A new venture

It looks like I'm going to be undertaking a new venture and it's not cat related!

I'm looking into taking piano lessons. My parents tried lessons three times when I was kid, but I could never stick with it. I probably had 3 years total and played decently, but didn't have the self-discipline to practice. I've often considered taking lessons as a adult, but have never gotten around to it. I sing in my church choir and love music and would love to be able to play too, at least simple stuff. My dad played and I'm thinking it would also be a wonderful way to honor him. My brother and SIL inherited Dad's piano and I don't have the space for one anyway, so will have to get a decent keyboard or practice at the convent. I'm thinking I'm mature enough to actually stick with it now.

First step is finding a good, reasonably priced teacher. I emailed the music director at church earlier to see if she has any recommendations. I'm really excited about this! Wish me luck!

Good luck Eileen!! Sounds like fun!!

I have always wanted to learn to play the piano but never did. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

That's great! I've always wanted to learn to play the piano, but I have short little sausage fingers and probably wouldn't be very good good luck!

I think that is a splendid idea, Eileen. I suspect that now that you are deciding to do something that you want to do, and have the further impetus of honouring your Dad, you will find the discipline a whole bunch easier -- most of the time. Good luck finding the right teacher, and I wish you much joy in this endeavour.

I am wishing you good luck with your new endeaver. I am sure you will enjoy playing.

I took piano lessons for 14 years! Have fun and good luck!

That sounds like a great idea! I've always wanted to learn, but never did. Enjoy!

I took lessons for about 8 years as a child and still have my piano from my childhood. Music is so soothing.

It sounds like you'll do great and I hope you can find a great teacher. All of my piano teachers were the music coordinators at my church. That is a great place to find someone.

Your situation is similar to mine. I had two sisters and Dad always tried to get us interested in music when we were kids. He played piano, guitar, fiddle and banjo and never had any lessons. My grandaddy showed him what he knew. Anyway we were always too busy. My dad died last May 23rd. In July my husband bought me a little Martin guitar for my birthday. I have not had any formal lessons. We have a friend who has helped me some. I have some VHS tapes and DVD's that I am using to learn with. In eight months time I have learned how to pay in the keys of D and G without problems. I can play many of the old time gospel songs. The first song I learned was with a tape, Sloop John B. Hubby was glad when I learned something else.
I am 65 years old. So if I can do it at my age, I am sure you can. I wish you much fun and success.

Sounds like a neat idea!

These days they make portable keyboards that are small and easy to manage. Actually I have thought about it but am just too lazy to get around to doing it.

When I was in third grade I took lessons. At the time we did not have a piano and I had to do my practicing at the neighbor's house. This did not work well. One reason was that the neighbor kids were so much better than I was it was embarrassing. On top of that I was more interested in playing than practicing.

I think you will be a much better student.

To get a great teacher, ask if s/he can teach you to play by ear AND by sight. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks, guys. I'm so grateful for the encouragment and your willingness to share your experiences.

The music director at my church has expressed an interest in giving me lessons herself, so we just need to work out the details. I'm kind of surprised since I know how busy she is. I figured she'd just recommend somebody. I'm thrilled she's willing to do it, though, and can't wait to get started!

Eileen, I missed this thread before, but what great news! That's wonderful! I think you'll really enjoy it - especially as Fran pointed out, you're doing it now for you.