Top Tips for Learning To Play the Piano

A talented pianist is enchanting to listen to and watch. All the most incredible players started in the same place as you, right at the beginning. Learning a new instrument is never easy, but a few tips can help you start building some practical piano skills.

Search the Internet

The internet is a great resource for learning. From lesson plans to instructional videos and easy piano songs, everything you need to start is quickly accessible. Bookmark or print out your favorite resources to use as a study guide.

Social learners can join online communities for support. Several chat rooms, blogs, and forums cover the topic of beginner piano playing. Whether you are searching for answers, expressing concerns, or sharing your accomplishments, like-minded individuals are waiting to listen.

Learn Your Scales

Take time to practice your scales. A scale is a set of a certain amount of alphabetical notes played in order. Familiarizing yourself with common scales will give you a better understanding of reading music, key signatures, and composition.

Running through scales also helps build your physical technique. Playing scales increases strength, dexterity, and independence in your fingers. Those skills help you develop the essentials such as speed and tone.

Play One Hand at a Time

An intimidating aspect of playing the piano is using both of your hands independently of each other. Piano music also involves reading two lines of music simultaneously. When you’re beginning to learn, start by practicing with one hand at a time.

Your non-dominant hand may require a little more practice. Once you are comfortable with the feeling and flow of each hand, you can begin to merge the lines of music.

Start Slowly

It’s alright to start slowly to get your hands used to the motions. Your speed will build with experience. Playing at a slower pace doesn’t mean ignoring your time signature.

Your notes should always be held for the proper amount of counts. However, your counts can be at any speed that works for you. If you are having trouble with your tempo, consider purchasing a metronome.

Practice Everyday

The more you practice, the better you will become. It’s best to work on your skills every day so that your lessons are always fresh on your mind. Even a short 20-minute session will help you reach your goals more quickly.

Practicing doesn’t always have to be done at the piano bench. No matter where you are, you can practice hand movements, review music theory, and practice reading music. Developing a solid foundation will make you a better player.

Set Realistic Goals

Goal setting is a very effective technique for all parts of your life. Goals improve your motivation, time management, and focus. Accomplishing set tasks also provides a sense of satisfaction.

Failure to reach your goals can be disheartening. Make sure that they are realistic when you set them. It’s wonderful to have a tremendous end goal, but you need to break it down into more attainable pieces. Great starter goals might include playing five days a week, mastering four scales in a month, or speeding up the pace of your metronome.

Take Professional Lessons

Learning on your own does not work for everyone. Mastering a new instrument is particularly difficult if you have no musical experience. Many professionals offer lessons and may even come to your home to teach.

Time and money are often concerns when it comes to taking lessons. Constraints can be managed by spacing classes out. Even a couple of sessions a month will be a useful guide.

Following each of these tips will make a difference. You’ll be on your way to being an expert before you know it.

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