Beginning the piano?
I’m a beginner when it comes to the piano and I’m just so confused. I should probably start off by saying that I can’t read music very well. That’s how much of a beginner I am. The thing is I want to play so badly but I don’t know what to play. I’ve taken lessons since the beginning of the year but I don’t think I’m really improving. I’m in the Alfred’s piano book 1 and it’s just little songs over and over…and I find it very boring. This summer I want to improve as much as I can and get to a point where I can play real music. Which brings up another problem because I don’t even know what real music is. I’ve heard a lot of classical music that I like but I can’t pin point who it is. Plus, I’m sure it’s way too hard for me. I’d also like to get into jazz as well….but I just don’t know what to do, where to start….
I guess my ultimate question is, what can I do this summer to get better and be able to really play real beautiful music?
I’m glad to hear that you have such an interest in piano. Although it may be frustrating at times, keep attending lessons, because having a teacher (versus teaching yourself) will benefit you in the long run. Also, your teacher probably asks you to play scales, cadances, etc, which, although tedious, are essentials if you wish to play more advanced music in the future.
Go to a local music store and look for the « Kjos » collections, or « Keith Snell »; they are numbered by level, and he publishes Classical, Baroque, Romantic, and other compilations. These will be at an appropriate level that is both attainable and challenging at the same time, and will give you a real sense of accomplishment when you play them. Also, they will get you away from playing forty-two renditions of « twinkle, twinkle, little star ».
As far as music recognition and composers, go to your local library, because they will likely have a large collection of classical music CDs. Check out several, and try to get a variety of eras, composers, styles, etcetera. Even though the songs on the recordings will probably be too advanced, you can always look for works from the same composer, which will have a similar feel. Then tell your teacher, « I enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s first concerto. What can I play by him? » and hopefully, your teacher will take note.
In a little while, you may be able to play some of Joplin’s rags, and you’d probably enjoy that. Also look for jazz books published by Martha Mier; she has innovative arrangements and her books come in several levels from very easy to difficult.
Good luck, and keep playing!
APPC Lesson Book 6
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