With more than 20 million Americans playing piano, the instrument’s popularity is continually growing.
Learning piano is a great way to expand your musical lexicon. It can also be a stress reliever while improving hand-eye coordination.
While anyone can sit down, crack their knuckles and hit a key or two, learning the piano is a skill developed over time. Dedication is what sets skilled players apart from one another.
Practice makes perfect, that is if you put in the time and effort. Maximize your time and ability with these essential piano practice tips.
Set Aside a Schedule
Casually playing a few notes whenever you have free time won’t get you very far. Carve out specific times in your weekly agenda along with the rest of your activities. Practice sessions don’t have to be lengthy either, 20 to 30 minutes a day can go a long way.
Understand Rhythm
In order to learn any musical instrument you must have a sense for rhythm and beats. This is how music comes together and stays organized. Invest in a metronome, it’s a great tool for assisting with timing and tempo no mater how complex a song is.
Learn To Read Music
You’ve probably learned a few songs already by listening along and figuring out which keys to hit and replicate it. Playing by ear isn’t a bad piano practice method, but if you want to expand your ability learn to read notes. Sites like jamesguthrie.com are a great resource for sheet music.
Play Your Favorites
The long history associated with pianos naturally makes us think of older, dramatic tunes. Pianos are a universal instrument, though! You can play just about any song from your favorite genre ranging from heavy rock to R&B. This can make practice a lot more enjoyable.
Keep Going
A common habit when learning an instrument is to immediately stop after making a mistake in the middle of a song and start over. Instead, allot time to work on that part separately. Practice playing all the way through, you wouldn’t stop in the middle of a recital just because you missed one key.
Welcome Feedback
Sometimes the best way to learn is having other people lend their ears. Once you feel comfortable enough, practice in front of family and friends and ask for constructive criticism. Be open to feedback as there’s always room for improvement, even for the most skilled pianists.
Be Patient
Above all, remember that it takes time to learn the piano. Don’t expect to master it overnight or become frustrated if you find certain parts difficult. Everyone learns at their own pace.
Making Use of Piano Practice Tips
If you follow these piano practice tips you’ll significantly improve your piano playing skills. How soon it takes depends on the amount of time you’re willing to put forth.
Remember there’s no set formula for a piano practice guide. The way you approach learning the piano could differ from another beginner, and that’s completely okay.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding, time to swap out that computer keyboard in front of you for a piano!
