I’m often asked about the best frequency for piano lessons: weekly, fortnightly, or ad-hoc. Naturally, the answer depends on each student’s circumstances, motivation, experience, and stage of learning. For example, some advanced students only need occasional lessons as they have already developed core skills, built up an effective practice regime, and acquired a level of self-sufficiency in learning.
For many, especially those starting out, there are clear benefits when professional piano lessons become a regular part of their routine rather than something occasional. Interestingly, many of my students who begin with shorter or less frequent lessons soon ask for more. As they start to experience the benefits, faster progress, deeper understanding, and a greater sense of momentum, they really value their lesson time. But this isn’t a sales pitch and I know from experience that weekly or fortnightly lessons can be a financial stretch. So, what’s the real value? Here are my thoughts based on my experience as a student and teacher.
Momentum
When lessons happen regularly, you build momentum. Each session picks up where the last left off; you’re not re-establishing context, retracing steps, or playing catch-up. Instead, you’re propelling ahead – maybe with the odd wobble – but steadily forward. Regular guidance can help you navigate plateaus and stay inspired. That momentum isn’t just satisfying; it’s economical. In the same way that physical fitness thrives on routine, so does musical progress. With infrequent lessons, there is a potential cost in lost time, redundant revision, and stalled development.
Sustainable Progress in Musicianship
Regular lessons create space for musicality to unfold at a natural pace: expression, tone, phrasing, technique. These skills take time to acquire, not least because playing the piano is a particularly complex mental activity. With consistent learning, many small improvements add up into something greater than the sum of the parts. A weekly or fortnightly routine with regular practice allows for realistic goals: for example mastering a tricky rhythm, refining pedalling or shaping a musical line.
Pianistic Skills That Stick
Musicality and technique aren’t built in isolation, rather they’re shaped by guidance and feedback. With frequent lessons, your technique is regularly fine-tuned, music-reading becomes second-nature, fingers settle into patterns, posture becomes instinctive and sight-reading sharpens. You also get to notice the short-term wins and quick solutions to technical problems.
But Can’t I Just Figure It Out Myself?
It’s a common thought—and yes, some people can learn a lot on their own. There are brilliant resources online, and for some, self-teaching can absolutely get things going. But there’s a difference between accessing information and learning. A teacher sees what you can’t: inefficient habits, hidden obstacles, or musical possibilities you might miss. You might spend weeks stuck on something that could be resolved in five minutes with the right feedback. Lessons aren’t just about what to practise, but how and why. That kind of support builds confident, independent musicianship—something that’s very hard to develop in isolation.
In summary
Regular lessons aren’t just a financial outlay; they’re an investment in momentum, consistency, and sustainable musical progress. Then short-term interest can become long-term confidence.