Piano Guidance
Photo by Blue Bird Pexels Logo Photo: Blue Bird

Can you become good at piano later in life?

Learning to play the piano as an adult can be intimidating. Many people limit themselves because they think they are too old or that it's too late to start something new. The good news is, it's never too late to start.

What are the 12 piano chords?
What are the 12 piano chords?

There are 12 unique notes at the piano, which means we can build a major chord on each of those 12 notes - C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, an...

Read More »
How long does it take the average person to learn to play guitar?
How long does it take the average person to learn to play guitar?

More Arbitrary Ratings of Proficiency Level Hours Needed Daily Practice Investment Basic 312.5 156 days Beginning 625 10 months Intermediate 1250...

Read More »

1. Find a teacher

There are plenty of online tutorials to help you teach yourself, but it is always good to have a teacher. Meeting regularly with a teacher can help you reach your goals and be accountable. It’s a good idea to have a support system of people encouraging you as you learn a new skill.

2. Set goals

Know what you want to accomplish as a piano player. Do you want to perform for a special event, play for your own enjoyment, or learn a favorite song? Have a clear goal in mind of why you want to learn to play the piano. It will help keep you focused and motivated as well as give you something to work toward.

3. Learn the basics

It’s important to start with the basics. If you don’t already know how to read music or the fundamentals of playing the piano, take time to learn notes, rhythm, scales, proper posture, and other basic skills. Failing to learn correct habits and good piano-playing practices now will hold you back later on.

4. Make practicing a priority

If you don’t schedule a specific time to practice each day, you may find at the end of the day that you don’t have time to practice. If you want to learn to play the piano, commit yourself to applying what you learn and practicing regularly. Consistent practice in short sessions of time is better than practicing a lot all at once—for example, practicing every day for 30 minutes is more effective than practicing once a week for two hours. If you can, try to stick to a routine so practicing becomes a habit. As you practice, vary your techniques and the songs you play. This will keep you from getting bored and make practicing enjoyable.

5. Find music you enjoy playing

Many people think that they must start by playing classical music. That is not always the case. If you want to play for fun and enjoyment, start with songs that you like. Pop songs are great to start with because they often have simple melodies and tunes that are easy to pick up. The key to enjoying playing the piano is to find music you enjoy learning to play. It will motivate you to keep learning, and it will be rewarding to successfully play a familiar tune.

6. Take it one step at a time

What is one song that everyone likes?
What is one song that everyone likes?

“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen Bohemian Rhapsody is among the songs everyone knows and loves. It's the most-streamed song from the 20th century, with...

Read More »
What do you call beautiful girl in Japanese?
What do you call beautiful girl in Japanese?

Bijin (美人) is a Japanese term which literally means "a beautiful person" and is synonymous with bijo (美女, "beautiful woman"). Girls are usually...

Read More »

It takes time to get used to playing a new instrument. Have patience with yourself if you can’t master a song as fast as you would like to. Keep trying and don’t give up. Start with songs that are at your current level and gradually challenge yourself to play harder songs as you progress. Know your limits, and pick songs that are at your level or slightly above your level. Don’t try to play a song that is too advanced. Don’t rush yourself—set a pace that you can maintain and that fits with your goals.

7. Be willing to make mistakes

Mistakes are a part of learning. Don’t feel embarrassed if you make mistakes or if a song or skill is difficult for you to learn. Most piano teachers don’t mind if you make mistakes because it shows you are trying. They want to help you improve. When you make mistakes, it helps them understand what you are struggling with and how they can help you.

8. Celebrate improvements

Remember where you started and celebrate your improvements, no matter how small. When you see the progress you’ve made, you will be more inclined to continue. When you’ve mastered a song or skill that was difficult, celebrate that accomplishment. Even if you aren’t a perfect pianist after taking lessons, you will be better and more knowledgeable than you were before you started.

9. Have fun

Enjoy learning and doing something new. Having enthusiasm for learning is more important than having talent. You may not be a concert pianist or go on to perform in Carnegie Hall, but if you have fun playing and enjoy learning new songs, that will make your effort worth it.

10. Start now

Don’t procrastinate learning to play the piano for another day. If you wait for the ideal time to start, it will never come. You are never too old to learn to play the piano, but you’ll never learn unless you decide to start.

What is the most used key in pop music?
What is the most used key in pop music?

C major and G major, along with their relative minor counterparts A minor and E minor, are often considered the best key and scales for Pop music....

Read More »
Who is the head of the devil?
Who is the head of the devil?

Meaning: Inspired by the skull's nickname “the head of the devil”, the researchers drew from Malawi culture for the name Lende – a sinister figure...

Read More »
What percent of people are audiophiles?
What percent of people are audiophiles?

Most people listen to music in their cars, portable players, or $10 computer speakers. Audiophiles are the 1 percent still listening at home over a...

Read More »
Is Tempest sonata harder than moonlight?
Is Tempest sonata harder than moonlight?

For my fingers, the third movement of Moonlight is much harder than the third movement of Tempest. Moonlight demands an incredibly light, even, and...

Read More »