7 Tips For Beginning Piano Players
In order to speed up the process of learning to play piano, a few steps should be taken. Some of them are obvious, but they need to be said anyway. As for the rest, you may learn a thing or two. Keep this list in mind as you start to learn.
(... 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. Don't bother trying. You may see advantages of being able to play the piano, but your enthusiasm isn't too strong. If this is the case, try listening to multiple types of piano music, to see if you begin to enjoy it. Do not start trying to play until you are happy at the thought of learning.
2. Next, play what you enjoy. In earlier times, and sometimes even now, the learning process required large amounts of time learning traditional piano music before being allowed to choose. It will be far more inspiring for you if you derive pleasure from the learning experience, so try and find simple versions of your favorite songs. That will keep you going.
The Piano - Amazing Short - Animation by Aidan Gibbons, Music by Yann Tiersen
3. Dive right in. Don't dillydally or waste time just to simply learn the scales. Start playing music as soon as you can. The more frequently you practice, the better you will become. 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. Of course, you can learn quite a bit with even a small electronic 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. They will almost certainly hear you play. 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. It could be that they've had a hard day's work, and need some time to relax. If you choose to disregard their opinion, the tension between house-mates may hamper your practice.
6. Be self disciplined, but not overly so. Do not be harsh with yourself. If you will not allow yourself to stop a practice no matter what exciting thing is happening in the household, you will come to resent the piano. Allow yourself a little leeway. Don't relax too much though - if you start to become too laxed, you may give up all together. It is with practice that you will develop your ears, your eyes, your hands, and your mind.
7. Keep a journal of new things you learn. If you come across a new term, look it up either in a music dictionary or on the internet. 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.