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Well considering you’re probably an adult. I’d recommended the Alfred Adult Level 1 book. I’ve played piano for 8 years and this is what my instructor uses for her beginning high school who have never even touched a piano. There’s 3 levels and all have pretty well rounded lessons. It teaches a lot of chords, note names, scales, and etc. good luck! Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic: Level 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0882848186/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.hRQAb5KQXXJC. If you ever need help shoot me a message
For the girl, consider this, it’s a learn how to play Flute with songs from Frozen.
Frozen - Recorder Fun!: Pack with Songbook and Instrument https://www.amazon.com/dp/1495013057/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fzo-BbF6N2GX0
I know you're probably joking, but on the off chance that you're not:
This is a good starting point. I would also recommend learning some music theory. There are lots of online resources for this or if you want it all in one place, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory is actually a really good book (don't be dissuaded by the title). After you've learned some and want to play some music of your own, MuseScore is a great program that has a huge collection of user created sheet music. You can often find beginner versions of popular songs on their website. Best of luck and remember to have fun!
https://www.amazon.com/Frozen-Recorder-Pack-Songbook-Instrument/dp/1495013057
you guys don't know pain until you've had this given to your 3 year old daughter.
https://www.amazon.com/Hanon-Virtuoso-Exercises-Complete-Schirmers/dp/0793525446
This is a warmup book I have used for 10 years and I love it with all my heart. Although it doesn’t have any impressive technique or pieces, your keystriking and fluency while playing will improve if you do these warmups every day.
I don't believe there is a good quality website for that. However, this book is an industry standard for adults to learn reading. The lessons are well-organized and it is possible to go through it on your own. It's probably better than anything you'll find online. You can order it on Amazon if you want to avoid stores!
The Chord Wheel: The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians (TOUS INSTRUMENT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0634021427/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RT1BHVCPP332SRMDSFEV
I hope I’m allowed to link things from Amazon here. Sorry If I’m not mods.
I think this is a really good book for entry level enharmonics theory
Good enough? Everyone should know? If there were only a handful that were useful, then the others would not be taught. Sure, you’ll find that 80% of songs consist of the same 20% components/themes. But there’s no “easy hack to be good enough” — progress is made through establishing a consistent practice routine and setting measurable goals.
Don’t try to go the easy route and skip fundamentals; it’s counter productive when learning piano.
This is a great book for beginners of any age that captures the spectrum of elements to learn.
On a different note, you may find that a hymnal, ignoring the religious component, is an excellent example of the common piano music practices — chord structure, inversions, voicing, etc. If you can play through a hymnal front to back, you can consistently play most American piano music.
I suggest reading a jazz theory book. I think that if you got through this Mark Levine book it wouldn’t be nearly as big of a mystery: https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Theory-Book-Mark-Levine/dp/1883217040/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jazz+theory+book&qid=1610722853&sr=8-1
This isn’t tied specifically to bass but it has a load of good info. Then if you want to get a Real Book (bass clef version), you can start really playing and improving jazz lines in bass easily.
My two cents as a lapsed classical pianist: If you want to go old school and learn to read music a bit too, struggle your way through the Hanon exercises for piano, specifically the scales and octave scale progression through all keys.
It is boring, dry stuff. But I will be damned if I don't still remember every scale once I start off on the right note, even if I don't remember any of the classical pieces themselves. Because of that bastard Hanon and his exercises.
This is what you want. It works from the inside out, but it’s the same concept, plus it has key signatures. Personally I’ve always found chord wheels to be overly complicated, but I learned theory fairly young, and discovered these afterwards.
Edit: this one also has the advantage of rotating to highlight all the diatonic chords in that key.
I've posted this a few times but I think its well worth repeating:
I am using Alfred's Adult all in one and there is a guy on YouTube that covers each lesson with good instruction and tips. Here is the link: Alfred's Video
I also hired a tutor who I meet with every two weeks, just to make sure I'm not picking up bad habits.
I’m the same way. Write and throw right handed but bat lefty. There’s a book you can get from Amazon called Stick Control. I can’t recommend it enough. It starts off basic and increases in difficulty. It will help with sticking.
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HH15Y35PKH9KNWERJ19Y
The Jazz theory book is pretty good (UK Amazon link: The Jazz Theory Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1883217040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1iIPBb6419EEZ)
Otherwise the ABRSM music theory books are pretty good as well but a little boring to read...
When my son was in 5th grade and had to buy a $5 recorder (which we never saw again after they were done with that unit..I wonder where the damn thing went?), I almost bought myself one from Amazon.
The Alfred All In One books have been pretty good so far. I started playing on Friday and have learned so much. Here’s the Amazon link to the first book. You can also use the PDF version.
I started with this book about four years ago. You can find used copies pretty reliably at half price books:
https://www.amazon.com/Adult-All-One-Course-Lesson-Theory-Technic/dp/0882848186/
I worked out of that for about six months and then started taking lessons, but there are three volumes you can work through yourself with lots of supplemental books. It’s a great series IMO.
What works for me... Each practice session generally goes like this...
Practice makes perfect but if you practice the wrong things that's what you will perfect.
1) Start by Warming up to something formal. Scales, chords, rhythmic phrases, styles, and various time signatures. Use a metronome. Start slow and work up the tempo. Count out loud. 1 E & ah, 2 E & ah...
2) Practice something new to learn and expand your skillset and instrument's vocabulary. Learn a song or part of one. Or work on theory if it suits you. Just keep trying new things.
3) Work on feel. Play 1 single note and try to make it as Musical and expressive as possible. Play the same note at different octaves, positions, tones, volumes, and rhythms. Then add a second random note and play using only the two. Always be as expressive as possible. It's an exercise in feel. Continue adding notes up until 4. I use a 12 sided dice at times to pick random notes and random syncopations to play. (Ted reed syncopation is gold).
4) Put all the formalities aside and experiment. Less thinking and more feeling. At this point, if you gave 1 through 3 enough time and consideration you will have more ticks in your bag to pull out on the fly. Over time your bag will become a treasure trove. Never stop.
Ted Reed Syncopation
It can be applied to all instruments.
If you’re three months into piano, and especially if you’re teaching yourself, I’d recommend Hanon.. Of course, keep doing what you’re doing because it’s amazing. Hanon really helps strengthen your fingers.
Good job, especially for three months. :)
Buy it from Amazon instead? They ship to Malaysia.
Former classical guitar student here that definitely agrees that piano is easier than guitar in many ways. Anyway, there are a number of method books for piano such as Alfred's Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic: Level 1. A search at Amazon for "piano method books" will turn up others. Good luck!
Can you afford an inexpensive book? Alfred's is the usual suggestion around here, and it spells everything out pretty clearly. You can pick it up on amazon.
One usually tried and true method to learning to actually play music is to start slow and with some simple pieces. A book like this will help you do that. The journey is long so prepare for a marathon rather than a sprint.
Are you trying to work on reading music? If so, it's just like reading words. Remember when learning to read how you did it? Taking it slow, like first recognizing 26 letters and the sounds they make, then you sound out groups of them called words, then groups of words for sentences, etc. You get better the more you do it. There may be tips/tricks promising quick results, but even with them, you just have to do it over and over.
I would suggest adult beginner piano books.
They don't go painfully slow like kids beginner books, and taking it from the beginning is nothing to be ashamed of. Having a solid foundation will make future skills more stable. Best wishes!
The FAQ has a great section on how to get started as a beginner. In addition, there is some talk about what and how to practice.
Most people on this sub will recommend using the Alfred All in One series if you want to teach yourself. Amazon Link
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My advice would be to start here.
What you describe sounds like a piano method book. Maybe take a look at the table of contents of Alfred's All in One Course to see if it's for you?
I’d gladly teach you. I teach my two kids that have been playing daily for the past 6 years. I also play flute and teach oboe. Music is tons of fun to playing and extremely satisfying to learn.
I’d recommend getting alfred’s beginning piano for adults book.
"The Real Book" would be a good place to start. It is a widely recognised book of jazz standards which you can work through. This is the ideal place to practice and play through any of the tricks/theory that you learn elsewhere. Also, don't limit yourself to just flute specific resources!