I used to play the piano when I was really little. But for some reason, my mom let me quit and I haven't touched one since.
I know I was not bad when I was little.
My grandma has had a stand-up piano forever and I've always wanted it. Now, she's moving and my mom asked her if I could have it. She said I could have it as long as I learn how to play.
Otherwise, she'll sell it. That piano has been around for as long as I can remember and I would really hate to see it go.
So I have to learn to play again.
I've got a couple questions here. First, is it possible to learn the piano on your own with online lessons or books?
Second, what's the difference between a keyboard and a real stand-up piano?
It is possible to learn to play the piano on your own, yes, as long as you're willing to be diligent about it. Many self-taught players don't bother with all the scales and drills that build technique; then again, a lot of them still manage to become reasonably proficient. I took lessons for six years when I was a kid; after a few years of not having lessons, I picked it back up on my own.
An instructor would be able to tell you whether you're doing things correctly; that kind of feedback is missing when you teach yourself. But if you've got a good ear for music, you might be able to do without it. Also, an instructor would provide you with motivation to keep up with your practice.
As for the difference between a keyboard and a real piano: some keyboards do not have the full 88 keys, and some do not have weighted, touch-sensitive action. If keys are not weighted and touch-sensitive, then they don't feel like a real piano. If you're looking for something that responds like a piano, you should specifically look for a "digital piano" (like a Yamaha Clavinova, for example) rather than just any old keyboard.