I'm from near Philadelphia

by MarkLarz Wed Sep 30, 2009 2:57 am

I have been "playing" for many years, but not necessarily playing well. I'm in my 50's and started on my mom's upright Wurlitzer organ. I had a couple of years of trumpet lessons which taught me the treble clef. So I knew enough to teach myself the right hand on the organ. Then I learned the major and minor chords and was able to play some of the modern music, but with no real skill behind it. Then, after college, I stopped for about 15 years until my kids started learning piano. I started playing again, but playing chords organ-style (hold it down an expect it to sustain) wasn't cutting it. Finally, 2 years ago, with some badgering from my kids, I taught myself the left hand and can play a few songs from sheet music with both hands.
Then, about 6 months ago, I found Andrew's lessons online. They have totally motivated me to start taking playing more seriously. I have a lot of bad habits to unlearn (e.g., improper fingering, bad rhythm, etc.). I am practicing scales, using the metronome occasionally, and working on Fur Elise and Adagio in A Major almost every day. Adagio doesn't sound too bad, but I still have a lot to improve on Fur Elise (mostly the 2 hard sections - I just can't play fast enough and with good rhythm). I also am searching the internet for other lessons and have found much. There are some real technical videos on how to move the thumb, rotate the wrist, use upper and lower arm, etc. - just tons of stuff.
I hope to take lessons from a teacher someday, but if not, there is much I can do with the help of online teachers like Andrew. Thank you Andrew.

Mark