Learning piano needn’t take forever: here are some tips for speedy learning.
- Firstly, select an instrument that feels good, sounds good and inspires you to play: you can’t underestimate how important this is to keep you engaged with learning.
- Next up, from the start of the learning process, sit comfortably at the piano, don’t hunch over and always play from your fingers, not your wrists or arms. Economy of movement is also important: if you are having to move your hands, wrists and arms loads that’s wasted energy. Relax your arms and body and let your figures do the work.
- Use a metronome at all times to give you a rhythmic framework when practicing. If you practice or play without a timing reference you will find it much harder and slower to learn. Don’t overlook timing!
- Start with learning scales as soon as possible to aid technique and note reading too. Scales are a tried and tested way to improve your playing, technique and stamina.
- If you envisage yourself doing exams, then try and start on an approved syllabus (such as ABRSM in the UK) and then you won’t find you’ve wasted any time: there are approved classical (and also jazz routes now too) to cater for all tastes.
- Whilst there are many apps out there for learning, real sheet music and books are still as valid as ever. They are tried and tested.
- There’s nothing wrong with a paper and pen either and it’s great to develop your theory and to be able to write music physically with a pen and paper: it’s a very useful skill that many pro musicians still rely on and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
- As well as having your head in apps and books, remember that just sitting down and playing without constraints is massively important. Try composing your own tunes, jam along to your favourite music, record yourself/listen back, or jam with friends online over Skype, FaceTime or Zoom.
- Don’t forget that one to one tuition with a reputable teacher will always help too.