Newbie Questions

[toejamfootball]

Hello, I have been trying to learn Piano for about 4 months now. I can play the first part of Moonlight Sonata and some other easy church music I learned

I have a few questions..

1. I don't have a teacher, I am teaching myself, I was wondering if there is a technique website that shows the proper position to hold my wrists and other technique answers.

2. I only have a Casio Keyboard and I was wondering if it is a bad idea to try and learn Piano with a Keyboard since I cant get all the real Piano feel out of it.

3. I was wondering what are some of Bachs most complicated Pieces on Harpsichord?

[Caddis]

Hi toejamfootball
You might be interested in the link in the 'June Surprise Work of the Month' thread by Rojo.As an ex recorder/flute player switching over to piano(and hopefully later organ),I've found the link to be very usefull.

[Krummhorn]

Hello, I have been trying to learn Piano for about 4 months now . . . . .
1. I don't have a teacher, I am teaching myself, I was wondering if there is a technique website that shows the proper position to hold my wrists and other technique answers.

A teacher or tutor is essential if you want to elevate your piano skills to a professional level. I studied piano for 6 years and then organ for another 8 years - I look back on all those years and thank my lucky stars that I learned both instruments in that manner. There is this site: Ken Foster - Practicing Technique that may be of interest if only as a practicing aid.

2. I only have a Casio Keyboard and I was wondering if it is a bad idea to try and learn Piano with a Keyboard since I cant get all the real Piano feel out of it.

I would advise trying to learn on an actual piano. The feel of the mechanical action can't, imho, be duplicated by a digital machine. My two cents worth, anyway.

3. I was wondering what are some of Bachs most complicated Pieces on Harpsichord?

I'll leave answering that one to those more qualified. Although part of my organ studies included the harpsichord, I never really persued that instrument any farther than what I did in my college years.

Best of luck to you in your new endeavors

[toejamfootball]

So do you think I should hold off on using keyboard until I can afford a real Piano? I dont want to ruin my technique on Keyboard practicing and then not know what to do on a Real Piano..

Plus they are so expensive.. there are no jobs in Michigan

[Krummhorn]

Toejamfootball,

On the contrary ... I think, for right now, maybe the best thing is to learn the notes and possibly start working on some piano pieces on the keyboard, leaving the technical stuff for those times when you can practice on a real piano.

Instead of a new piano, perhaps a used one ... or a rent-to-buy option. Another possibility is seeking practice time at a school, church or music store. Even if you knew somebody that has a piano such as neighbors, friends or family.

By all means, don't delay your studies for the lack of having a real piano - my context was to mean that a real piano was far better for a serious piano student as opposed to an electronic keyboard. At least once you advance to the mechanical piano, you will know where the fingers are supposed to go and what the notes are. Might want to include some theory in your self study, too.

From which part of Michigan do you hail? I was born in Detroit, and have family (nobody with a piano, sorry) in Wayne, Westland and Newport.

[toejamfootball]

I am originally from Shelby its a small town in Oceana County, but moved to GR. I already know a good amount of Scales on Keyboard, since I have played Bass Guitar for a Year or so now. I find learning Scales and using them in a song is much easier or comes more naturally to me on Keyboard since the keys are all and order.

I have learned a few Rock songs and Church songs like "Come all ye faithful" on Electric Organ.. even after not having gone to Church in years that song is stuck in my Brain.

But I probably should learn Theory.. I know a good amount of Scales and a few Chords but I cant read Music at all...

[toejamfootball]

Wow.. looking through Classifieds on azcentral I have found a couple uprights for around 700-900 dollar range and free delivery.. Thats pretty good.

Wonder if you could have an upright in an apartment.. :X

[Krummhorn]

I'm sure you can ... at least I did on two occassions while renting, one was on the 2nd floor no less. I have a Young Chang U-121 Studio Upright. Might want to double check with the landlord just to make sure.

[rojo]

Excellent advice from Kh as usual; use what you have for now, upgrade when you can.

And thanks Caddis! Glad to hear it! (The link is actually in my signature; it`s my personal website.)

[wljmrbill]

due space problems I had when I retired into a travel trailer I bought a Casio px100 keyboard. It has 88 keys-full size, weighted and touch sensitive action ( just as a regular keyboard: the more pressure you apply to keys the louder the sound). I have no difficuilty switching to a regular keyboard. I aslo use a vitural organ set up inside with my keyboards and computer... same deal as with the piano.. So you can get by with a digital instrument.. just can not be a cheap one as they are more like playing an organ as far a touch and control are concerned. Have fun: A Keyboard teacher would be your best bet as FAR AS LEARNING THE TECHNICAL BASICS YOU NEED.

[Montefalco]

Bach's Italian Concerto is fairly complicated, as are a lot of the preludes and fugues.