Astronomer

I think it's basically impossible to write your own piano compositions without having a sound knowledge of the instrument and of music theory (e.g. the cycle of fifths, scales, chord formations etc.) This is difficult to teach yourself and lessons are almost a necessity.

I taught myself guitar and found it's much easier to learn songs and write my own songs than on piano.

But when it all comes down to it I really think it depends on the person and whether they have a innate 'gift' for music or not. I know some brilliant musicians who are purely self taught, some that had lessons, some that did a bit of both.

If you're finding you're not learning enough from yourself, get lessons. If you're quite content with teaching yourself and are fulfilling your musical desires on your own, then there's nothing wrong with that.

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