Hey guys, I am really interested in playing the piano and I've been thinking about taking lessons for a while now... but I am not sure if it is worth it because I am only planning to take it for about 1 year. I just became a senior in high school and there is a music store really close that teaches piano. If i take lessons for 1 year will I be able to learn pieces on my own? I've been playing the piano for a month and a half only learning how to play songs from synthesia x_x.

It all depends upon you. Finding [the right] teaching will mostly likely help you become better. I say try out a lesson and see if you like a teacher there. Be honest with your goals with them, and be honest with yourself.

Like I said, it all depends upon you. Just because you're studying with somebody, that alone will not automatically make you better. You'll have to take it serious when your at home for the week when you're practicing without them over your shoulder. :)

I practice everyday not sure how long but im guessing a total of 1-3 hours since have my computer and piano next to each other and I just practice when ever. I feel that having someone teaching will help me learn much better than using synthesia. Lets say I took the lesson for 1 year, will I be capable playing and learning medium/hard pieces on my own?

It will depend of the dedication and how well you manage to progress. I would suggest to keep learning by your own for a bit more and see if you still have the same motivation to learn. That way you will feel more secure to invest money in a teacher or to try out a lesson if it is not free. Since you are learning from synthesia it is better to start learning basic music theory so you can learn pieces from sheet music.

Where do you recommend learning basic music theory?

You can check these two:

http://www.musictheory.net/

http://teoria.com/

can you read music sheets? If you know how to read them already, them I dont really think you need a teacher. But if you don't, then I suggest you go to have some lesson. Once you know how to read the music sheets, then it's very easy to learn the songs. That's the way I found it anyway, then the more you play the more you find that you dont have to follow what says on the music sheets exactly. Sometimes you can make it up as well :)

But I do know some ppl just learn songs entirely by ears, they are just amazing and talented.

Once you learn how to read music notes, you will open a whole new door to piano!
You will love it when you can just pick up a sheet music that you like, and just sight read it.
But all of this requires dedication ;)

You should have a good teacher cement your basics firts imo.