Hey Everyone,

I started playing the piano when I was 12 (pretty late starter); I did the ABRSM exams yearly, and passed the first 3 grades without much of a problem. However, I failed my Grade 4. In hindsight and in sum, I did not practice as much as I should have. That year was a really bad one for me - I had to deal with the passing of a loved one, my 'O' levels, and additional exams to assess whether I qualified for early entry into University.

I did get accepted into uni, and as a result, moved into halls (one which did not have a piano - although I have just found a work-around).

When I reflect upon the reasons behind me failing my Grade 4 practical, I come to a number of conclusions:
1) I screwed up my scales
2) I screwed up my sight reading

Recently, I came to the realisation that I really loved playing the piano. However, since I began my tertiary education (4 years back), I have not touched or come in contact with either a piano or any sheet music. I have forgotten most of what I've learnt (I can barely play grade 3 piece decently (sight reading), and I definitely cannot recall any theory or scales). Hence, where and how should I get back into playing?

My problem is further complicated by the fact that I cannot afford a teacher (I am still a student) - the best that I can do is to purchase materials, and practice by myself. What materials should I buy? ABRSM exam books? Are there any other books pertaining to scales?

Thank you!

Revie

Hi and welcome back to the music world.
I suggest that you take a trip to a decent music shop and have a browse through some tutor books there. Don't be too ambitious at first. Find something that will take you through the first few stages easily and then it will be more fun. You might like to join a choir. Piano playing is such a solitary activity that you could still feel in a world of your own unless you meet some other musicians. You may well meet some other learner instrumentalists there too and you can share ideas.

My story's a bit similar to yours. I gave up as a child after grade 3 and when I went to Uni, I was in awe of all those people who'd stuck at it and done their grade 8. I remember there was an electric piano which I put on the lowest volume possible so noone could hear me! The things that worked for me in getting my interest back were a book of easy sonatinas and a big book of jazz pieces. I played for ages like that before taking all my grades again. I now have my grade 8 and still play and maybe some of those people who I envied for going through all the grades as children have since given up - we can all get there in the end. I wouldn't worry about anything too serious yet, just get your love of the piano back. When you do study scales again you may find them a lot easier as an adult - I know I have and they were my weakest thing as a child too. Also don't forget your library, most have great sheet music but people hardly ever seem to use them. Hope this helps, good luck with it all.