IF YOU PLAY THE PIANO OR KEYBOARD....DID YOU TAKE LESSONS OR SELF-TEACH?

[ilovetosingforgod]

I am thinking about playing ......
I took piano lessons when I was a kid and I never followed up with it.
So I was curious of how many of you all took lessons or self-taught?

 

[PianoClubhouse]

I started in lessons as a child, stopped when i was about 12, and then picked it back up on my own (without lessons) as an adult in my mid 20's. At that point, i was mostly learning by watching musicians at church and listening to what was on cd's. In retrospect, i think i would have learned MUCH faster, had I had lessons as an adult. I would have been pushed harder and been challenged more. If could go back, i would have done it a little different.

As a matter of fact, I am considering starting to take lessons maybe later this year to help move me along faster.

[under13]

I learned on my own for a few years, then I took lessons for about 6 months last year. Those lessons really helped me a lot, so I'd say that you should do both, learn on your own and take lessons.

[Japica]

Both, lessons will help, and also watching your musicans at church!

[betnich]

Classical - took lessons

Gospel/Jazz - picked that up by myself...

[zblessed1]

I started out taking lessons a few years back.  Our small church was without a piano/keyboard at the time, so my lessons were a little specialized according to the need at the time, so I learned how to play songs, and learned the basic of piano notes, building chords, and learning mostly by ear.

Since that time, my piano teacher has retired.  Been about three years now.  I am still playing for my church, but I am not playing the way I would like.  I still do not sight read, and I listen to songs to learn them.  I also get help from sites like this, and hear and play music.  They have been a God-send.  It's a little hard for me to stay motivated being a mother, wife, and working outside of the home, but I love it! 

I need structure, on my own I don't practice like I should.  Need to get me a routine that I can stick to.  Any suggestions??

[blyempowered]

Taught myself and only had 1 lesson.

[Pezzy]

I taught myself but i would love to take lessons it would really help with my speed and accuracy. If anyone knows a good teacher in the atlanta area let me know.

[Ladyn]

I had lessons as a child till about 11 yrs old. Then I joined band and played the trumpet so my Grandmother would let me stop the lessons (Doh!) Then I started learning on my own again in my mid 30's because we needed a keyboard player that could also teach parts to the singers. I also had voice lessons for several years. I was able to pick up a lot after getting some books and videos. (and MUCH prayer)