I'm a 22 yr old female who does not have knowledge in music and I'm interested in learning piano.

1) Wants to take ABRSM grading theory and practical exam. But which music school should i choose?
Yamaha Music School
OR Cristofori Music School
2) Wants to buy a Yamaha DGX-500 but is it advisable for me to practise using this digital piano?

Don't know about these two music schools I'm afraid - maybe someone else could advise.
I think a private piano teacher is a good idea and the lessons could be tailored to your needs.

I agree Trio - a personal private teacher would be the best first move.

Thanks for the fast reply. If private teacher is advisable, then who should I look for? Example: Qualifications, etc...

Teaching qualifictions are good, but the best move is to ask around and get a personal recommendation. Or you could look in the local music shop, there will be adverts and you can ask advise from the staff there.

Anyway I will consider asking around for friends who are willing to teach or I will go to Music School instead.

But does anyone learn piano by themselves, simply by buying relevant books + past year exams paper and practise (I might consider to go libraries to hunt for books )?
If yes, how do I register to take ABRSM exams & any books to recommend?
Note: I'm located at Singapore.

My objectives: Pursue ABRSM Classical Piano Grade 1 - 8

I stil think a private teacher is the best move.
As you said you had no musical knowledge, I don't think you would get very far teaching yourself.

I'm working on finding a private teacher. Hope to get one soon.

QUOTE (joychoi @ May 13 2004, 06:17 AM)

Anyway I will consider asking around for friends who are willing to teach or I will go to Music School instead. But does anyone learn piano by themselves, simply by buying relevant books + past year exams paper and practise (I might consider to go libraries to hunt for books )? If yes, how do I register to take ABRSM exams & any books to recommend? Note: I'm located at Singapore. My objectives: Pursue ABRSM Classical Piano Grade 1 - 8

Hey I'm in Singapore too!!! and yes I know about the Yamaha and Cristofori Schools...personally I would recommend private teachers like everyone so far as the teachers at music schools prefer to teach you grade by grade year by year and normally make you take exams every year, so naturally you would not have the freedom to skip some grades or runthrough some grades very fast whereas you could with a private teacher. Seeing as you are an adult student, I think that would be necessary if you want to get to grade 8 in as less time as possible.

As for teaching yourself, you CAN, but it would be best if you first get a teacher, learn for a few years, then self-learn. After all, that's what I'm doing!!! Theory you can self-learn though, btw. I learned it and got 93 marks distinction at grade 5. Considering grade 6...

Books to recommend...well, really, anything at the music bookshops would be ok. I used Czerny Opus.299, published by Rhythm, and a few others.

Hope that helps!!!

QUOTE (theDcomposer @ May 13 2004, 10:04 AM)

QUOTE (joychoi @ May 13 2004, 06:17 AM) Anyway I will consider asking around for friends who are willing to teach or I will go to Music School instead. But does anyone learn piano by themselves, simply by buying relevant books + past year exams paper and practise (I might consider to go libraries to hunt for books  :lol: )? If yes, how do I register to take ABRSM exams & any books to recommend? Note: I'm located at Singapore.  B) My objectives: Pursue ABRSM Classical Piano Grade 1 - 8 Hey I'm in Singapore too!!! and yes I know about the Yamaha and Cristofori Schools...personally I would recommend private teachers like everyone so far as the teachers at music schools prefer to teach you grade by grade year by year and normally make you take exams every year, so naturally you would not have the freedom to skip some grades or runthrough some grades very fast whereas you could with a private teacher. Seeing as you are an adult student, I think that would be necessary if you want to get to grade 8 in as less time as possible. As for teaching yourself, you CAN, but it would be best if you first get a teacher, learn for a few years, then self-learn. After all, that's what I'm doing!!! Theory you can self-learn though, btw. I learned it and got 93 marks distinction at grade 5. Considering grade 6... Books to recommend...well, really, anything at the music bookshops would be ok. I used Czerny Opus.299, published by Rhythm, and a few others. Hope that helps!!!

That really help alot. I'm still looking for private teacher now, as I have 1 month to find one.

Anyway I'm still waiting for my pay before I buy a piano for myself.

From here I conclude that for beginners, the best advice is to find private teacher compare to music school. I can't wait to play some music on my own...

And make lots of noise in my neighbourhood.