I wrote something like this before on PW, but I got here because one day about ten years ago I suddenly got the idea that it might be interesting to try to play a piano.

In the town where I grew up I never saw a real piano, anywhere. It just wasn't something that anyone ever thought about in any way -- if you wanted to hear music you would turn on the radio.

Obviously I saw a few pianos here and there in the years after that but never really paid any attention to them so when I bought my first piano that was literally the very first piano I had ever physically touched.

I bought a lower-end Casio digital piano from the Costco website and used that for about a year, then what is now my current Casio AP-650 went on sale (again on the Costco website) so I bought that and sold my previous piano and have been using this one ever since.

I've never taken lessons or anything like that -- I just mess around with it and ask silly questions on PW when something comes along that I don't understand. 🙂

My previous bird would dance, my current bird sings. But I always have an audience and a participant ready to help out every time I play.

--
If you're a zombie and you know it, bite your friend!

Me too. I'm a hobby piano player. Like many - I play piano first/foremost for the love of piano and music. And I just love playing piano - no matter what.

<-- This is Syd.

She's one year old right about now.

--
If you're a zombie and you know it, bite your friend!

I play the piano. This is already a big step from what I have said for years, which is that I'm learning to play the piano. 🙂

*
... feeling like the pianist on the Titanic ...

Shirokuro wrote:

Amateur pianist” sounds much better than “mediocre pianist” — I should stop saying that!

Yes really! You are an intermediate level pianist, and there is nothing mediocre about that.

*
... feeling like the pianist on the Titanic ...

Intermediate level can possibly be 'high level' in certain ways - depending on situation. Some can be high level -- even though they say 'intermediate' level.

And we have to consider that 'high level' (and fuzzily mixed in with 'intermediate' level) can be quite broad - and needs to be defined for a particular category, or for 'overall'. For example - as it is a big world out there, with lots of people -- there are different/various forms of high/intermediate level.

I personally think that - after developing adequately in certain ways (not just in piano playing, but also in music - theory, composition etc), we all get to some 'high level' - our own form of high level (and/or intermediate) in piano and music.

It doesn't matter much to me what level I am overall. What I mean is - after enough time - practice, learning, developing, aural training, intervals recognition, music memory, analysis, composition work etc -- people eventually know and have a feeling -- or just really know - they have reached some 'special' level. Everyone is different. And has their own special level after enough development. Their own high level. The usual journey is to become more and more 'at one' with piano, and with music.

I'm not a 'beginner' ... as in absolute beginner. But I recall very well the times when I was an absolute beginner. They are special times. I love the feeling of not being able to do certain things, and love working toward learning and developing, no matter how long it takes ... as in years and years etc. This is probably the same for lots of people. The fun and enjoyment of developing. The fun and enjoyment of playing piano, and music.

keff I'm not a beginner but then again I find it difficult to say that I am a pianist.

I heard you play the piano already Keff. I hereby deem you a pianist.

I saw a definition - 'a person who plays the piano, especially professionally'. The 'especially' bit is just extra. It looks like there has never been any detailed definition, so as long as anybody plays a piano, then they're a pianist. Even a beginner or tinkerer. I think we're fine, as the pianist umbrella can cover everyone - such as beginner or learner pianist, and hobby pianist, and professional pianist etc.

For absolute certain, we are definitely all piano players! We play the piano. Also amazing how piano and music and the internet brought us together like this. Quite special.

  • keff replied to this.

      SouthPark That is kind of you to say. For me I hope it continues as a(n) (almost) lifetime of enjoyable learning.

      I hope I can find the courage to post "vulnerable" recordings such as pieces I have just started to learn that includes lots of errors. How would people feel about this?

          keff Most welcome Keff. Absolutely don't worry about sharing 'vulnerable' recordings. Because when I think about it, there are countless beginners that are aiming to get to somewhere around your level. The music we play and share will likely inspire people. And also at the same time, some interesting piano music to listen to. Played by us members! It's great.

            5 days later

            I think I'm finally starting to get comfortable telling people I'm a pianist. I think I'm finally reaching something of a respectable level and have a "repertoire" of about 30 minutes that I can play accurately from memory on demand. Also I tell myself that I have the right to call myself a pianist when I'm practicing at least 4 hours a day!

            But then when people ask me, oh are you a professional pianist, I quickly backpedal. Lol. It's rather embarrassing.

              ranjit I use the term "advanced amateur". I am a good amateur but I'd be a pretty lousy professional 😂

                I think I need to learn to say “I’m an Amateur Pianist”. Being retired, the conversation usually goes along the lines of the other person asking me how I spend all this free time. I tell them I play piano every day. That often elicits an “Oh, you must be good!” Then I say, I’m an amateur and play for my enjoyment and get together with other pianists.

                I think many of us don’t have the self-confidence to label ourselves as Amateur Pianists. But after reading this thread, I’m going to change the narrative. There’s no need to explain your level. It’s the dedication that counts.

                  PianogrlNW yes, I think if you say you're a "pianist" it sounds like that's your career. But "amateur pianist" preempts that.

                    Rubens I just say I play the piano as a hobby, simple as that!

                    I like this one in particular. You keep it straight factual, and it takes away the ambiguity. And if they think you’re so good you should be a professional, that’s when you can thank them for such kind words! : )

                      I think what I actually say is "serious amateur pianist" these days. I'm much more serious about it than I used to be, will never be at professional level but trying to get as close as possible 🙂

                      I say I'm taking piano lessons. If they have any interest, they'll ask for how long and I'll tell them. Otherwise, "taking piano lessons" is enough for them, lol.

                      The people who ask will usually say that they had lessons for a time as a child. I always tell them it's not too late to jump back in.

                      Rubens I just say I play the piano as a hobby, simple as that!

                      Same here.

                        Rubens True! We play the piano. We are all piano players.

                          I also struggle with this and never call myself a pianist— internally, this label feels like something that makes sense for people who are much more skilled and learned than I am. I ‘play a little,’ I ‘take lessons,’ and I ‘have a very nice piano.’ But when I send around Christmas piano video greetings, people seem rather surprised/impressed by my playing.

                          One of my frames of reference is professional pianists, and so from that perspective, ‘I play a little’ seems correct. But another frame of reference I have is Jane Austen and Victorian novels, and my perception of expectations for an ‘accomplished young lady’ from this time. From that perspective, I feel like my efforts are more Elizabeth Bennett-like than Georgiana Darcy-like. But in today’s world, I suspect Elizabeth Bennett would not have played past age 10, and Georgiana Darcy would have gone to a conservatory. It feels that in today’s world, there’s not very much space for amateur musicians. Professionals play at extremely high levels, probably at higher levels than ever. And very few people learn to play at all, whereas in prior eras, casual music making was much more common.