Looking for some advice from our Piano playing Aggies on the best way to get back into learning piano. I took piano lessons from about 8-12. I seem to remember taking lessons for about 4 years, though actually thinking about how much I learned, I would expect to have learned more in 4 years.

I own a Yamaha keyboard with 88 weighted keys. I know some very basic music theory, moreso from my years of playing guitar. Where i'm currently at is:

• I know basic major and minor triads, and understand playing with their voicings. I know how to play 7th chords, but don't really understand the theory behind them.
• I can play all the major key scales, but only feel comfortable playing in C and G. Getting into minor keys and all of the others, I am at a loss.
• I have a basic understanding of the relationship between the I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII chords in the major keys, and how I can use them in a progression (again, from a guitar perspective). Understand how to V7 resolves back to the root, and such.
• I can slog through reading sheet music, but i am extremely slow in doing so. I definitely can't identify the key, based on the sheet music.
• Basic understanding of the circle of 5ths.

That's about the extend of my music theory knowledge.

What would yall recommend is the best way to start working towards a goal of being an intermediate piano player? When I learned guitar, I just started out by learning songs I liked. As I continued to learn harder songs over the years, I began to get better at guitar.

I know I need to learn the theory, but if my only way to get better is just sit at a table studying theory, I don't see myself doing that. I want to enjoy getting better by actually hearing it as I learn new things.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

You have more than enough music theory to start to have fun on the piano. Pick some country songs that you like and learn them from youtube or by ear. Country songs have an easy formula- Left hand plays bass and right hand plays melody. Start with one note melodies. When you're comfortable with that, add in the harmonic notes (chords) to those melody notes.

Since you already play guitar, I'm sure you know the most obvious thing with is to spend a lot of time practicing / playing.

Also, I would cheat by learning a lot of songs off of youtube. With your theory, you'll pick it up pretty quick a la "Paint the Fence, sand the floor".

Lastly, from youtube start with fun songs that you like hearing and others will appreciate. Suggestions: Linus and Lucy (Peanuts theme), tv song intros like The Office and Cheers, Beatles songs (Imagine, Hey Jude), George Strait songs.

You can have a lot of fun just doodling around a 1/4/5 progression with an added flat 3, flat 5 and flat 7.