01/05/2022
SELF STUDY-“how to play piano”.
Just one point of view on the subject.
The disclaimer: there is no ulterior motives in sharing point of view, simply trying to make a point for undecided.
Of course, one can acquire knowledge of musical notation, music appreciation, even
some music theory. There are many things one can do as a supplemental self work, but not all.
Clearly, in the view of professional music educator, the SELF STUDY- how to play an instrument, is impossible task.
One cannot teach oneself to play piano, to build skills of piano performance, or a foundations for further study. It is simply impossible.
I hope you will agree, that Music is an art, and it has magic qualities. To play an instrument is a complex process. To assume that one can learn to play piano by watching the tape, would be wrong. As wrong, as to assume that one can learn to play piano merely like one learns to type, just by pressing keys down the piano keyboard.
There are also matter of Sound and Technique.
The “Sound”. The magic qualities of a sound depends on the performer’s ability to produce a special sound. This is an important part of learning process.
It can sound Dolce- smooth, sweet, warm; or Marcato- with strong accentuation; or Heroical, Mysterious, and so on….
In order to learn one must understand, and experience how to listen, how to hear, just to name a few skills of learning process. How that can be done with out guidance of a skillful teacher?
The Technique.
Building of a good technique comes with careful guidance of a knowledgeable teacher. It is done over time in carefully planned stages. In addition, building of technique is done very individual, considering natural resources of a student.
There is no short cuts.
All of the above is, only the nutshell version, explanation on a subject.
Hope it is somewhat helpful.
Sincerely,
Rufina Gorin, MA, NCTM
Piano Lessons in Incline Village