Can I learn to piano the piano on my own, or do I need a tutor for sure?”
The bottom line is that, yes…you can learn to play the piano on your own. Especially since you have some experience on a musical instrument and can read sheet music (hopefully in Treble Cleft, since that’s what your right hand plays in). You will also need to know how to read Bass Cleft (for your left hand). Show tunes and pop songs are totally doable just by sight-reading and LOTS of practice. Jazz may not be possible for many years though. Very tough genre. The truth is that having an instructor will just make the process go a lot faster. You will learn more adeptly and will be given more structure. And when you are messing up, a teacher can correct you. A book can’t. Plus you will have an easier time learning timing, proper pedal usage, and technique from an instructor. Books won’t help you nearly as much there. My suggestion: Take some basic piano lessons for a year or two to get you started. Then, if you choose, you can try striking out on your own with the basic skills you’ve l
