Hello everybody,

Thought I would introduce myself. I am 36 and took up piano and reading music from scratch in Sep 08, having had no prior musical experience before. Both my young daughters are learning too and I am so pleased I am learning along side them as I understand how difficult it can be. We all have lessons; the kids once a week and myself once a month unfortunately.

I have to say this forum is excellent as there is so much support/answers for every worry or problem that I encounter. Its great to read so many other people's opinions too. I am always worrying that I am so rubbish, so to read other people's struggles is very comforting! In fact I loved the AAAGGGHHHH thread, I was laughing loads!

I absolutely love learning to play (in fact I have an addiction, if I don't get to the piano every day I feel like a part of me is missing) and am trying to ensure that I become a well rounded piano player, therefore try hard in every aspect of piano playing, from technique, to sight reading and memory etc etc. Sight reading progression is painfully slow but is improving nonetheless. I am playing at around grade 1 standard.

I should get rid of our rental next week and receive our silent U1 (2nd hand) so then I can really practice in the evenings without disturbing anyone... hooray!

Welcome Mini Mo.
Another enthusiastic amateur

Welcome

Hi Mini mo

It looks like we've been learning piano for much the same lenth of time - look forward to hearing how you're getting on

Nice to meet you (albeit digitally of course!). How am I getting on? Um. Ok I would say. I do seem to be practising more and more hours every week, doing about 7 hours at the moment. Lately been working lots though so only can manage about 3-4 hours. Its amazing how I manage to find the time seeing as I work 4 days a week and have 2 kids. Basically the housework just doesn't get done!

I really do love playing even easy pieces (which is all I can play ). I wasnt going to do my grades, then I was, now I am not after practising my 3 pieces! Nerves just get the better of me, so I am going to leave it for now, but I know I will have to confront my demons at some point, yikes!

I have just learnt to play Bach Minuet in G and I have about 5 pieces I can play from memory. Changed the way I learn songs (work on 4 bars at a time) so now I seem to be able to play from memory much better than before. I still make loads of mistakes and my touch is a bit all over the place but i guess will improve in time. Trying to move onto Right @ Sight book 2 (similar to Paul Harris) but its a nightmare! I am in Limbo land between end of book 1 and book 2. I will imagine it will take me a year to get to grade 2 reading standard but I will persevere (I am very determined!).

How about you. Do you find it easy/difficult? Have you had any prior experience of an instrument or reading music before?

Oh sorry I have just seen your profile. I clearly don't know my way around yet!

You sound as if you're doing extremely well - much better than me!

to the forums!

Welcome!

and hope you enjoy it here, and find it useful. What a lovely way to learn, mum and daughters together!

Hello

Hi! welcome to the forums

Welcome

Welcome from another well rounded piano player (I need to shed at least 2 stone). Enjoy the forums!

Mole

Welcome Mini_mo.

If I lost 2 stone I would unfortunately disappear as there's nothing of me! Better go and eat lots of biscuits. I'm shocked yet delighted to learn that the secrets of good piano playing are down to stuffing my face with chocolate every night!!!

...but don't forget to wash your hands afterwards, you don't want to get your piano keys all sticky

Having 2 kids that are learning too, I actually thing those keys are a serious health hazard!!!!