hi, wanted to ask, should i get a teacher to learn the piano???? My first instruement is the violin and find it essential to have proper lessons. I have recently started learning the piano myself from one of these adult tutor books. But, i am not sure if a teacher would be wise or not, would it actually make any difference to my playing???? I wish to learn the piano correctly, but i really do not know if it is essential, like with the violin.

Hi Debra, I think it is all too easy to develop faulty technique if you don't have someone to guide you - just as it is with the violin and other instruments.

You may find you can teach yourself / work out much of the 'reading music' side of things, based on your violin experience - however your shoulders arms and hands need to work in the best way and it can be very difficult to tell yourself whether you 're doing it right or not. Faulty technique will hold you back, as with any instrument, and undoing bad habits will cost you dear in terms of effort and lost time.

Get a teacher. Piano is exactly like the violin (or any other instrument) in that respect. If you're not taught techniques properly, you'll most likely be developing ingrained problems without realising it.

A couple of years ago, I started teaching myself recorder. After a couple of months, I decided to get a teacher, at which point I discovered that I'd been doing several things wrong and, a year and a half on, I'm still not entirely rid of the problems I made for myself.

Hi Debra,


I went a very long time with my "self-taught" method(s), and I've had my first piano lesson this week

There are more than a few things my new teacher picked up upon STRAIGHT away - unknown to me!. If you can afford a teacher, and a very good one at that, then i would recommend the sooner the better.

Yes, there are books out there that help (and Videos/DVD's - which i've used, and to some benefit), but the books/DVD's etc can't SEE YOU, and YOUR technique, even if you see what they are doing. Your hand size, posture, height, age - are just a small list of things that a one-on-one (teacher) is able to connect with.


all the best


Allzwell

I would go for lessons.

I started out going for keyboard lessons with Yamaha Music school and then switched to piano lessons with a private teacher.

If I had tried to teach myself piano, I would have tried to play it like a keyboard. I 've learnt so much in the two years I've been playing, like posture, control, reading piano music, and it has helped greatly with scales. When I go to play them on fluter or clarinet I just image a piano keyboard.

Having a teacher not only means you are less likely to develop bad habits, but it means to have reference; someone you can ask when you get stuck with a piece or have a piano related querie.

You don't have to have lessons every week
You could just have them once a month or even less regularly so that you can check your technique and then just work through different pieces between lessons

A few rare and lucky geniuses can get good without a teacher. For everyone else a teacher is essential.

Hi, thanks very much for all these answers, it has helped me to make up my mind, so i will definately get some lessons as soon as i find a suitable teacher. I'm sure you are all correct, and you do not always see your own mistakes.

thankyou all again!!!

Hi Debra,

best of luck with your search for a piano teacher - my search starts this week. Shall we have a race?

Hi Debra,

I'd say definitely find a good teacher, not only to help you on the technical side but to encourage and inspire you, I also love hearing my teacher play when she runs through a new piece.

Good luck !!