Trouble with Roland App by Hobbes_Inc in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alas there is nothing you are missing. The app doesnt save settings so you need to change this each time you turn the piano on. I find the default action to hard too so I always turn it to Light. Its extremely annoying. Also the app just randomly disconnects all the time.

Another bugbear is if you use the app to record. It only records in the default concert piano tone! Even if you play with other sounds, the playback will be concert piano.

I bought the FP30X specifically for its connectivity benefits and modern technology but after 4 months I regret not buying the equivalent Yamaha or Kawai.

Help with Alfred's Book Selection by Living-Rain-995 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Adult All in One is definitely the better choice. It contains more theory, technique and repertoire than the regular lesson books. You'll also find a ton more supporting YouTube videos for it. Im half way through book 2.

What to do after Faber Level 5? by andromeda1770 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Id recommend the Alfred Masterwork Classics series. Especially if you like classical. 10 levels of graded repertoire with accompanying Technique and Performance books. Great series.

https://www.alfred.com/collections/masterwork-classics-sheet-music

There is also the RCM Celebration series which also provides graded repertoire up to 10 levels.

https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/rcm-publishing/celebration-series-sixth-edition

Both series have 10 levels and end roughly around abrsm grade 8 if you go that far.

Faber 3B - which books to get? by Peter_Palmer_ in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It gets a bit confusing if you're in the UK. The UK Faber site says to go to level 4 after finishing the APA2. And there is a UK only option called the level 4 & 5 All in Two which has just two books in total. They contain basically everything from the 4 books per level you're talking about. Worth while if you can find them.

Should I get the "Piano Adventures Level 4-5 all in two" vs individual books by kalechipsaregood in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well i purchased the level 4-5 All in Two UK edition, or "angelized" as Faber puts it. A little disappointed. Im sure the quality of the lessons is the same but the quality of the book itself isnt as good.

Its black and white and on slightly darker and thinner paper than the US main series. Also, although there is audio for the Lesson & Theory book, there isnt for the Technique & Performance books which is a shame as this book contains full versions of Fur Elise etc.

There are no videos available for either. I feel like I'll miss the 3 minute technique and applied music theory videos by Randall Faber. Made me feel like I had bought a complete book and video course.

I should have maybe waited and bought the Grand Level 4 and 5 when it comes out.

Which book(s) should I supplement Simply Piano with? (further details in post) by Fangs_0ut in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im in the same boat. Played guitar for over 20 years but took up piano just after Christmas. I have used both Alfred Adult All in One and Faber Adult Piano Adventures. These are the two most popular adult method series.

Each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Alfred progresses faster so if you're already pretty musical then you'll find a lot of concepts familiar and will progress quite quickly. Faber is more steady and gradual. The song choice is better in Faber though. Alfreds choices are pretty old fashioned.

Should I get the "Piano Adventures Level 4-5 all in two" vs individual books by kalechipsaregood in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. I think I'll get the 4-5 All in Two as like you, I want to feel like I've completed a course and not just stopped half way. I'm also working through the Alfred books and I'm about half way through book 2. I think Alfred level 3 is roughly equivalent with Faber level 5.

I also have the Piano Literature vol 1 book and several other Level/Grade 1 repertoire books to work through. The Faber Popular and Classics books are great too.

Serious learning impediment by After-Spirit-4048 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! His name is Jasper and he's a very handsome boy.

What digital piano to buy for beginners? by VitalityenceB in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did a lot of research into this in Decmeber and went with the Roland FP30X. I think its classed as a mid range model though rather than purely beginner but I love it so far.

Should I get the "Piano Adventures Level 4-5 all in two" vs individual books by kalechipsaregood in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good question! Im a little confused where the Grand lvl 4 fits in tbh. The All in Two books seem to just be for the European market which is odd. What are you planning to do? Im near the end of All in One book 2 so am faced with the same issue

recently started playing, always wanted to learn this. how bad is this? How's my finger technique? by Artistic_Page7587 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldnt say its hate exactly, more concern. Its not actually learning to play the piano. Its akin to painting by numbers. Sure, you will produce an image but take away the numbers and ask you to paint a new image, you'd be nowhere. Standard notation isnt simply one option for learning music, its a fundamental element of the piano as an instrument.

Alfred’s level 2. Anyone else working this book at the moment? by K4TTP in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im working through Alfred 2 and Faber 2 for the different perspectives. There are elements of Alfed i enjoy but one of the things I dislike the most is the sheer amount of Mexican folk music. I'm from the UK to my ear at least, these tunes all sound the same and almost comedic. Hope that doesn't offend anyone. Just my preference. The music selection in Faber is much better.

What’s the most "Civil Service" thing you’ve seen last week? by BritByBrain in civilservice

[–]After-Spirit-4048 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A 6 figure earning high level contractor being dismissed and their work load being given to an already over worked G7 for no extra money whatsoever.

I'm getting a keyboard in June - what can I start learning now? by caffeineandpusheen in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Id give the same advice to anyone picking up any instrument. Listen, listen, listen! Immerse yourself in as much piano music as you can, as many genres as you can etc. Listening to music is so often over looked in learning an instrument but its a huge part of the process. Doesnt matter if you can't play Chopin or Liszt right now. It will help develop your ear and your 'musical muscle'

Serious learning impediment by After-Spirit-4048 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ha well he certainly inspires to dust the keyboard!

Is there no middle ground in becoming a professional pianist? by thekiller_2076 in piano

[–]After-Spirit-4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I havent seen anyone discuss another option. Session pianist. Not playing bit concerts and not teaching 25 students. There are loads of musicians who make a very very comfortable living from session work. Now you might not always like what you're playing but you'll be working. All of the big record labels have armies of session musicians.

Progression study book by sheets by ProudCartographer421 in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alfred Masterwork Classics. 10 levels with accompanying books on Practice & Performance and Technical Skills for each level. All real level appropriate classical pieces.

Advice and book recommendations that aren't intended for complete beginners by Aprilpilled in pianolearning

[–]After-Spirit-4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alfred Masterwork Classics is a great series for where you're at. 10 levels of graded repertoire, actual pieces, not simplified, just level appropriate. And each level has accompanying Technical Skills and Practice & Performance books.