teaching one's self piano

[newyorkcatholic]

Is it possible?

-I did take piano lessons (very few for a few weeks, years ago) and enjoyed it
-I would take lessons again, but I don't want to spend the money right now
-I am willing to do lots of repetitive practice exercises
-I actually like math/physics/philosophy and don't think I'd mind doing lots of music theory
-I have good hand-eye coordination and am a super-fast typer, don't know if that makes any difference
-I'm already 29, nearing 30, obviously late to start compared to the greats, but I just want to be decent, not a virtuoso

I also have some background in Indian classical music.

So it is possible?

How should I go about it?

[The Curt Jester]

It's possible because that's how my sister learned at first.  After she was able to play simple hymns she got a teacher, but I think she could have done more on her own.    I just think it will be that much harder and you may very well get stuck with some poor technique.    Some people can do it better than others.   Other than that, I can't help much because I know I'm not the type to learn an instrument by myself.

[cgraye]

It would definitely help to get a teacher for at least a while, but it's possible to do it all alone.  Unless you already know how to read music and have a level of general musical knowledge, I think you might get bored, though.  If you want to try, buy the introductory John Thompson or Alfred piano lesson book and give it a try.

[Jackson K. Eskew]

Becoming a concert pianist requires a teacher. Not so for becoming a decent amateur. I recommend this series:

http://www.amazon.com/Adult-All-One-Course-Lesson-Theory-Technic/dp/0882848186/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I30JJVBKJ6RVJ3&colid=3ELCUYQEOI62K

Inspirational:

http://www.amazon.com/Inner-Game-Music-Barry-Green/dp/0385231261/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1318542838&sr=8-9

Along with:

http://www.amazon.com/Students-Guide-History-Preston-Disciplines/dp/1933859415/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318542925&sr=1-1

&

http://www.amazon.com/Lives-Great-Composers-Harold-Schonberg/dp/0393038572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318542982&sr=1-1

[HotRod]

I taught myself to play the Peanuts theme by watching youTube videos. 

My wife is giving the kids real intruction, but I've already learned everything I need   ;D

[OCLittleFlower]

I'm using the Alfred book.  It's working pretty well, but I do have my husband helping me out quite a bit (he took lessons for 12 years).  I'm about halfway through book one, and I started in July.  I could go faster but I haven't had as much time to play as I would like because of a few trips we took, the move involved with buying our first home, and some house guests we had.  Life has calmed down, so I hope to start playing daily soon.

My husband has an uncle who taught himself out of books in his 30s and plays very well now.  So it is very possible.

[introibo]

My daughter, now 19, started teaching herself when she was 15 or so, with a little help from me.  She used the kids' John Thompson books. She won't ever be a concert pianist, but she did progress fast, and is pretty decent now.

Christina

[emc]

Alfred adult book is good.
Alfred also has a "Teach yourself to play piano" book. (yes that's the title)
It's on sale right now at amazon for $20, $10 off!
It even comes with a DVD.
Sorry, I can't link

[romanaround]

funny , i was just thinking about this yesterday... Have you taken a look at some YouTube vids? This guy uploads some free piano tutorials on his YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/piano9899?feature=pvchclk , and offers some lessons and DVDS on his website: http://www.playpianotoday.com/piano-lessons-splash.html

[newyorkcatholic]

Thanks for the recommendations!  I have been looking at some youtube vids, but I should probably combine that with getting some of the good books recommended on this thread from the library.

Maybe in a few weeks ... months time, I'll post a vid of myself playing something ridiculously amateurish