How Hard Is it to Learn Piano: 9 Things Every Beginner Needs to Know

Can you learn to play the piano quickly? How hard is it to learn piano, anyway? This guide outlines what every beginner wants to know about playing piano.

Here’s what you should know if you’re new to playing the piano.

Those who play piano enjoy health benefits and a unique form of therapy. Refined motor skills and sharpening the mind are only a couple of advantages. You can enjoy these benefits and more.

You can go from amateur to pro with some assistance. If you’re wondering how hard is it to learn piano, keep reading. Here nine things every beginner should know.

1. Piano’s a Great First Instrument

Playing the piano develops your sense of pitch. It features a range of notes laid out with lower on the left and higher on the right. It will help you distinguish notes by ear.

Sheet music provides a solid foundation for reading music. When you start playing other instruments, you’ll find it useful knowing how to read sheet music.

2. It Improves Coordination for Other Instruments

Not only will learning how to play the piano help you read music, but it’ll improve your coordination for playing other instruments as well. You’ll learn how to use your hands independently. It will strengthen your mind and musical skills.

Improving your coordination will prepare you for taking on the next challenge. If you already play another instrument, you’ll find your coordination has sharpened.

3. It Can Be Hard to Play at First

You should know that playing the piano will be hard at first. You have to learn how to memorize chords, use intricate movements with both hands, and how to read sheet music. There’s a pattern your fingers will need to cross over one another to master it.

There are simple ways you can make it easier to learn hands-on.  A professional can help you learn more with lessons or videos.

4. Reading Music Takes Time

Reading music will take patience and practice. You can make it easier on yourself by following a step by step process in the beginning. Here’s a quick guide to learning how to read and play music:

• Read the piece
• Practice it
• Practice without the sheet music
• Associate notes you’re reading with what you’re playing
• Repeat, if necessary

Hands-on learning will help you develop your skills and expand your knowledge. Take it slow and be patient when you’re first starting.

5. You’ll Learn to Play by Ear

The more you learn, the better you’ll play. Reading music will help you learn how to play it. Playing the piano will help you recognize different pitches.

There are different ways to play different notes. Play notes in multiple inversions, add extensions, and more to help develop your ear.

6. Start With Basic Songs

You might be eyeing a complicated piece to play, let that serve as your goal. To make it easier for yourself as a beginner, you should start by learning simple songs first. Once you’ve mastered the easier ones, you can move on to more complicated tunes.

Five note songs with only one note on the left are the easiest way to begin. Happy Birthday, When the Saints Go Marching In, and Mary Had a Little Lamb are simple songs to start with.

7. Learn the Layout of the Piano

One of the most important things you need to do is learn the layout of the piano. You’ll need to memorize where the keys are to avoid looking down while playing. The following are some tips for learning the layout:

• Sit down and practice
• Use lessons to see where the notes are
• Label the notes

Your eyes need to focus on the sheet music. You’ll be surprised how smooth your hands move once you’ve learned the layout.

8. Number Your Fingers and Position Your Hands

When you’re a beginner, you can make it easier by numbering your fingers and the keys. Review your sheet music and decide which fingers will be responsible for which notes. Number them visibly or mentally to help you play.

Learning how to position your hand correctly will help you play better and avoid damaging your wrist. Rest your hand on the keys in a semi-circle and keep it level with the floor. Keep your wrists loose, and don’t allow them to dip.

9. Master C-Major Scale

A set of notes arranged by frequency and pitch is known as a scale. The C-major scale’s the most common and simple one to learn. Practice at first with your dominant hand before moving onto the other.

You can use exercises and lessons to help you master the C-major scale. Once you feel comfortable, you can confidently move on to more challenging scales.

How Hard Is It to Learn Piano Online?

When you can’t make it to the piano teacher, you can take lessons online. There are online videos and guides for developing your music skills. Don’t let the fear hold you back from trying something new.

You’ll need high-quality lessons or an online teacher. A professional can teach you how to play and read music. If you’re learning without one on one time with an expert, consider utilizing exercises and instructional videos.

Piano Care 101

The best way to feel comfortable with an investment is to learn how to maintain it. Take care of your instruments to make them last longer and play better. Piano care includes the following:

• Place the piano in a room with a stable temperature
• Keep it hydrated
• Tune the piano regularly

You can hire an expert for piano tuning to ensure the job gets done right. Pianos are complex instruments with thousands of moving parts. An expert knows how to maintain it without breaking it.

Develop Your Musical Talent

Now that you’re not wondering how hard is it to learn piano, you can start practicing. Use what you read here as a guide to learning how to play. Soon, you’ll inspire others with your developed talent.

We have more tips to help you develop and share your talents. You can explore our blog longer for the best entertainment content. Learn more about how we can help you on our website today!

Courtesy of Kathleen Zara