Piano Guidance
Photo by Andrew Neel Pexels Logo Photo: Andrew Neel

How good should I be at piano after 1 year?

One year. You can expect to reach beginner level after around a year. This would correlate roughly to Grade 1 or 2 level (ABRSM.) Expect to play very basic pieces and have a reasonable grasp of learning from sheet music, playing basic one-octave scales, etc.

What causes vampire disease?
What causes vampire disease?

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) typically is acquired rather than inherited, although the enzyme deficiency may be inherited. Certain triggers that...

Read More »
What color is Elton John's piano?
What color is Elton John's piano?

Red Piano From 2004 to 2009 Elton John had a concert residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The show was entitled “The Red Piano” after the...

Read More »

This is a common question when it comes to learning any instrument. Sure, you’ve bought yourself a piano, got a teacher, maybe signed up to an app like Flowkey or Simply Piano. But how long will it take for you to actually be able to say “yes, I can play the piano?” You’ve made a start, but where does it end?

The real answer to this question, unfortunately, is “it depends.” There is no definitive end to your piano learning journey; you will be learning for as long as you are playing. Even concert pianists at the highest possible level are still learning. I will say that this process is often quicker for children than it is for adults, for the same reason that children pick up languages easier; their brains are more malleable. That’s not to say that adults can’t reach a level of decent proficiency at their craft; you just might need to be more patient. However, here's a rough estimate of what you can expect your level to be after a certain amount of time. Figures are based on an adult beginner who has no prior experience of playing the piano or any other musical instrument.

Beginner

One year

You can expect to reach beginner level after around a year. This would correlate roughly to Grade 1 or 2 level (ABRSM.) Expect to play very basic pieces and have a reasonable grasp of learning from sheet music, playing basic one-octave scales, etc.

Intermediate

Three to four years

You can expect to reach this level after around three to four years. Expect to be playing at roughly a Grade 4 or 5 level (ABRSM). You should have a decent grasp of more advanced concepts at this stage, such as sightreading, more complex rhythmic patterns, as well as scales in most keys up to two or three octaves. You should be comfortable with learning pieces by yourself without having to rely on a teacher at this stage, but expect most of your guidance still to come from your teacher or tutor.

Five to ten years

Expect to reach this level after at least five years and up to ten years. By this stage you should be playing at a Grade 8 (ABRSM) level or beyond. You should have no issues sightreading pieces around three or four grades below your playing level. You should know scales, arpeggios, broken chords, etc in every key. You should be very comfortable choosing your own repertoire and learning pieces by yourself at this stage.

Is The Piano Lesson a true story?
Is The Piano Lesson a true story?

At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines,...

Read More »
Which instrument is best for girls?
Which instrument is best for girls?

Straddling the legs around a cello was considered immoral; sitting by the piano was more becoming for a lady. Thus, women became important for the...

Read More »

Can Sonata be taken with food?

zaleplon food Taking zaleplon with a high-fat or heavy meal may delay the onset of sleep. For faster sleep onset, zaleplon should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication.

There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Sonata (zaleplon).

Moderate zaleplon food Moderate Food Interaction

Taking zaleplon with a high-fat or heavy meal may delay the onset of sleep. For faster sleep onset, zaleplon should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with zaleplon. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of zaleplon such as dizziness and drowsiness. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Switch to professional interaction data

Will 3% hydrogen peroxide whiten plastic?
Will 3% hydrogen peroxide whiten plastic?

Here are my thoughts about using hydrogen peroxide to clean yellowed tupperware, plastic utensils, and stained plastic dishes: Be patient. Use 3%...

Read More »
Can you be addicted to music?
Can you be addicted to music?

In short, not really. Experts don't formally recognize music addiction as a mental health diagnosis. Still, that doesn't mean music habits can...

Read More »
What are soothing songs?
What are soothing songs?

The full Top 30: Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World. The Beatles - Let It Be. Elton John - Your Song. Adele - Someone Like You. Adele -...

Read More »
How many bars is a 3 minute song?
How many bars is a 3 minute song?

A three-minute song would usually be around 80 to 90 bars in total depending on the BPM. Taking into account all types of music, the 'average' song...

Read More »