Becoming a master pianist can take a couple of weeks to several years. The duration depends primarily on your learning pace and your specific instrument.
But while a piano ranks among the most complex musical instruments to master, the learning process isn’t as rigorous as you think. It mostly comes down to following specific expert tips, which shall be the focus of this article.
Read below as we introduce a beginner’s guide to becoming a professional pianist.
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1. Begin With the Right Piano
Choosing the right piano is the first step in becoming adept at playing this musical instrument. Perhaps you’re now wondering what constitutes an ideal piano.
Well, there are numerous factors to consider while shopping for a high-quality piano. The top considerations include size, key resistance, number of polyphony, brand, and budget.
Your best bet is to visit a piano dealer and try out the instrument before purchasing it. You could also hire a technician to help you make the best purchase decision.
2. Choose a Great Platform
The internet has made learning to play the piano from home incredibly easy. All you need is a suitable platform or software application.
Lumi is an app worth considering for anyone interested in learning how to play piano on the internet. It boasts an interactive dashboard, realistic features, and a vast library of prerecorded piano songs.
3. Learn the Layout of Piano Keyboards
The piano keyboard consists mainly of black and white notes. Black notes occur in groups of two or three.
The easiest way to learn the keyboard layout is to locate a white note immediately to the left of a set of black notes. That constitutes the note C.
You’ll also realize that piano notes are named after the alphabetical letters A – G, with the pattern repeating itself after G.
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4. Learn Rhythm and Timing
It might surprise you that thousands of supposed professional pianists have a rather shallow sense of rhythm and timing.
Rhythm and timing are all about note length. Depending on the music you’re playing, they spell out how long you should hold down a note or chord.
Understanding these two aspects is critical to playing the piano in time. Ignore them, and you’ll belt out a discordant piece that only hurts your brain.
5. Master the Melodies
According to many pro pianists, learning the melodies is essential even before enrolling in a piano class.
Memorizing melodies beforehand makes them easier to play out on the piano. It also allows you to master your notes properly.
Begin with more straightforward, one-handed melodies, then work your way up. ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!’ is an excellent place to start.
6. Master the Chords and Scales
Scales may not be as exciting to learn as melodies. That’s because they’re merely a group of beautifully-sounding notes. However, bypassing this step can affect your piano-playing skills in the long run.
Remember that notes on a scale are typically played in a sequence and not simultaneously. When played simultaneously, the notes constitute a chord.
Chords come in major and minor categories; each type has its own notes to be played together.
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7. Mind Your Sitting Posture
Comfort is paramount when playing the piano. Surprisingly, it’s a critical piano-playing tip many beginners often skimp on.
The best sitting position is one where you keep an upright posture and straighten your back while resting your feet flat on the ground or pedal. You can achieve an excellent posture by investing in an ergonomic set of chairs and tables.
Place the instrument on a platform high enough to avoid slouching if you prefer to play the piano while standing.
8. Mind Your Hand Positioning
The hands are the most helpful body parts when playing the piano. Paying attention to your hands and fingers can turn you into a pro sooner than expected.
The conventional wisdom is to sit next to the piano with your hands curved and fingers relaxed. Your wrists should be steady enough to press down the keys yet flexible enough to avoid pressing on a note for too long.
Curving your hands ensures you’re playing the notes using the tip of your fingers. It helps improve manual skills, which will be an asset when playing high-tempo music.
9. Always Begin With the Right Hand
Most people have their dominant features on the body’s right side. That explains why experts recommend starting every piano session with your right hand, even if it’s not your dominant one.
You might also want to designate each finger to a key.
You’ll need to count the fingers on your right hand from the thumb to the index. Next, place your right thumb on the C and allow the fingers to spread naturally over the other notes. Play around with the five notes to see what you can come up with before incorporating your left hand.
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Wrap Up
Patience is a virtue when it comes to learning to play the piano. You cannot enroll in a piano class and expect to graduate in a week.
But while learning to play the piano requires much time and patience, implementing the above strategies can make a massive difference in expediting the process.
