Billy Joel - Piano Man

This is me playing The Piano Man by Billy Joel. I learned it from PianoJohn113, and it was totally worth it. I didn't play the whole thing because it gets quite repetitive with no one singing to it; I can't sing well at all. Also, sorry that the video and sound isn't in sync, it's kind of hard to get the two dead on!
For those of you who care, I recorded this in two different ways at the same time: with a video camera and with a computer software program (One of the beauties of having a digital piano hooked up to your computer). I then put both videos together, and synched them up to what I thought was pretty good.
I did it this way for two reasons:
1. The sound quality is much better
2. I muted everything that the camera recorded, so any sound that it happened to hear wouldn't get in the video, such as my mother yelling at me telling me it's time to eat.
In case you are wondering, I used Audacity to record the song.
Enjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Billy
• Joel
• Piano
• Man

[bluetigerpaw]

This looks hard to play. How long did it take you to learn this?

[Klyaa]

Not too long. Maybe a week or so.

[prip1055]

How long did it take you to get to that point of not having to look at the keys? is that something that just comes with time or is their a practice routine for it? Hope you do mind me asking questions.

[Klyaa]

Oh, ask all the questions you want. I always enjoy helping when I can. And I'm not really sure how long it takes to not look. I guess it just does come with time and practice, kinda like the keyboard or playing video games. Once I memorize a part of a song, I can generally play without looking. Perhaps I just remember the movements of my hands? I'm not really sure. It's an interesting topic.

[prip1055]

Thanks for the reply, I took lessons about 2 years ago and like yourself I didn't like the boring old songs so I quit and i'm trying to learn on my own and practice useing songs that I enjoy. I'm not where you are right now. Have you learned to play without looking directly at the piano?

[Klyaa]

Yes, I can play without looking at the piano. I usually don't have to look at the keys to know what I'm doing and where I'm going with the song, though on occasion there are some songs where I do have to look because there are some huge jumps up and down the keyboard. I've got a new Yamaha C7 piano now, and perhaps I'll record the Maple Leaf Rag when I have some time. Keep playing, and don't give up!

[sandylgb]

so sorry, I accidentally clicked "dislike" while I was trying to turn up the volume and I'm not smart enough un-dislike! I liked it though -- very good!

[iMargie4Music]

Wow this was really good! I'm just barely attempting to cover this song, and I don't read notes, so I play by ear and use visuals to help me out a lot. But just wanted to say thanks for making my day :)

[TomCarrollPiano]

you're first person to actually get the timing of this song right... most videos people are flying through it a 100miles an hour... enjoyed it very much! keep it up!

[Amberblaze223]

@ahop99 it takes different abount of time for people to not have 2 look at the keys. it depends on age and how much experience they have.

[ahop99]

i can play songs with multiple blindfolds on and it takes quite a while so to answer all your questions not looking at the keys comes after 2 weeks of practice. Also, i love this song and have it meorised front back side to side and can play all four parts (vocal, harmonica, piano{at the same time} and guitar{not at the same time)

[Sleaz814]

damn good sir!

[LauuDavies]

woah! you're really good!! I only started playing piano in april last year... and am on grade 3 doing my exam in march, i would love to play this song! I'll have to look for the sheet music somewhere, :)

[CoheedAtThe930]

you made it very easy for me to understand how to play this just by focusing the camera on the bass notes ...thank you

[Caitlynsmile]

What kind of piano is that?

[joopie933]

nicely done!

I have (and want) to play it from my piano teacher;)

if you want to watch at my fireflies video, it'll be great:)

Great performance!