Stay in, avoid the cold, and take piano lessons

Baby it’s getting cold outside!  What better time to start taking piano lessons!

Taking the piano is a great outlet for your musical talents.  As the weather gets cooler, what better way to enjoy the indoors than to take up a new instrument.  How about the piano?

The piano is probably the number #1 instrument people are interested in learning how to play. No one can deny the beautiful sounds that come from a pianoforte (the technical term for piano). 

What do you need to get started taking piano or keyboard lessons?

#1. Get a piano or a keyboard

The best instrument is an acoustic piano, which is what you think of when you think of this refined instrument.  If you lack space and funds, an electric piano will be sufficient. Look for any of the two on online market places such as Craiglist, Facebook, or Ebay.  A music store is the best way to find a new instrument, I highly recommend going to one that is focused on the piano.  These establishments are experts in the instruments and can provide you advice on the right one for you. 

#2.  Practice makes perfect

How often you practice will depend on many things such as how much time you can devote to it or if you have sound restrictions.  If you live in an apartment or a dwelling that has close neighbors, you should consider practicing during normal waking hours.  In this case, a keyboard that you can plug in headphones would be the best option for you.  Also consider others who live with you.  Although your beautiful music should fill your abode with joy, you want to be mindful of not encroaching on others personal time as well. 

Consider longer practice sessions, such as 30 minutes to an hour versus shorter ones’ fewer times during the week (3-4 days).  If you are starting out, practicing everyday may be too much of a challenge for you. 

Whatever schedule you decide, try to stick to your practice routine the best that you can.

#3.  Take lessons

You can find piano teachers at every corner of the globe – look here’s one here.  Find one that can offer you the teaching you need. For example, Louise Catherine Music Studio provides in-person and online music lessons with lessons throughout the day and throughout the week. 

While computer apps and other programs can help supplement or start you on your new quest, I would recommend that at some point you invest in a relationship with a live teacher that meets your needs.

#4.  Learn the basics

While every student wishes to sit down at the bench and immediately play a complex Sonatina, learning and understanding the basics will ensure that you not only learn the instrument but see increasing improvement.  Your teacher will provide instruction on how to sit and play the piano, music theory, chordsal play, and how to read music. 

Many teachers still practice out of the same books they used when they started lessons, often at a young age.  Basic techniques will always need to be refreshed and practiced as often as you can. Yes, that includes scales!

With these basic steps, you should be able to get started with the piano and learning music (or a new instrument) in no time.

Contact us for more information on lessons.