Learning Piano

[Dex]

Couple of questions. I'll be shooting my first feature over the next couple of years and was considering producing my own original score. Something I've always been interested in. I have no musical background or experience with any instrument.

 

Will I be significantly hamstringing myself by not taking lessons from a pro?

 

Do you recommend an acoustic upright or will a 88 key weighted board suffice?

 

Is the utilization of pedals a necessity?

 

Exercises to increase finger dexterity and strength?

 

Where to start when teaching yourself?

[Moose Hoover]

16 hours ago, Dex said:

Couple of questions. I'll be shooting my first feature over the next couple of years and was considering producing my own original score. Something I've always been interested in. I have no musical background or experience with any instrument.

 

Will I be significantly hamstringing myself by not taking lessons from a pro?

No

Do you recommend an acoustic upright or will a 88 key weighted board suffice?

Upright

Is the utilization of pedals a necessity?

100%

Exercises to increase finger dexterity and strength?

Scales on acoustic guitar

Where to start when teaching yourself?

Yesterday

 

[cookinbrak]

You have no musical background and want to teach yourself to play piano?

[Dex]

57 minutes ago, cookinbrak said:

You have no musical background and want to teach yourself to play piano?

I've pretty much taught myself every hobby I've ever picked up. Not saying it's going to be easy but I'm a fast learner.

[Dex]

1 hour ago, Moose Hoover said:

 

I live in an apartment and I don't think I'll be able to get a legit piano. If I get the pedals to go with it do you think I can make do with a keyboard?

[Dex]

[Jase]

I am a classically trained pianist, and personally, I don’t think there’s any substitute for lessons from somebody who knows what they’re doing.

[Dex]

6 minutes ago, Jase said:

I am a classically trained pianist, and personally, I don’t think there’s any substitute for lessons from somebody who knows what they’re doing.

How many hours of lessons (ballpark figure) before I'd be able to go off on my own?

[Jase]

17 minutes ago, Dex said:

How many hours of lessons (ballpark figure) before I'd be able to go off on my own?

With no music background? Maybe 40-80 hours to get a good foundation. I would say that varies by individual.

Don’t get me wrong, if you start on your own, you can pick up a lot, but your chances of being successful goes way up with an instructor.

[hepcat]

I think you might be underestimating how difficult it is to not only learn how to play the piano proficiently, but also read music and compose your own score. Reading music is like learning another language. Would you try to learn to speak and read Chinese without a teacher, or anything to help you? 

I recommend starting out by scheduling one lesson with a professional teacher. If it goes well and it's something you want to pursue, take the next steps by getting a piano, deciding if you want to take lessons or make a go on your own. You might be able to pick it up fast if you have a good ear and desire to learn/practice often, but coming from zero background in music, you might just give up if you don't experience the amount of progress you expected. 

Source: Professional musician of 15 years, taught lessons to beginner and intermediate players of all ages on piano, guitar, bass, and trombone. 

 

[Zaximus]

2 hours ago, hepcat said:

I think you might be underestimating how difficult it is to not only learn how to play the piano proficiently, but also read music and compose your own score. Reading music is like learning another language. Would you try to learn to speak and read Chinese without a teacher, or anything to help you? 

I recommend starting out by scheduling one lesson with a professional teacher. If it goes well and it's something you want to pursue, take the next steps by getting a piano, deciding if you want to take lessons or make a go on your own. You might be able to pick it up fast if you have a good ear and desire to learn/practice often, but coming from zero background in music, you might just give up if you don't experience the amount of progress you expected. 

Source: Professional musician of 15 years, taught lessons to beginner and intermediate players of all ages on piano, guitar, bass, and trombone. 

 

Off topic but, so it's not uncommon for adults to get lessons?   I've always wanted to learn piano or guitar (or both) but always felt like it would be awkward.   

[hepcat]

5 minutes ago, Zaximus said:

Off topic but, so it's not uncommon for adults to get lessons?   I've always wanted to learn piano or guitar (or both) but always felt like it would be awkward.   

Not uncommon at all. Retirees especially

[Pejorative Miscreant]

10 hours ago, Jase said:

I am a classically trained pianist, and personally, I don’t think there’s any substitute for lessons from somebody who knows what they’re doing.

I am not a classically trained pianist and personally I don’t think there’s any substitute for lessons either.

 

I am trying to learn guitar which is IMO a much easier instrument to learn than piano and has alternate learning styles(tab) that make it simpler than piano.  Even so, a few lessons are necessary.  

[PanthaSan]

What about the Synthesia game?

It seems pretty straightforward.  

Anybody ever try it?

https://www.synthesiagame.com/