I’ve been thinking I want to learn to play chords on the piano. So of course I’m posing this question to a whistle forum, but why not, since we all have such an eclectic assortment of talents and skills. I’m sure there are some piano players out there somewhere.
The question is: Do you know of any good, useful, beginner-friendly books or tutors on playing chords on the piano? I do read music and already know which keys are what on the piano.
My goal is to become a back-up player in case, for example, my guitarist friend wants to play lead on some tunes. Backing up on a flute or whistle is not impossible, but there’s not a lot of depth in it, either.
If you’re familiar with the genre, the boom-chunk style of contra dance piano is where I’d like to go. Chopin was never on my liszt.
If you know of some fiddle instructors in your area, check with them. I have often seen along with advertisements for fiddle camps and fiddle seminars, ads for teaching people how to chord or accompany by ear.
Have you checked your local music store for chord approach type books? You may have more success in the organ section. Good luck!
Thanks…I’m surprised at the lack of response (most people on this forum have more opinions to share than that ).
Actually, I approached an area contra dance pianist who does teach and is willing to take me on. I think all will agree working with a live teacher is preferable to learning on your own. She lives about 60 miles away, but the more effort one invests, the greater the reward.
There are a few keyboard books on the market. Take a look at the ones by Leonard Volger and Bob Kroepel. I can’t endorse them (they weren’t available when I began piano XXXX years ago). You should be able to find them on Amazon’s site.
If there’s a piano teacher in town, although not contra, they should be able to help you with learning chords. Just tell them what you’re interested in and they probably won’t push Beethoven on you
There are a few teachers around Gettysburg, of course. I thought I’d go to the lady in Bethesda for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I attend some of her other music workshops and I sometimes hire her to workshop gigs for me–so I think she’ll be patient with me.
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