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Message: <blockquote data-quote="LightPhoenix" data-source="post: 2767299" data-attributes="member: 115">For what it's worth, I can play a little bit of piano, so I kind of know what you're going through.  IMO it really depends on a few things.First, how much musical experience you have, with any sort of instrument.  Knowing the theory is good, but being immersed in it is better.  Also, most instruments have similar requirements with regards to posture, especially with the wrists.  Finally, unless you're playing drums, it generally strengthens the muscles in your fingers, which means you'll be able to handle the transition a little better.Second, if you've played an instrument that requires both hands to work independantly, that will help too.  Drummers generally have an easier time with the left/right independance because they do that already on a drum set, and with their feet too.  Same thing with guitarists, who IMO have it even easier, since they're using their fingers.  Non-musical activities can help, if you use both hands.  However, it's not just using both hands independantly, but doing it in time as well.  As an aside, I don't really consider typing to be left/right independant.  Unless there's something going on I don't know about, you're really only typing one key at a time.  That's usually not the case with piano.  Sure, you're using both hands, but there's not the coordination that you would see with playing drums or guitar.  For the same reason, something like the flute or clarinet doesn't count either, because you're really only playing one note at a time.  It's a very different way of thinking and moving that does take some time to get used to.  But the good news is there are very, very few people who can't manage it with a bit of practice.Which leads to the third point - practice.  That's the only way you get better at it.  You really have to play every day, for at least half an hour.  I would recommend an hour.  It sounds tedious, especially when you're just starting out.  And it is.  Playing scales (with both hands, of course) for an hour is just not that exciting.  But that's how you have to start out.Finally, I too would recommend trying to get lessons.  I would check the local colleges, as you might find some good deals there.  It is certainly possible to learn to play piano, or any instrument, by yourself.  However, the basics really need to be cemented down, and lessons are a good way to make them polished.  It's much easier to start off on the right foot than start on the wrong one and correct it.  It's up to you how long you would want to take them for.  Depending on how often they are, and how often you practice, I would say between four months to a year would be enough time to really go off on your own.</blockquote>

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