Learn How to Play the Piano

Have you wanted to learn to play the piano, but didn’t know where to start? Or, have you decided to start your child in piano lessons and need some help? In this article, I will guide you through the decisions that lay before you.

Before you decide to take up an instrument, or enroll your child in private lessons, you want to make sure that there will be time to practice. The amount of time set aside to practice will determine the speed with which results are realized. One to three hours a day is the best way to see results quickly. Of course, the attention span of young children might only allow for ten to thirty minutes of practice a day. For either situation, if time is available, you still might need a piano.

In the search for a piano, my advice is this: Purchase the best piano you can afford. The size, shape and color are immaterial if your instrument doesn’t perform and inspire. There are several misconceptions when it comes to purchasing one’s first piano:

“A piano is a piano.”

“The quality doesn’t matter; I just started taking piano lessons”

“It’s for a child.”

Starting with a quality piano shows a commitment to yourself or your child; ensures that the sound and touch are pleasing; and will inspire you or your child to come back to it again and again. This is definitely something you want when you are learning how to play the piano. Once the piano has been chosen, it is time to find a piano teacher.

Again, in your search for a piano teacher, choose the best teacher you can afford. I emphasize the word teacher, because a good performer doesn’t always make the best teacher. A good teacher may or may not have a degree. A good teacher may or may not teach classical piano. A good teacher does have years of experience; a piano studio of great students; and great relationships with his or her students. That relationship is cultivated by good communication and clear expectations of both the teacher and the student.

Having decided to learn how to play the piano may be your gift to yourself. Or, a gift you want to give your child. In either case, making sure time is available to practice the piano and that you have the best piano and teacher you can afford will help ensure your gift has a good foundation.