Week 1
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I am taking up the piano at age 69. Why? Several reasons.
I believe that one must 'use it or lose it', whatever 'it' may be. In my case I am thinking of neuroplasticity. I think the best way to preserve my nervous system's ability to adapt is to keep learning and doing difficult new things. Learning to play the piano fits the bill perfectly, presenting simultaneous physical and intellectual challenges.
I want to better understand music theory. Western music theory, which co-evolved with the keyboard. I play guitar and banjo, but alas not piano. I need to fix that because the keyboard is the ideal place to contemplate music theory. The design of the conventional piano keyboard means that scales/chords/intervals can have different fingerings when played in different keys. The Janko keyboard fixes that, and so simplifies the practical application of theory by the player.
I am drawn by the fantastic harmonic possibilities the piano presents. A guitar has six strings and so a maximum of six notes in a chord. On piano one has both hands fully available, twelve fingers and so as many as twelve notes on 88 strings. Endless possibility.
How do I start? First I want to acclimate my hands to the keyboard. My plan is to play the major scale frequently and regularly until it becomes so engrained in my nervous system that it is automatic. I've been playing C and F major scales, both hands in unison across two octaves, up and down. Once I can do those to my satisfaction at a reasonable speed (160 bpm?) I'll add the rest of the major scales, and practice them all in order of fifths. Then I'll add major and minor triads, and the natural minor and pentatonic scales. No need to overthink the plan in advance, I'll have plenty of time to refine it since I have many weeks of major scales still to play.