What would you tell them?

[berbie]

I ask this question for good reason. I know that there are some very knowledgeable people in this forum who can and hopefully will give very informative answers.  Here is the question that would be asked.  I am 65(+/-) years old.  I know that I will never be a Richard Smallwood or Alicia Keyes. I just want to learn to play the piano/keyboard as fast as is possible to the extent that I can play for my(small) church and entertain my friends.  How can I best do this?

What would you tell them?

[chevonee]

This may sound very boring and incredibly slow but you must learn your theory, scales, number system, and all that good stuff. The problem I had was, I wanted a quick fix. I wanted to instantly learn phat chords and be able to impress everyone but I didn't realize that there's no shortcut. In order to be the best musician you can be, you must be willing to invest time into learning the basics. Once you become proficient in the basics, you can begin to add phatness to your playing.


Just my two cents 

[baggettcindy]

This may sound very boring and incredibly slow but you must learn your theory, scales, number system, and all that good stuff. The problem I had was, I wanted a quick fix. I wanted to instantly learn phat chords and be able to impress everyone but I didn't realize that there's no shortcut. In order to be the best musician you can be, you must be willing to invest time into learning the basics. Once you become proficient in the basics, you can begin to add phatness to your playing.


Just my two cents 

True...this is also my problem. I procrastinate and want to be good by tomorrow...I will be 44 in july and want to be proficient by the time I am 50 -60. I just need to start and stop thinking about it. Most of my music practice has been on the drums.

[lordluvr]

Practice, practice, practice.

Also, try to pick up a new concept, lick, run, etc. from every musician you're exposed to.  I've drawn inspiration from every musician that I've met, including LGMers, which helps give me a more well-rounded approach to playing...Now, I need to follow my own advice and get back to practicing.

[docjohn]

aha!  I wondered if you were a player LL-so give it up;WHAT do you play?

That's a tough question Ber;I'd probably have to consider what I know about the person.How much natural talent,time,effort-fine line between blowing smoke and en/dis-courage somebody.

I'd see 1 st if they would maybe do some starter lessons,some DVD's,get a feel over 6 months .A friends' son started lessons when he was 15 or so on keys.in less than a year he was doing OK.

With all the materials today,progress can be made with some sweat equity quickly.It might help if they wanted to ask about an instrument you know about.I would hold my tongue about guitar,a little more freedom with keys/horn.

[lordluvr]

aha!  I wondered if you were a player LL-so give it up;WHAT do you play?

That's a tough question Ber;I'd probably have to consider what I know about the person.How much natural talent,time,effort-fine line between blowing smoke and en/dis-courage somebody.

I'd see 1 st if they would maybe do some starter lessons,some DVD's,get a feel over 6 months .A friends' son started lessons when he was 15 or so on keys.in less than a year he was doing OK.

With all the materials today,progress can be made with some sweat equity quickly.It might help if they wanted to ask about an instrument you know about.I would hold my tongue about guitar,a little more freedom with keys/horn.

I play the keys, doc.

[SavnBass]

This may sound very boring and incredibly slow but you must learn your theory, scales, number system, and all that good stuff. The problem I had was, I wanted a quick fix. I wanted to instantly learn phat chords and be able to impress everyone but I didn't realize that there's no shortcut. In order to be the best musician you can be, you must be willing to invest time into learning the basics. Once you become proficient in the basics, you can begin to add phatness to your playing.


Just my two cents 

Yup.. that's it.. You just have to do it.. and keep doing it.. and you will see progress.. There are no shortcuts and you will reap according to how you sow.

[betnich]

Also....sow into others' lives - by playing what you do know, and sharing it with listeners and your fellow (or potential) musicians.

[csedwards2]

sign up for every jam session, open mike, shed, and even a Sunday service to play live regularly, and dont quit.

[blyempowered]

Also....sow into others' lives - by playing what you do know, and sharing it with listeners and your fellow (or potential) musicians.

I definitely like this! That's what it's all about!

[Docdb04]

I agree with the previous posters.  Practice and progress at your own rate.  Don't rush anything, just let it come through your practice.  It is also in what style of music you want to learn.  It's all theory based, but there are different approaches.  Which ever style you choose, surround yourself with that music and start practicing that style. 

[T-Block]

Looks like my work here is done, lol. Seriously tho, just be honest and tell them it's gonna take a while, at least a few years of solid practice & experience before you start to get where you want to be. The benefits come much later, but they are sweet benefits indeed.

[chevonee]

Looks like my work here is done, lol. Seriously tho, just be honest and tell them it's gonna take a while, at least a few years of solid practice & experience before you start to get where you want to be. The benefits come much later, but they are sweet benefits indeed.

Your signature says it all bro.