much bone dry and it sticks around for quite a while.
It's honestly a bit expensive (and the price has gone up since I last bought it), but haven't even managed to go through one tube in over a year, though I'm not using it every single day, but during certain parts of the year I am using it quite a bit, especially when it actually counts for performances.
If you find that you're more oily (like me) than sweaty, also be sure to wipe down your keys well. I find that I tend to leave a bit of residual oil on my keys and after a while they get pretty slick even when I have dry hands.
This series "Famous & Fun Christmas Duets" by Carol Matz is great. Here's a link to book 1; there are others that are more difficult. They are arranged for 2 similarly-skilled players.
https://www.amazon.com/Famous-Fun-Christmas-Duets-Bk/dp/0739098888
I'm also a beginner but just get a book and stick to it. From what i've seen recommended by experienced persons on this subreddit is to definitely get a teacher, 1 hour a week is enough.. to guide your learning and ensure no bad habits.
Otherwise, this is a highly recommended book https://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Basic-Adult-Piano-Course/dp/B07G4TW59B/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=alfreds+adult+all+in+one+course+book+1&qid=1665182485&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjc3IiwicXNhIjoiMi40MCIsInFzcCI6IjIuMzIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=alfreds+adu%2Caps%2... (Get the spiral version)
And this piano playlist is like your own free teacher guiding you through the book :) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8hZtgRyL9WRWJLlIUPl-ydiDc8CZ_SJK
I would not put stickers on there, because you will always use them as a hamdicap. You can learn how to play or learn how to read, or both. I recommend starting with learning how to play a little first, then reading will be easier
Find a good book to play out of.
For complete beginner https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Piano-123-Mike-Desroches/dp/1453741011
To learn songs Hal Leonard has a great series with the notes written in so you can just enjoy playing. If you are getting good at playing you can move to reading. Here is a link, you can pick a book of your style as long as it says "super easy" on the left hand corner the notes are written in. Here is the link to choose a book.
https://www.halleonard.com/search/search.action?keywords=Super+easy&dt=item#products
That is a good start.
Just for the sake of offering an alternative, this is also a nice book:
The Complete Piano Technique Book
It has all the standard fingerings, and technical advice. (Which is what you really need from a book IMO, as there's only one major scale pattern and a maximum of three minor scale patterns, the rest is just which note you start on, so you could write down all the scales and chords yourself).
These are the two books that I used. They start very, very easy and get trickier so seem to be suitable for all levels. The first book really helped me in particular and i got a lot out of it. It almost seemed like being given the secret into how ro play piano 🙂 I'm in no way an expert at piano. I'm probably only grade 2 so others may be able to give you better advice but improvisation is so much fun, sounds great and really gives you a feeling of 'mastering' the instrument (and yes, I know I'm a long way from that lol).
It's not bad, it's good. As you've noticed, there's only one major scale, and you can figure it out by ear. But there are standard fingerings that are similar for certain sets of scales, and they optimise it a little bit. You can find these in any piano technique book, like this one for example, but there are lots of others.
It's also worth noting that if you do them in a specific order, going up by fifths:
C, G, D, A, E, B, F#, play that last one again and call it G flat, D flat, A flat, B flat, F
- you will notice there's a pattern to the black keys.
But that's what's necessary if you want to learn it. This is why people are recommended to start reading (and training their ear, improvising etc.) as soon as possible because it becomes difficult or embarrassing to catch up on them for the reason you described. It's embarrassing/boring to be playing Mary Had a Little Lamb one way if you're playing mire advanced music another way. The brain prefers the path of least resistance and often people just give up on improving their weaker skills.
Unfortunately, there just isn't another way. Start very simple, like Hannah Smith's Progressive Sight Reading ExercisesProgressive Sight Reading Exercises along with the those method books that everyone recommends. Sightreading develops slowly but it's worth it.
In addition to sight reading mentioned by other comment, you can try using note speller exercises. You will either write the note on the grand staff based on the letters and vice versa.
I believe there are free worksheets you can find if you search. This is the workbook my piano instructor assigned.
Hey there! Regarding the ear training, I'd like to recommend something that has been helping me improve in strides.
Instead of getting an ear trainer person I'd get an ear trainer app but one that focuses on the intervals within a musical context. Most apps usually present the intervals isolated from a musical context, which just ain't helpful in the beginning stages, as you have to understand and internalize the sounds of the intervals a context.
I can recommend one of these two:
- Functional Ear Trainer - Do the Intro Game then go to Basic Training and to the trainings in order.
- OpenEar - An open source alternative which isn't as flashy but seems to work great.
Just play around with these ear training apps for something like 10 minutes a day and not too much more, and focus the rest of your efforts on studying the instrument itself.
The objective is to build the tools to free your creative side. These tools are your technique, your ear and your harmonic understanding, but don't waste time overemphasizing the ear training.
If after this you want more ear training there won't be better training than learning the chords to songs that you like (and songs you don't like) and analyzing them to see how they fit (or how they diverge from) your current understanding of harmony.
Here's the book for classical improvisation.
Other people have already suggested lots of good resources for the jazz approach, and these are also much easier to find and cheaper.
Bill Hilton is a good YouTube channel for pop improvisation tips.
It's a portable piano made by a Chinese company and rebranded with dozens of names. Here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Lykos-Speakers-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Beginners/dp/B08KZQWDDZ
If it's your only option, it's better than nothing, but I'd avoid it. If budget is tight, search for a Casio CDP series on OfferUp, Facebook marketplace, or craigslist. I'm seeing at least 3 CDP-130 digital pianos in my area under $150. It's an older model, but it, or something similar would be significantly better than the one you posted.
Alfred's all-in-one adult learning something-or-other. There are 4 volumes, and you can order various bindings. I'd recommend going with whatever's cheapest (comb binding, usually) because they're basically workbooks--you'll be using a pencil (or a pen if you're confident) to complete exercises as you go. (Which also ,sans maybe don't buy the eBook version.)
Here's an Amazon link to the first book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0882848186/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- look for yeargdribble's posts all over reddit for imo the best and most practical piano learning advice
- also this book will help you (yeargdribble recommends it and it has been helping me)
Like this one? It seems like a good pick if so. Thanks!
For me, I needed the visual feedback- I was sure I was right and then, oops, I wasn't? Bluetooth or midi connection gives you that- just try the scales/chords one, but if you want more practice there is a sight reading one too. free no ads I made it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.scaleschords
Already being able to play other instruments doesn't really open up any shortcuts. You still need to start where everyone else does, at the very beginning. Alfred and Faber both publish very popular and well respected "adult" method books. I went through both at the same time but that's not necessary; both are equally good. Start with book 1 and on page 1. Don't assume you can skip anything. I went through those books after having messed around with piano on and off for many years and I was shocked at how much I learned. If you happen to already know something in the book, then you can get through that material that much quicker.
Yes, and to help you determine this, there are standard fingerings for basic common musical patterns like scales and arpeggios, which you can find in any technique book, for example this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Piano-Technique-Book-Exercises/dp/1789332095/, which also includes advice about how to move your hands around the keyboard.
They include some conventions which are useful for overall efficiency in playing a variety of music.
But Faber adult piano adventures level 1 and the Faber playtime jazz songbook to go along with it.
You will quickly start earning everything you need to develop as a piano player and the Jazz songbook will be a great and challenging supplement to your main program of study.
Check if he has a decent pedal, that looks and feels like a real piano pedal. If his piano came with one of those sewing machine-like pedals, just throw it away - really. I would get a pedal from the same brand as the piano if possible, for example, here's the Roland version: https://smile.amazon.com/Roland-DP-10-Real-Feel-Non-Slip-Rubber/dp/B000OY0KWA/
Regarding subscriptions, I always recommend Pianote.com. They will teach him a TON in a short period of time.
Besides that, there's not really any gadgets worth buying IMO. Just practice!
I would be super chuffed if my partner bought me a beautiful wood case mechanical metronome like this one. https://www.amazon.ca/Wittner-845131/dp/B000E4UBEW/ref=asc_df_B000E4UBEW/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292949943083&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5251565404003997486&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvc...
IMO, apps are overrated and over time subscriptions become very costly. Books are actually relatively cheap and have been the main source of piano learning information for literally centuries. What kind of music does he enjoy? Maybe you could you find some beginner song books with music he is interested in. If your city town has a music store you could go over there and pick the clerk's brain about it.
If you are getting Hanon, get this one instead : https://www.amazon.com/Hanon-Faber-Virtuoso-Pianist-Selections-Developing/dp/1616772026
Some Hanon exercises are infamous for landing people injuries; Hanon-Faber is a selection of a few Hanon exercises along with preparations in order to introduce the movement required. I think you also should go over the book with your teacher.
Thank you for the clarification. Let me ask you another question: are Schirmer's editions accurate as for the notes themselves? Honestly, I just own the Virtuoso pianist of that particular edition, but I was tempted to buy Chopin's preludes, nocturnes, and waltzes too, however the reviews suggest that there are a lot of mistakes. What's your personal experience?
You should learn to sing, it is the greatest improvement you can make to develop your ear.
By this I don't mean learn singing technique, songs, etc.. but start with intervals and then simple melodies. Play them and then try to repeat them with your voice, first while playing the piano at the same time and then only with your voice. After a while you will be able to recognize intervals by singing them and soon just by earing them.
You can also find a lot of books that can guide you from easy to hard. What I used when I was starting was this: Pozzoli (In Italian, but not a lot to read if you can already read music). Recommended solely because it is the only one I know, maybe there are better ones maybe not.
Go for you for ignoring those people. As you should! Never too late to start as long as it makes you happy.
Probably start with a methods book that can help you familiarize yourself with fingering, key names, and the piano layout
Get a teacher if you can. If not try using Pianote’s YouTube/Online course. Try their YouTube first, there course also allows free month trial to see if you like it. But start with the book for sure, too many new things being brought up may be overwhelming. Go slow and steady and try to practice everyday if you can even if it’s just 10 minutes.
Good luck on your learning journey. Hope this helps :)
This piece was actually my first foray into classical music since I started playing. I have always thought it was a pretty melody and when I brought in the sheet music to a lesson to discuss it with my teacher, he recommended I try to learn to play the first page. I did, and the next page --- but it is still quite difficult and obviously way more than I can chew. I've found Mozart to be incredibly tough - the pedaling, the articulation, dynamics... very difficult. But the entire sonata is a long term goal for me and there's plenty more to go!
For anybody interested in the sheet music, I highly recommend that you avoid the version on Musescore. While the notes and rhythm are correct, the dynamics and articulation marks are not great for humans (sounds OK when a computer plays it though). I bought the Alfred Masterwork Edition from Amazon for a few bucks and it's much better.
https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Recital-Keyboard-Headphone-Educational/dp/B072FKLXRB/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1 This one gets good reviews, it's fully weighted and 88 keys, but I haven't tried it myself. It will need a pedal, stand and bench too. If she's taking classes you may want to ask her teacher though for recommendations, also check used sale sites.
I got these music flash cards on Amazon, and I like how they show where the note is on the staff and on the keyboard.
weird, I had a feeling you were going to say that as soon as I hit 'reply'!
fair enough, there are actually some pretty decent Hal Leonard arrangements of rock tunes on piano.
Also 29 and I started playing 2 years ago.
Check out the instructional book here. It's the first of a three book series with each book touching on both theory and technique.
My best advice is to learn to read sheet music and stick to it. You're going to be tempted to learn to play by following along apps or the synesthesia videos on youtube. You can definitely learn songs this way, but you'll just be shortchanging your skill and experience on a long term scale.
https://www.amazon.com/Ancable-Stereo-Female-2-Male-Y-Splitter/dp/B01HD1HC04
Maybe something like this would do the trick?
I did a couple things to help myself get it down... I would draw out both staffs and notes, and write the notes underneath. Then i'd test myself. These music flash cards from Amazon really helped me as well, because they show where the note is on the staff. I learned about ACE and watched stuff on YT. Once it starts to click where the notes are, you will slowly but surely, start to learn. Be easy on yourself when you're sight reading, because you're going to feel overwhelmed like, "omg how am I going to read and translate these both at the same time!" But you'll get it. Your sight reading will get better over time, you just have to be patient and keep doing it! ♡♡♡
Hope this helps. :)
There are loads of classical pieces that don't need to be arranged at all. Classical doesn't imply difficult. He could probably play everything in here: Journey Through the Classics - maybe you could even skip books 1 and 2 (they're also available separately, the one I linked is 1-4 all included).
Buy this book. Start at page one. You will be less confused.
I guess it's just a matter of making sure you are doing things you enjoy as well. Some songs can get tedious (my teacher had me skip songs because of that at times) and this is where having a teacher can help. Mine had been finding me other books to try and asked me up front what music I wanted to be able to play. While I'm not exactly playing Hans Zimmer music yet she does try and keep the repertoire interesting and fresh week to week.
This is my beginner star wars book I'm learning from (slowly)
Star Wars: Easy Piano Play-Along Volume 31 (Easy Piano Cd Play-Along) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1476874603/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BF4QSR14HXF9KQ1R6DQT
This book has loads of fun stuff around the right level:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Through-Classics-Complete-Leonard/dp/1476874336/
You should try yousician. Has some subscription options with exercises and songs.
Also, if you have any doubts or need some material, send me a PM. I can send you a good drive folder with some material from my classes.
I just practice saying the letter is over and over again up and down forwards and backwards through the scale as I play them and look at the names and note heads on the staff over two octaves.
You can get practice doing this using my currently free no ads app which can also obviously just do this without even a piano in front of you. I admit it was a struggle even though it seems like such a very easy task. You can also practice with the flash card app as well. Feedback welcome.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.scaleschords
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
Get comfortable learning the fingering transitions associated with scales and that will help give you a basis for how to move your hands up and down the keyboard for notes that are different than the five fingers but still within the scale.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.scaleschords
Currently free no ads app for scale fingering.
I can't speak to improvisation although I think that a deep understanding of the structure of different styles is required before you can start to improvise in them. And that comes from playing and actually studying them.
For ear training just like sight reading it is going to come much much faster if you deliberately practice that skill. If you want additional practice for it you can try my currently free app just scroll down to the interval identification and lower higher note identification sections. Feedback welcome
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
I secondly library as a resource for method books.
And some of the pieces on the RCM syllabus are in the public domain so I structure myself according to them as well.
If you want some additional sight reading practice since books by definition are finite you can try my app currently free. Feedback welcome
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Fundamentally piano is different than typing on an actual computer keyboard because a finger position does not match up to a key on the keyboard. The finger position depends on the notes in the context of the song. However there are figurative equivalents to a homero keys which are the motion that is required to play a scale for example c major scale. The c major scale motion is very similar to a d major scale motion or an e major scale motion with only small changes.
So yes learning to read music by the notes on the page is very important and you should get to the point where you don't really need to look at your hands because you'll have understood the context and kept a mental track of where you are on the keyboard. Of course glancing at your hands is fine.
A good methods but from the library is where you should start for some structure and if you want some additional structure and you can check out my currently free app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
The best thing you can do is to learn the alphabet forward and backward in thirds for example a c e instead of ABC which would be seconds.
If you have any Android device you can also give my flashcard a shot as well which can be interactive if you have a Bluetooth piano free no ads https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
Scroll down to "sight reading: chords" - more practice than you can take I think! Critiques welcome (currently free, no ads, i made it).
I got the Kauai es 110. 88 keys waited and most important for me has Bluetooth and midi connectivity so I can play with my apps that I developed before learning the piano since I am a Dev. Currently free no ads.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
You don't even need a piano to get started with this one.
Good morning,
A methods book from the library any online piano teacher who is rated well any YouTube channel LinkedIn the subreddit at the top and if you don't have access to a piano but still want to sharpen your music theory you can work with this currently free no ads app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.flash
Critiques for me welcome as the dev
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happypennygames.aimusic.sightreader
Maybe try this? Has infinite simple exercises for sight reading and I just added over 100 public domain exercises as well hopefully that update will get rolled out in the next week bye Google. Currently free no ads. Feedback welcome! And it has Bluetooth connectivity