Best approach to piano lessons

Hi
I am 40 years old and would like to take up playing the piano. Which would be the best approach - watching tutorials? site reading? trying to play by ear?
Thanks

Approach a piano teacher and ask for a sample lesson. On the other hand you might want to start like Broccoli has started which is in a more natural way. I am sure she will tell all about that herself

Queiscen has left some really great posts that are very similar to what works for me. I used root chords and started playing around to see what I did and didn't like. By using the notes in each specific chord I learned how to string together different tunes. I made sure my timing was constant, and though I rarely write anything down but the chord, I have been able to write many songs. I actually prefer vocals, and write to suit my own styles and needs. By using guitar chords at the top of most pieces of music on the radio I can play just about anything.

I really have to see about getting the chart I have on here for people to use if they do so desire. Check out the the posts from quiescen, he offers a free lesson at the end of each of his posts. They're online.

I hope this helps.

~B~

Having inherited my musical ability from both sides of my family has made a HUGE difference. I also started when I was younger.

Everyone is different. Try tinkling around on it. Do you have good pitch? Some people are tone deaf and have a harder time, especially with playing by ear. Finding that out makes a difference.

Copper's idea of asking a teacher for a sample lesson also works. Also, if you decide lessons, try someone in their home. Some teachers I have known will offer a lesson plan geared to what the student would like to play.

Shop around, ask a lot of questions. Make your own decisions foremost though. you know yourself better than anyone else, so trust your instincts.

Thanks for your time guys, I appreciate it. I think I will go with shopping around for a piano teacher that will tailor to my needs. I am in no way tone deaf, but I definitely don't have perfect pitch hearing either.

Just came across this site and had to leave a comment in order to help...

The best way tolearn is to initially, research online as to how o learn the piano. It's really very simple to learn in this day in age and can find a wealth of information about it. On my website, i actually go into ways into develop the fundamental skills needed to start learning quickly and easily.

A lot of it is intuitive and novel. Don't know if it would be beneficial to you but check it out and see what you think
www.maestropianoblog.com

Good luck!