Self taught
but about grade 5ish
(berk, Tue 16 Nov 2010, 23:38, 1 reply, 15 years ago)

So you've got Chop-sticks nailed then?
Ever thought of having lessons?
( JeffTheDogFucker Can you dig it?, Tue 16 Nov 2010, 23:45, Reply)

Nope
I took a few months of sax lessons but they were really expensive. And besides, I can play the piano fairly well so how would I benefit from lessons?
(berk, Tue 16 Nov 2010, 23:53, Reply)

You'd get even better again and learn to read music?

( JeffTheDogFucker Can you dig it?, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:02, Reply)

I can read music!
I'd never have gotten to grade 5 or thereabouts otherwise, nor would I be able to play the saxophone. I'm not so great at counting, though.
(berk, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:09, Reply)

I can't do rhythms for shit.
And I had about 10 years of lessons.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:10, Reply)

Haha, I'm glad it's not just me then!
Once I've heard the piece I'm fine, but sight reading is a struggle. To be fair, I'm not sure lessons would help that overmuch anyway, it's just practise...which I very rarely do.
(berk, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:13, Reply)

I failed grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 sightreading
(there's a small section in the exam, worth 18 marks out of the hundred I think, not a separate exam)
I passed grades 1 and 7 though ^_^

I often have to listen to work out how sections go. But often the pace is much faster than what I can practice with, so I have to slow down, and I get it wrong yet again.
I was meant to take my grade 8 at soem point this year, but no pianos at college meant I didn't practice so can't do it. I played my pieces over the weekend and loved how my fingers just slipped back into the notes...
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:17, Reply)

My piano is my pride and joy
I only ever play it when I'm hammered though - sad times :(
In fact I think I might go and have a tootle on it now and then go to bed. Night!
(berk, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:18, Reply)

Night night!
I'm going to get one when I get my own place. I love playing :D
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 17 Nov 2010, 0:20, Reply)