I used to see advertisements about quick short course on piano within certain lessons instead of going through the long process from learning all theories and practicing non stop... Is there still such a course somewhere nowadays? What is the best way for an adult to learn piano without going thr the long process before he can start playing/complete playing a song?

The interests usually die out after learning all those theories/drawing of notes before fully understand how it works plus too expensive to spend such a short time with the teacher Money isnt an issue just that the traditional way of teaching is very boring

There's 2 different type of courses offered to the adults in my music center.....

1 is with taking the exams and another is just learn how to play.......

And the 'just learn how to play' course, the fees is higher than the 1 which have to take exams......

The one to learn how to play, is the duration/course goes same like the other one?
Is it same to learn from beginning to draw notes, and each time only 30min with the teacher?

I'm not sure about that.....

I just know if taking this course, you won't have to sit for exam....
But I think they did said that in the beginning it's almost the same.....

Ok thanks. I was looking for those real short cut with a full course, a plan to get done of knowledge of the 8th grade within only 6 mths... an ad i saw about a decade ago...

You're welcome......

But to be able to read the notes and play the songs, grade 6 is good enough already.......

knowledge of 8th grade, possible i guess... But skills of an 8th Grade, that can only be achieved of long hard years of practice. heheh. if u have the knowledge, u could play whatever tunes that come out of ur head.. im guessing u wanna reach the level where u can play by ear?

Yes exactly. How to do that?

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Added on May 15, 2009, 3:05 pmi dont quite care which grade to achieve since i dont plan to attend exam. I wish to learn to play any notes when it comes into my sights. and play it well.

I used to pay to learn playing Fur Elise only but couldnt complete due to life issues. My teacher told me that at the same time she was being examined by a greater master from overseas to check out her emotions on presenting her skills on playing musics as she was doing an advance of studies... i was absolutely amazed with what she shared with me

This post has been edited by secretsquirrel: May 15 2009, 03:07 PM

It's entirely possible to teach yourself.. i think.. there are many free online courses that guide you through the fundamentals. (I google) And the good thing is, u wont be needing virtuoso piano technique to play by ear. A good basic understanding of chords and keys, and ur ready to go. It's all in the chords: they are the basic building blocks, the "genetic DNA structure" of Music. *The only musicians who don't need to learn chords are the drummers *

Now that is the theory part u hv to learn, which all musicians hate learning at some point, but essential. Look on the bright side, the BETTER u understand the theory, the more enjoyable ur piano playing will be.

not sure which centres offer adult courses, though.

This post has been edited by vertigoblack: May 15 2009, 03:27 PM

Keep practice till the last day of your life.
No such thing as "shortcuts" unless you worked for it.

Where do you live?

Well, I am currently learning piano also. I can read the notes fairly well now. Once a week, RM100. 1 hour each class. Just learn how to play and no exams.

Maybe can recommend my piano teacher to you.

I've had some really basic piano playing and note reading (not even grade 1) knowledge when I was small and quit after that.

Few years back, I got interested in piano again and took Play By Ear. They evaluate you first whether you can benefit from the course before taking you in. I learn how to play chords and now can play some simple pop songs after listening to them. Left hand chords, right hand melody as a start.

But 1 thing for sure, there is no short cut...practise practise practise..and get a good teacher. Some teacher sucks...

Basically considered RM100 for four 1 hour classes per month there. Hey hey recommend me, I might consider.

How they evaluate? Play chords and then u have to tell them what key/type of chord?
Or music theory test?

lol a mother here too?

diverse audience

There are basically no 'cheats' or 'short cuts' when it comes to learning a music instrument. Those are all sales gimmick! If one thinks(before enrolling) that it's going to be easy and quick, no wonder there are so many who give up because after a while, you'll know that it's not so. It's painstaking, highly torturous but if you love music then, it's all worth the sacrifice. It's always difficult in the beginning but once a certain skill/technique has been acquired, it's 'almost' smooth sailing - and you'll feel a sense of fulfilment.
A good teacher is important because a good teacher should provide a positive platform when it comes to learning. He/she should make it interesting and a good teacher encourages, keeping you motivated - no matter how difficult a task at hand, or how dejected you might feel.

Hmm, I dont think there is a shortcut in learning to master any musical instrument, let alone the piano.
You need to practise a lot to improve your technique and sight reading.
And all this drilling definitely takes time.
Time for your brain to process the information, and also time to let your finger muscles to strengthen and become flexible.

If you aren't too bothered about polishing techniques, then try to learn to Play By Ear as suggested earlier by other posters. I know there are some schools teaching students to play by ear without relying on sheet music. Or you could use youtube.com to learn on your own. But to have a teacher would be a great help, because a 3rd party can point out your mistakes (which you may never even notice) and give you suggestions on how to improve your playing. But even then you still need to practise at home, haha , but you can skip those boring scales, arpeggios etc.

So there, my 2 cents

Any lowyatians offering piano classes? I'm keen in learning too.

i'm teaching piano. i'm giving private lessons. i'm teaching in setapak. if you are interested you can pm me...

I teach the piano and cello. PM me for more details.

I know PRACTICE is ESSENTIAL.

What I tried to ask, is a shortcut to learn as deep/many as possible, within a short time. It was an ad on newspaper very often about a decade ago. Since im not in town, i wonder if it is still there within Klang valley.