How to learn the piano and find a piano teacher
The number of people learning to play the piano in the UK is growing, and many are interested in learning as adults. If that's you, here's everything you need to know about learning to play the piano and finding a good teacher.
Is learning the piano hard?
The Piano, like any instrument, is challenging to learn; not only do you have to read notes and translate them to the keys, but you also have to do it with both hands simultaneously. You also need to learn to read sheet music, as it's the foundation of piano playing.
What are the benefits of learning the piano?
Learning to play the Piano has multiple benefits, including enjoyment. One of the best is that it engages various brain areas, improving memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. This can enhance your ability to process information, improve your spatial-temporal skills, and even help stave off cognitive decline as you age.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience supports this. It found that pianists had a more extensive and connected brain network than non-musicians, particularly in areas related to memory and attention (Habibi et al., 2017). This means that playing the Piano may improve memory function and increase the brain's capacity for memory.
How do I find a good piano teacher?
Finding a good piano teacher is an important step. The right teacher can help you build solid foundations, improve your technique, and inspire you to keep progressing. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn a specific genre like classical or jazz, pass exams, or play for enjoyment?
As far as a teacher's credentials go, ensure they have a solid understanding of music and teaching methods and are trained.
Finally, look for a teacher with experience teaching students at your level. Review their background and ask about their approach to teaching. Other students' experiences are also valuable, so look at reviews.
Many teachers offer trial lessons. Take advantage of this to see if their teaching style suits your learning preferences. When they teach, ensure they are clear, patient, and encouraging, explaining techniques in a way you can understand.
What equipment will I need?
You'll need a few key pieces of equipment to start lessons and practice. If you have the space and budget, an acoustic piano provides the most authentic sound. Acoustic pianos have weighted keys that mimic the touch and response of traditional pianos.
Upright pianos are compact and great for home use. A digital piano is a good alternative if space or budget are a concern. Look for one with weighted keys (often called fully weighted keys) to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano. Portable pianos are lightweight and inexpensive and usually come with built-in speakers, but the key feel may be less realistic. They can, however, be suitable for beginners or casual players.
A metronome helps you practice playing in time by providing a consistent beat. It's beneficial for beginners to establish a sense of rhythm and tempo.
Are there piano apps that will help teach me?
You can learn from Several great piano apps that work well alongside working with a piano teacher.
Flowkey is best for beginners as it offers interactive lessons on playing popular songs. It also includes video tutorials and sheet music for various songs and genres. The app listens to your playing and provides feedback, helping you stay on track. There is a free trial, and then it is subscription-based.
Skoove offers interactive piano lessons. You can start with the basics (such as reading sheet music and playing basic chords) and advance to more complex techniques and songs.
One of Skoove's standout features is it provides instant feedback. The app listens to your performance as you play and gives immediate feedback on whether you're hitting the right notes and playing at the correct rhythm. A free or premium version is available.
Simply Piano is best for beginners to intermediate players. The app offers a step-by-step learning path from the basics (notes and chords) to more advanced songs. It focuses on teaching songs, making the experience more motivating. It also uses your phone's microphone to listen to your playing and provide feedback. Free trial, then subscription-based.
Related help
First Tutors Music helps you start your musical journey with music teachers in your area.
Use our search tool to find teachers of your choice based on their qualifications, experience and feedback ratings; contact that teacher through our forums to arrange times and dates of your music tuition, and then enjoy music lessons wherever suits you: at home, the music teacher's home or online.