Any Musicians???

[JoyJoyJoy]

At the tender age of 46, I start piano lessons next week. I have always wanted to play. Any musicians out there???

[Acts5:41]

Tone deaf.

Every cat I've ever known has run away, ears flattened, when I sing. :pound

[Musician in His house]

Um . . . hello? *points to name* :heh

I took piano lessons when I was in late elementary through middle school. My piano teacher taught with the standard piano books (I forget which piano course the books were from), she hosted piano recitals where we played classical pieces, and she had us compete in local piano competitions with classical pieces there as well. Playing classical pieces don't really allow for one's own artistic interpretation, but they are excellent for the fundamentals and technical knowledge. My teacher also held piano theory classes once a year, which we were required to attend. Piano Theory was a week-long course, two hours or so per day, usually in the summer because we were out of school and she was the school's music teacher. In Piano Theory we got more concentrated on the fundamentals like what the different symbols on the music score mean, playing scales and reading sharps and flats, and transposing from one key to another. For instance, there are 7 sharps and 7 flats. I have a hard time playing more than 2-3 sharps at a time, so I can transpose from 2 sharps to 5 flats or from 3 sharps to 4 flats (whatever the number of sharps is, subtract that number from 7 and that's how many flats you play). The notes on the page are the same, you just have to remember to play the flats instead of the sharps. I don't know why flats are easier for me, but they are. Flats, in order, are B, E, A, D, G, C, F and sharps, in order, are the reverse -- F, C, G, D, A, E, B.

I never liked to practice because I HAD to practice for a certain amount of time and certain pieces. When I stopped taking lessons, though, and began playing hymns/praise songs/popular music, I was able to more freely use my own style and play like I wanted. Still, having the lessons taught me the basics. I also play by ear. I've "picked out" several praise songs and contemporary Christian songs that I've heard on my local Christian station. I play for the love of the music and out of love for God. I'd rather play the piano than do anything else. It's also my therapy. I can be completely alone with my music and my God and be totally happy. In fact, the only thing I want to ask God for when I get to Heaven is a piano and a corner to sit and play it in.

[Musician in His house]

Tone deaf.

Every cat I've ever known has run away, ears flattened, when I sing. :pound

Well, the Bible DOES say, "Make a joyful noise . . . " :heh

Don't worry, Heather, when we get to Heaven, you can come to my house and sing. I'll bet, with our glorified bodies, we'll get glorified voices, too!

[RaptureReady_7]

At the tender age of 46, I start piano lessons next week. I have always wanted to play. Any musicians out there???

Enjoy the lessons! Don't let them become drudgery to you. I took piano lessons for several years, did some recitals and all. I can still play, but I tend to play more on my trumpet and flute, I can also play most brass and a few more wind instruments, but trumpet is my instrument. Love just playing and making noise for myself. Don't pressure yourself.

Once you start getting comfortable, there are plenty of places on the internet to get any sheet music at any level you want. A lot of free music and some that cost, but not that much.

[DMac]

Um . . . hello? *points to name* :heh

. In Piano Theory we got more concentrated on the fundamentals like what the different symbols on the music score mean, playing scales and reading sharps and flats, and transposing from one key to another. For instance, there are 7 sharps and 7 flats. I have a hard time playing more than 2-3 sharps at a time, so I can transpose from 2 sharps to 5 flats or from 3 sharps to 4 flats (whatever the number of sharps is, subtract that number from 7 and that's how many flats you play). The notes on the page are the same, you just have to remember to play the flats instead of the sharps. I don't know why flats are easier for me, but they are. Flats, in order, are B, E, A, D, G, C, F and sharps, in order, are the reverse -- F, C, G, D, A, E, B.

.

I always thought it would be cool to learn the piano too. Now I am scared.

[TheRedeemed]

I have played for years since a child and done some live performances and played with some bands.

However, I never took a single lesson, I just have a muscial ability, but because I 'play by ear' and not by classical training I would struggle to play a classical piece on my own as I can only partially read music.

I can play along to most tunes after hearing just a few bars, I pick out the key then 'logic' kicks in, as music is like a mathematical system e.g. if a tune is in key of E I know that somewhere along the line I will be hitting a B chord and an A chord maybe an F# as well etc...

Now I would probably struggle to take proper lessons as I have my own bad habits and set ways of playing.

Music is food for the soul and God given and anyone of any age that has a desire to play, either on their own or by professional coaching methods I say go for it, its a truly wonderful uniquely human skill to have.

[RaptureReady_7]

I always thought it would be cool to learn the piano too. Now I am scared.

It is actually very simple. Like learning a new language with an easier vocabulary. A sharp (half step up), on a piano is just the black key above the white one, the flat (half step down) is the black key down from the white one you are pressing. Good teachers take no time at all to show you. And the notes are in alphabetical order. So if you press the F key, the G key is the next white key up. So F# (sharp) is the black key next up from the F. And the G flat (b) is the next black key down from the G white key.

A little practice and off you go. Course, the fun stuff is when you have to eventually coordinate all the fingers :shocked. But you do not start off doing that. Walk, then run.

[RaptureReady_7]

I have played for years since a child and done some live performances and played with some bands.

However, I never took a single lesson, I just have a muscial ability, but because I 'play by ear' and not by classical training I would struggle to play a classical piece on my own as I can only partially read music.

I can play along to most tunes after hearing just a few bars, I pick out the key then 'logic' kicks in, as music is like a mathematical system e.g. if a tune is in key of E I know that somewhere along the line I will be hitting a B chord and an A chord maybe an F# as well etc...

Now I would probably struggle to take proper lessons as I have my own bad habits and set ways of playing.

Music is food for the soul and God given and anyone of any age that has a desire to play, either on their own or by professional coaching methods I say go for it, its a truly wonderful uniquely human skill to have.

I am the opposite. I am really good at reading music, even cold reading, but not that great at playing by ear. I have played the trumpet since I was 9. When I was in the 8th grade, I played 1st seat 1st part for the High school band. I played 1st/1st until I graduated. Joined the Navy, and played in the local Command bands and did tons of parades in uniform. Who knew you could play Anchors Aweigh 100 times in a row and not go crazy!!! :twitch

[NarrowRoad]

:nod I studied piano and voice into my college years as did my husband. His degree studies were voice, theory, and piano. He sang with the Dallas Opera Chorus while in college. Now, he sings in a local professional choir and for a church.

Me? Homeschooling and taking care of our home are my calling. Music is in the background these days...mostly old hymns. I love them, singing and playing them.


NR