Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Where do I start?

Hi, I'm new. I did search before posting this, I didn't see anything quite dealing with this, I hope I didn't miss something, if I did, I'm sorry! Could you please point me in that direction? Anyways, on to my question.

I'm sixteen and I have virtually no music experience. However, I've always wanted to the play the piano and I fear I'm just putting it off and putting it off.

How would I go about learning to play? I don't expect ot be good at all, but it has always been something I've wanted to do. How do I know if it's for me? Where should I start? My family does not have a piano or anything for me to practice on, would I be better going with a Keyboard?

Basically, does anyone have any advice for a newbie?

First visit the MTNA (Music Teacher's National Association) to learn a little about what a teacher should do for you, and how to go about finding one that's "right".
http://www.mtna.org


Then go to their teacher locator, and find some teachers to interview.
https://members.mtna.org/mtnareports/Teacher_Lookup.asp


As for the keyboard issue, if that's all you can get it's all you can get. Just know that your developement will be limited as long as you're playing a keyboard rather than an acoustic piano. You will want an acoustic piano as soon as possible if you're going to take piano playing seriously.

And finally...

ENJOY YOURSELF!

Have fun with it

maybe you could find a piano class for beginners at a local college to start with. but usually such a class would be offered during summer time. the good thing about such a class is that you could learn some basics on piano playing and music theory as well, and have fellow students to share the experience. after that, if indeed you like it and want to continue, you would have a good direction.

depending on how serious and how much you could spend, it is the best to get a digital piano (with weighted keys) first but you could settle for a decent (weightless) keyboard (with touch sensitive/response option) if you are on budget. you could always get a better piano later if you would be really good at it and really enjoy continuing with it.

so, good luck!