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MrsM
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 11:18am | IP Logged
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My 11yodd is interested in learning to play the piano, but due to time/financial constraints, I told her it would need to be a self-teaching program. She has a good ear, and has taught herself to play about 8 songs on our keyboard, but I don't know if it's reasonable to think you could learn piano by reading books or watching videos. I wish we could go the traditional route, but right now we just can't. Anyone have any ideas or opinions they could share?
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10 Bright Stars
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 4:15pm | IP Logged
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I use the Bastien program with my children, who have had several months instruction with their older cousin, but for the moment, we cannot afford her either due to a financial consideration and they are doing well on their own with this program.
Their older cousin started them out with inexpensive note flashcards, then moved on to the scales/notes and they are all doing very well! They just had a family recital on Sunday and the cousin who teaches them said that she probably won't be able to help my oldest much longer since he is getting so advanced! 
I have recently started using the Beginnner program from Bastien with my 6 year old daughter. It begins with sitting at the piano, and then moves on to fingering. In this way, the child begins playing immediately since they just use whatever # finger the page shows and then they start learning the notes once they get the feel of what playing the piano is all about. I used this course when I was growing up. It is inexpensive and solid. Hope this helps.
 Just have them practive daily, and get a book of scales to strengthen their little fingers. (Something like FingerPower) Most of playing the piano is just the self-discipline to practice each day. If they just do that, they will be off and running in no time. My eldest son started in September of this year and he is already playing things on MY level after 10 years or more of lessons. He practices more than 2 hours a day however, and really enjoys it. What else is a homeschooled kid going to do to pass the time? Sometimes boredom can be a good thing. 
My other son is 11 too and he plays extremely well for having just started in Sept. also. You can purchase note flash cards, teach them basic scales, notes etc. That book spells all that out for you. Check it out in your local music store. They always have that series. Or, you could inquire with the person in the store. Just a thought.
I do have to admit in thinking about it that I really enjoyed having a teacher come over to teach them since I noticed they really enjoyed her weekly feedback. That really encouraged them to practice to show off possibly or have someone "care" other than Mom. Perhaps you could check with some of the moms you know and see if there is an older child who would be willing to come over to your house once a week, or even once every two weeks to start them out initially. (When I say she was an older cousin, I mean in her 20's, but you could find an older teen since they would be cheaper most likely.) She also came to my house which is a lifesaver for a mom with 8. I hope to retain her services again in the fall, but for now, we are broke!! 
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Kim married to Bob (22y)
Mom of 11 blessings:
Bobby 19, David 17, Noah 14,
Mary 12, Gracie 10,
Isabelle and Sophia 8,
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MrsM
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| Posted: June 02 2008 at 11:09am | IP Logged
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Thanks, Kim, for your thoughtful reply. It encouraged me that it IS possible for my dd to learn piano on her own. I've ordered some books from the library, and they have a video series called "Piano for Life" that I also requested. Hopefully she'll be on her way to playing soon!
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knowloveserve
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| Posted: June 02 2008 at 11:44pm | IP Logged
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another thought for anyone lurking who has budgeting issues with music lessons too is to consider checking out the local community college's music program or even high school. See if the teacher can recommend a student who might be interested in teaching piano. Paying a teen $10/hour once a week is much more doable than private lessons with an adult instructor.
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Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican
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mariB
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| Posted: June 03 2008 at 5:24am | IP Logged
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Yes! Great idea, Ellie. Our sons teach guitar and piano on the side. You'd not only be helping your daughter,MrsM, but the student teacher! And take it from me, they really love the extra cash!
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marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Learning to play piano
