Teaching myself piano

[Eulipion2]

Hello,
I'm taking some time off from school to get all of my skills together, especially my sax and woodwind doubles, but I realize that I need some real piano skills. I took group piano and private lessons, but haven't had any piano in almost two years. I want to build myself up from the bottom, and was wondering where would be a good place to start? Hanon? Czerny? Mikrokosmos? I want something that'll get me some chops for classical and pave the way for me to at least be able to comp in a jazz situation.

Thanks!

[Gandalfe]

You might find the Piano World (http://www.pianoworld.com/) forum interesting.

[jivemutha]

First, I think your goal is wise--playing at least some keyboard will allow you to think on the keyboard, which is so much easier than having to think on the sax. Your ability to understand harmony and theory will move forward at a much faster rate, in my opinion (and from my own experience, having started off as a keyboard player). The reason is simple: on the sax, you can only think and hear what's going on. On the piano, you can also SEE what's going on.

But why learn on your own? Have you considered taking lessons from a teacher open to the idea of heading you in the direction you want to go in rather than teaching what they usually teach? It might be more fun, easier, faster, and a greater incentive to keep the keyboard sheddin' ongoing. 'Faster' because a good teach can answer so many questions instantly rather than forcing you to spend endless precious time hunting for those answers on your own. Whatever you do, good luck!

[Eulipion2]

Jivemutha,
Thanks for the support and the suggestion. The problem with hiring a teacher is that I've just taken a break from school (to find the program that suits me best), and am currently in search of a job in order to afford an apartment so I can move off my girlfriend's couch. I can't even afford a sax teacher as of yet, but it's in the works.

Gandalfe,
Thanks for the link. I'll peruse a bit, but I'll probably be back with questions!

Thanks!

[candiceartisan]

The Schaum or Bastien piano books are great! I have been using them in my teaching for years.
Candy

[Eulipion2]

Thanks Candy!

[new_picc_player]

there is a book called Hanon The Cirtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises (edited by Allan Small)

its a great book of exercises, and a song at the end putting your skills to the test. it's by Alfred, you should try it out.