I have frequently written about the value in all different styles and genres of music and just because classical music is actually my favorite to play on the piano, doesn’t mean that classical music is superior to all other genres.
I think that it is important to learn to play what you actually would like to play. Your taste in music is valid and your preferences are actually important when it comes to playing the piano. Your preferred genre or style is also important when it comes to selecting a piano teacher. While I have played a little jazz, I have played a lot of classical music, so if you were theoretically interested in having me teach you to play the piano and you only really wanted to play jazz music, then clearly I would not be the ideal piano teacher for you.
If you are choosing to use online resources, then it is important to choose something that is aligned with the style or genre that you want to play. I have in recent months, been checking out resources online and there is loads of information and videos to suit everyone’s preference. From what I have seen so far, there is not much misinformation or poor quality content around. All of what I have come across so far, would have quality content to suit someone. Don’t settle for okay, when you can find something that you will think is really good.
I am not here trying to persuade you to play the piano a certain way but, if you are like me in that your taste in music is very wide and eclectic, then I would encourage you to not just limit yourself to one genre or style. There is so much good music in existence, that you may enjoy but you have never really been exposed to. I would encourage you to not just play your favorite but dabble with different styles and genres.
By dabbling in other styles and genres, not only expands your exposure to hearing different sorts of music but it can elevate your skill level because you are learning and using different techniques that ultimately you could or would use and incorporate with playing your favorite type of music.
I’m not saying that you must learn to play different styles and genres, I’m just saying that it would probably elevate your skill level and maybe even expose you to music that you had never really listened to or enjoyed before.