Do you want to learn how to play the piano? Have you always been wondering about the ways to start learning piano? Then, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some effective ways to learn the piano and start your new career successfully. So, without further ado, let’s delve in!
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The Short Answer
To start learning piano, there are some ways that you can follow to help you perfect your learning experience. Here are they:
- Learn the Basics First
- Practice Your Fingers
- Learn to Read Music
- Learn How to Build Chords
- Look for Patterns
- Play by Ear
- Follow Videos and Tutorials
- Private Lessons With an Independent Instructor
- Using Software and Apps
- Make Constant Practice a Priority
And now, let’s have an in-depth look at each.
Best Ways to Learn Piano
When learning a new instrument, you may look forward to more than just being able to perform music; you need to improve your knowledge, as well. Here are some of the most effective methods for learning to play the piano.
Learn the Basics First
As a piano student, start by learning the basics. You don’t need to rush anything. If you didn’t start with the basics and went straight to complicated piano techniques, you may end up injuring yourself; psychologically and physically.
This is because if you start big and fail to achieve complex techniques, you’ll feel down. Also, not taking it slow may result in incorrect posture and hand positions.
So you need to learn how to sit in the right posture. This is crucial, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time at the piano. You also need to learn proper hand positioning.
For example, your hand should be in line with your forearm with fingers gradually curling downwards.
Practice Your Fingers
When learning to play the piano, fingering is more important than anything else. You must first understand where your fingers should go. Learning scales on the piano is the most effective structured approach to begin learning accurate finger placement.
Using numbers on your fingertips will also help you learn how to put your fingers properly once again. For example, from thumb to pinky, your left hand can be numbered one to five. The same can be done in your right hand.
It’s important to practice your fingers on your right hand first, then on your left, before combining them and playing scales with both hands. This will make it easier to learn how to use song books and sheet music with precise finger positioning.
Learn to Read Music
Begin sight reading as soon as possible. This allows you to connect the letters on the paper to the keys on the piano. Instead of staring down at your hands, get into the habit of looking up at the notation. This is simple in the beginning because your hands don’t move once it’s in the starting position.
Learning note values, or how many beats a note is worth, is an integral part of reading classical music. You’ll also need to learn about articulations and dynamics. Other music directions include how to travel from one portion to the following and which sections to repeat.
Learn How to Build Chords
The majority of songs consist of chord variants. Although they’re in different keys, the chords include the same intervals. When playing by ear, it’s critical to recognize the notes that make up the chords.
You don’t need to remember the chords; you should only be able to recognize their sound. You also need to tell whether the chords are in the low or high range, and from there, you can figure out where they are on the piano.
The C major chord, which consists of the three notes, C, E, and G, is the easiest to master. Play this chord on the middle C initially, then move it up and down the piano in octaves, keeping the C as the lowest note.
Look for Patterns
Every song has musical patterns. Chords get frequently repeated in a constant beat or rhythm. And it’s a lot easier to play songs if you can recognize the patterns or chord progressions that you hear. Also, you’ll be able to figure out which chords go together.
This will help you understand how melodies and baselines are built, which will aid you in creating your own.
In addition, learning the fundamentals of music theory will help you analyze these patterns more easily. You can then use that basis to learn to play by ear or even improvise your music on the piano.
Play by Ear
This is simply listening to and learning from many master pianists, often known as ear training. Their expert work might assist you in understanding what great music should sound like and how far you’ve come. It also aids you in learning different styles and techniques, allowing you to improve your own. Hearing from others is a tremendous source of inspiration for any newcomer.
Follow Videos and Tutorials
The fascinating world of video tutorials is another digital resource for learning piano playing in a new form. For example, YouTube videos are a free, readily available, and frequently successful resource.
There’s also a lot of variety in course pacing and style when it comes to video lessons. Different people approach sharing their information in different ways, and you have a lot of freedom to choose whatever seems right to you.
For example, some tutorials teach the fundamentals rapidly, making them a good fit if you’ve previously received piano instructions or you’re a quick learner. Others teach them at a slower pace. So you’ll find the right resource that’ll guide you throughout your learning process.
Private Lessons With an Independent Instructor
Piano lessons at a music school are the most expensive and the most effective way to learn music. A good piano teacher will have experience assisting beginners in learning music and will accurately teach you the proper technique and the foundations of music theory.
Also, playing piano under the guidance of an instructor might help you avoid negative behaviors that can be difficult to break. In addition, the instructor assists you in achieving specific objectives, such as mastering your favorite songs or improving your improvisational abilities.
You can also take private online courses that allow you to contact and form a relationship with a skilled and experienced online teacher.
Using Software and Apps
Piano learning software and apps can assist you in learning new tunes and expanding your repertoire. They’re economical ways to learn how to play the piano from the comfort of your own home. However, the missing one-on-one tuition may mean that there’s less accountability and motivation for your practice sessions.
Moreover, apps that track your practice will keep you on pace for success. There are also audio recording apps that’ll allow you to listen back and enhance your skills. Many of these piano apps are free and straightforward to use, and they’re accessible for tablets and smartphones to download.
Make Constant Practice a Priority
If you don’t set aside time to practice each day, you may discover that you don’t have time to practice at the end of the day. And if you want to learn piano playing, you have to commit to regularly putting what you’ve learned into practice.
Consistent practice in short periods is more successful than practicing a lot all at once. For example, practicing for 30 minutes every day is more effective than practicing for two hours once a week. Try to stick to a routine as practice makes perfect. This way, training becomes second nature.
So by now, you’re probably more familiar with the ways of learning piano. However, you need to consider the right instrument and also the method of learning. So let’s have a look at them.
Choosing the Right Instrument
We can’t stress the importance of choosing the right instrument for practice. Your musical journey is influenced by the device you practice on, as it’ll help you choose the best way to learn the piano. Here are the choices that you can pick from:
- Acoustic Piano. For a superb playing experience and a better sound quality, this is your go-to option.
- Digital Piano. Larger and more expensive but nearly as adaptable as an acoustic piano in terms of sound and feel. If your budget and space permit, the digital piano is a fantastic option.
- Digital Keyboard. Cost-effective, convenient, and versatile. Keyboards don’t have the same sound and feel as acoustic pianos, but they function well as a starting instrument.
Choosing Your Learning Method
For the best experience, it’s important to know which learning path you want to pursue. So let’s take a closer look at the different styles of learning.
Technological Method
Nowadays, piano learners have new ways of learning the piano, thanks to technological advancements. Using various software packages can provide your new hobby with more freedom and allows you to focus on a few songs that may appeal to you more.
Also, using an illuminated piano is an intriguing alternative (a piano that has lighted vital functionality). These 61-key digital pianos connect wirelessly or through a USB connection. They’re compatible with Mac and PC devices, and if you use Bluetooth, you can use them with your iPad.
Traditional Method
The piano has traditionally been taught through private sessions with a professional piano teacher over the years. Many teachers are eager to work with you at your house. Others may have their studios where you can take your weekly lessons.
Hybrid Method
Taking piano lessons from an online coach is the basis of the hybrid technique. The technique mixes one-on-one tutoring with technology.
The method is gaining traction because it combines the benefits of a personal instructor with the advantages of technology. The hybrid method has a solution for you if you want the best of both worlds.
Self-Learning
You can learn to play piano alone using tutorials and other instructional media such as books. It can save you a lot of money in the long run, but it can also lead to some negative habits. For example, if you learn to play piano all by yourself, you become your own boss.
This is beneficial, but sometimes it results in negative effects such as developing incorrect habits that you may not necessarily recognize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Learn Piano?
The majority of those who desire to play for fun can achieve excellent results in three to five years of study and practice. However, no matter what level you’re aiming for, your learning method determines your advancement.
What Should I Know Before Learning Piano?
It’s important to spend some time getting to know your acoustic or digital piano or digital keyboard because you’ll need to know all their details before you can read the text and start to play music.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an adult or a child, you can benefit from playing the piano. So, if anyone wants to start their successful learning experience, they can employ the ways we discussed in this article.
And because mastering the piano takes time, the best moment to begin your journey is now. So what are you waiting for?