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Hello,

I am 60 yrs of age and now have the drive, determination and desire to learn to play. I want to teach myself and am now in the 'research' stage. I know this forum is very 'Alfred's oriented' and though I'm interested in learning more, I am getting confused with all the different books that are available.

I would like a course that provides at least the accompanying CD's , but added videos would be a plus.

Can anyone recommend what book/s to use ? I would like to know what to start with and what books would be the progression.

Any advice / help is appreciated

Thank you,
Vincent

This is what everyone is talking about http://amzn.com/0739082426, I believe.

The book that cirenosach linked to above is the book I started out with. I worked with a teacher, but many others do not. There is an Alfred's thread right here at piano world that I am sure you will find extremely useful.
I was extremely pleased with the book. It took me about six months to work through the entire thing, then I moved on to repertoire books.
Good Luck!!!!

Vincent,

It would help if you told us a bit about what kind of music you want to play and whether you have any musical background.

Hi Vince,

Like you I was 60 years old when I returned to the piano (after many years).
I used Alfred's adult books and they are very good but for the last two years I have been having lessons from a very good teacher. ( I am now 67 ).
It depends what your ambitions are ... teaching yourself is fine if you are pleased with your results.
For me having a teacher has accelerated my progress by a factor of 3 or 4 and you don't pick up so many bad habits.

Nevertheless Alfred's books are as good as any I know.

The real plus is that age does not seem to be a problem and I now have time to practise and enjoy playing.

Without a teacher, I recommend recording your playing now an again. Not only does it show up where you need to improve but it is a good way to chart your progress.

Doug

There is also a self teaching version, also with DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0739078453/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

I have the All-In-One version with CD (at that time there is no DVD) and an old version of self teaching with DVD. This self teaching version has only 96 pages, it has less pieces and pieces are a little different )easier I think) of All-In-One. The DVD is very nice. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Teach-Yourself-Play-Piano/dp/0739033999/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z

I am continually amazed at how well the Alfred threads have worked out since I started them years ago.

It's a pretty proven program.