u/Careless-Yard848

Hi all. I’m 27 and I’ve just started learning to play the piano. It is not my aspiration to become a world class pianist. I am learning the piano because my 24-year-old brother (autistic) has been learning for the last six years with the support of my mother (who is godsend) despite not being musically inclined at all.

My brother has worked hard to obtain the simplest motor skills (holding a pen, opening a can of coke) - so playing the piano was a huge feat for us. He requires a shadow for most things. Nevertheless, he’s on Alfred Level 3, and has gone through a few of Faber classics as well. Technique-wise, he maintains tempo with a metronome and a lot of practice, but struggles with playing keys “softly” or “fortissimo” style because it’s a real challenge. Like, we’ll model the way to strike a key, and he’ll do it instantaneously, but then ignore it while playing the entire piece.

I want to be well versed enough to carry him through most pieces such that he progresses. He’s been going to a music institute since he started and was always supported by a teacher and he’s incredible. He identifies notes by sound and can play music from listening without sheet music! He is incredibly smart and his pattern identification skills (better than your average genius) have gotten him this far.

I live far away from my brother but will be his permanent carer one day. I would like to be as good as I can to train him through pieces and push him (teachers are great but don’t really push him as much as we can as family). What are some things that can focus on at the moment? I’ve picked up Alfred Adult Level 1 which has been digestible.

I feel like I should learn how to play well to anticipate difficulties and explain (in a way digestible to him) techniques, etc.

Playing the piano is a blend of different worlds so would appreciate some guidance.

P.S. I plan on getting a teacher after I’m halfway through Alfred Level 1, feel like I can independently learn the basics.