Hammond Music

To get a jump start on learning to play the piano, you can probably use a few extra tips.  Some of them are obvious, but they need to be said anyway.  As for the rest, you may learn a thing or two.  Try to memorize these tips to keep you in good stead during the learning process. 

(… and above all, remember that learning to play piano today is quite possible on your own, as there are a number of good training packages available in bookstores or online …)

1.  If you are really not interested in the piano, do yourself and everyone else a favor.  Do not try.  You may see advantages of being able to play the piano, but your enthusiasm isn’t too strong.  In that case, you could listen to lots of piano music and see if you develop an interest.  Do not start trying to play until you are happy at the thought of learning. 

2.  Play what you like.  In the old days, and often even today, piano teachers spent months with their students before they were allowed to play anything they enjoyed playing.  You will get more gratification if you find ways to play at least simple or improvised versions of songs you know and like. That will keep you going. 

3.  Dive right in.  Do not wait for the sun to turn purple or even to learn all the scales. Begin playing as soon as possible.  The more you play, the more you will learn.  And the better you become, the more you will enjoy playing.  It creates an upward spiral that will increase your abilities. 

4.  Play on the best piano you have available.  Although don’t be too put off if all you can find is an electric keyboard.  It’s definitely an advantage if you get to use a Clavinova, as it has all of the 88 keys.  Others may argue that an upright piano is even better.  But obviously, if you are able to practice on a grand piano, by all means go for it!. 

5.  Do your best not to disturb others in the household.  The sound will invariably echo through the walls.  In most households, this is unavoidable.  Although, try to make sure that you ask permission before you begin to practice, as those who need some quiet time, or need to study will find the noise very distracting.  Maybe they have had a hard day and just need a little peace. If you ignore their feelings, friction between you will make your practice unpleasant. 

6.  Be self disciplined, but not overly so.  Do not be harsh with yourself.  There are times where it is simply not practical to continue playing. Try not to force yourself to continue, as you may come to dislike each session.  Allow yourself a little leeway.  Don’t relax too much though – if you start to become too laxed, you may give up all together.  Only constant practice can aid you to develop your senses and coordination, in order to eventually achieve mastery. 

7.  Start yourself a journal in order to monitor progress.  If anything is new to you, or confusing, take 5 minutes to check the internet or reference manual .  Write it in a notebook or make a document on your computer to type in all the things you have learned.  You can also write in the notebook what has worked for you and what has seemed to make things harder.  Record accomplishments while fresh on the mind, as you may soon forget. 

As a beginning piano player, you have all the time in the world to learn new things abut your instrument.  Each time you find something that makes your life easier; remember it so that you can use it again.  When you do that, you can build on each lesson and advance to higher and higher levels.

p.s. If you are considering piano lessons for a child, check out the article Tips for Teaching Piano to Children.

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