Benefits of Learning with a Teacher
Sometimes it can be daunting to start learning the piano. Some people start by copying or rote-learning using resources available on line, but this doesn’t help develop the “super-skills” needed to become an accomplished and self-sufficient musician. A good teacher will help to get their students improvising and playing by ear, at the same time developing a solid foundation in music-reading, practice methods, technique and musical theory. Nothing can match the guidance and feedback you get from a good teacher to keep you on the right path.
Be patient!
Playing the piano is a very complex mental and physical activity, and there are an awful lot of things to think about in real time. Don’t worry if it takes a bit of time to get going and play the pieces you enjoy, it can take any time from weeks to years. Similarly, learning a song or a piece of music securely can take ages. This is also perfectly normal. Sometimes you will feel as if you are at a “plateau” in your musical journey and that you’re not progressing. The good news is that this always passes, especially if you keep practising and pushing through the difficult phases.
Practice
I’ve written a blog post about practising the piano which I encourage you to read. It can be difficult to make the time, but you should aim to play every day, even if only for a few minutes. Main points are:
- Use the guidance of your teacher as to how and what to practice;
- Use your practice time well – decide what you want to achieve before starting. For how long should you practise? Not very long at all if you use the time well!
- If possible, make sure your piano is ready to play at any time – keep it set up, on standby if digital, so you can take those two minute opportunities to practice while the kettle is boiling etc.
Play
Take every opportunity to play to friends, family, pets or whoever will listen! Also try recording yourself. It feels very different playing to an audience compared to solo practice, and the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Similarly, look for opportunities to play with other musicians, e.g. duets, bands, accompanying etc. It helps to socialise piano playing, which can otherwise be a somewhat solitary activity.