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So I Have A Piano Teacher -- Now What?

Discussion in 'Tips, Tricks & Talk' started by Rohann van Rensburg, Jan 26, 2018.

  1. #1 Rohann van Rensburg, Jan 26, 2018
    In terms of getting better at piano for the purpose of becoming a more skilled and efficient composer, what would experienced folks here recommend focusing on in lessons? I'm working with a jazz and classically trained pianist/keyboardist.

    General technique/chops? Is proper fingering important? Some practically applied theory (voicing chords based on Real Book lead sheets)?

    What should I expect to learn from a teacher vs through transcription, and how can I avoid spending time in lessons on what can be learned through transcription?
     
  2. #2 Sam Miller, Jan 26, 2018
    I took a few months of lessons primarily to get more comfortable with my hands on the keyboard. It's been really useful for sketching ideas and performing my parts in, and sometimes useful for chord voicing. Though that depends on the voicing.
    You can probably get by learning on your own, but I suspect that'll take longer. Why waste time figuring it out for yourself when a teacher can accelerate the learning process?
     
    Rohann van Rensburg likes this.
  3. #3 T.j. Prinssen, Jan 26, 2018
    I think you can learn pretty much anything by yourself these days but here's how I would use a teacher:
    To correct (any bad habits you've picked up, either technique/posture wise or in your playing).
    So, play them pieces (classical/pop/jazz/your own) and ask what the most glaring weaknesses are to them, then work on correcting it.
    The thing with these bad habits is that they 'slowly' happen over time, so you don't really notice it (but someone else probably will from the second you start playing)

    If you go the Jazz route, play standards and work on comping with/without soloing,
    they can probably show you much smoother voicings/voiceleading and connect some of the pieces you've been working on already.
     
    Rohann van Rensburg likes this.
  4. #4 Rohann van Rensburg, Jan 27, 2018
    Thanks guys. So technique primarily, chord voicings and inversions, etc.

    What I had initially told him was technique for the purpose of composition speed, voice leading guidelines, chord voicings and the like ala Jazz and Classical theory (for better orchestrating), and basic guiding on how different disciplines approach harmony, etc. Covers most bases I think?
     
  5. #5 T.j. Prinssen, Jan 27, 2018
    Sounds like you're gonna be busy for the next 10 years ;)

    I forgot to mention your teacher could probably also check your transcriptions, stuff you simply won't find sheet music for (jazz).
    I'd do that... transcribe solo's + the left hand (that stuff is haaard to hear, but chances are they'll get close(r) just because they've played those particular voicings a million times).

    Anyway, have fun!
     
  6. #6 Rohann van Rensburg, Jan 29, 2018
    You mean I won't learn everything I need to in 6 weeks?!

    Good call, I'll probably have him do that too.
     
    T.j. Prinssen likes this.
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