really great stuff!

 

only took a few piano lessons as a kid, and started on piano a few years ago, with a cheap synth action controller,
I pick a song I want to learn then just watch tutorials on it till I get it.. then play it over and over for practice

would be interested to know some suggestions on helping to improve at piano, as in exercises, and what theory to focus on
just to be a little more versatile and accomplished

I never liked that drill method of learning, especially not for music, I suppose it can work, as I understand Mozart's Father
pushed him a lot, and Beethoven's as well, if brutally at that. Surprised he didn't grow up and chuck it all in rebellion,
thankfully he didn't !

 

What's the guitar on the Street of Tears? It sounds great. Plugin or real thing?

 

Shucks. Do you realize that even with the little piano background you speak of, there are millions of folks that cannot (to save their lives) pick up an instrument [cold] as you did and play a simple melody (no matter how hard they try). I firmly believe that on this planet, their are those who are built to merely 'listen' to music, and then, there are those who are wired to 'play' music. The fact that you have demonstrated an ability to learn a tune with very little formal training speaks volumes, and puts you squarely into the 'player' category. Everybody is not a Oscar Peterson or Chick Corea for example (including myself). <laughing loud as hell>

This one is a bit tough. The reason I say that is because I don't what level you're on. But, I will say that virtually anyone can 'improve' their piano playing -- regardless of what level. With your already proven, ability to "learn" a tune at the keys, you have already demonstrated that you have an innate capability. Let me say that when I was a very young kid trying to learn how to play music other than the usual "classic" stuff my "crazy" piano teacher was drilling into my head, I began playing chords and melodies normally associated with "Jazz". Drove the poor man even more nuts. Just like you would stay on top of a song that you wanted to learn, I did the exact same thing. The styles were so different, it was intimidating as hell. I found out the least boring way for me was to experiment with lots of chords and more chords. Over and over, until certain Patterns became wrote. Here's a video that you might find interesting:

Let me know...

 

Well to be fair.. I played guitar for a looong time before trying on the ivories (or plastic ivory ) again.
So there was some inbuilt understanding of melody, it was really a process to get my fingers to move in a coordinated way
on the key bed.. but it feels pretty natural now. Just don't have much ability to pick out more complicated tunes by ear.

Yeah . I think trying some Jazz type playing would be informative, it has some structure and principles, but still free form too,
that might suit me. I'll check this out.. thanks

I really dig hearing that on the radio, a stand up bass, brushes, and skillfully phrased jazz piano,
can get you into some meditative states

 

The one instrument (actually several) that continues to elude me is the 'geetar'. Why? I seriously do not know. I even own an acoustic one. Once again, that brings up the subject of willingness and 'stick-to-it-ive-ness'. Can't seem to grasp its finer principles for some reason. Strangely, I can play a little upright bass. Go figure. Yeah, try out some of those chord patterns. Who knows, you may eventually end up at The Village Vanguard in NYC.