So - what do you play????

[abc1337]

I've taken up learning to play Piano - I have a Roland A90ex and have a Zimmermann upright on order for when the room alterations have been finished.

I'm taking lessons and will go through my grades as per my teachers guidance - he's been spot on so far.

So, what instrument do you play? Have you learned it yourself? etc etc

[Filterlab]

Piano, keyboards, touch of the guitar (fingers too big really), touch of percussion plus I am a recording engineer and I do mastering, mixing & remastering and a bit of session keyboarding for my mate.

I taught myself to play the keyboard when I was 11 (31 now) and followed about 10 years later with the piano. Yes I know they look like the same instrument but they are quite different in approach and actually use an entire different set of skills.

I find the keyboard the most fluid and creative though especially with the power of composition software these days. Currently working on my third album, I have already completed two albums (1999 - 'You'll Never Understand', 2004 - 'London Nights') and one EP (2006 - 'And there it was, my friends...'), so far on the new album I have 3 tracks finished but only two of those mastered.

Don't have enough time these days really.

[Rick O]

I'm a diploma standard pianist, and have been playing for 15 years. I love playing piano, but in band situations (unfortunately) keyboards are far more convenient. I'm currently playing in a band called Liquid Sky (see avatar and website), who have just released an album last week. My current gig-rig is a Korg Triton Le 88 and a Yamaha CS1x. At home I have a Yamaha UX3 piano.

And with regards to what Rob said, yes they are different, but it is far easier to go from Piano to keyboards than vice versa.

I also play tuba, but currently without an instrument.

[abc1337]

Diploma standard, eh? I can only dream of getting to that standard - well done!

Am doing my grade 2 in April, having got my 1 at Xmas...

[Filterlab]

...but it is far easier to go from Piano to keyboards than vice versa...

Unfortunately I went the other way!

[Rick O]

Yeah, once I graduate from this comp sci degree, I'm determined to get back to working towards my dipABRSM.... mainly just so I can have more letters after my name

[abc1337]

Well i started on 19/3/07 - and got 140/150 at my grade 1 - so was well chuffed with that - my teacher is priming me for a 2 in April and 3 at Xmas - but the 3 involves a theory test as well...ouch!

[Rick O]

Congratulations on getting a distinction! That's a high standard to live up to for your grade 2.

I wouldn't worry too much about the theory test, the ABRSM theory teaching booklet is more than capable of telling you exactly what you need to know for the appropriate theory exams.

[abc1337]

Hi Rick,

I'm just happy to have passed - but I do enjoy practising and get a quirky pleasure out of doing scales and arpeggios! How sad am I?

I'll just be happy to pass my other grades - but i wish I'd have taken piano up years ago!!!

Never mind...

Current piano pieces: Bourree - L Mozart, The bee by Rowley, & Garage sale by Pam Wedgewood. For pleasure: Swan lake theme at grade 3 level - ouch!

[Marco]

Andy,

Nice one, and congratulations

Is there no end to your talents?

Marco.