Are you wanting to learn to play an instrument but don’t have the time? Here are some easy ways to teach yourself piano.
Learning to play the piano is a success in and of itself. You see, if you know the ways to the ivory keys, learning other instruments, for example, a guitar, is much easier. But because of its sheer size and the number of keys, many people can be intimidated. “This is going to take me years!” Although yes, it may take you years to become an advanced piano player, it doesn’t take long to learn the basics. And the best part is the sense of accomplishment that you have once you’ve begun to master them!
Here are some techniques you can use to teach yourself piano.
First Things First – Buy a Piano or Get Access To One
It’s fantastic that you are considering to teach yourself piano. But before anything else, you need to have access to a piano, and if you are truly serious about learning how to play, it is recommended that you have a piano at home.
Where Can I buy a Piano?
You can find music stores and piano dealers pretty much anywhere, but (of course), we are the Best Piano Store in Nashville! We would love to help you find the perfect piano for your needs at the best possible price. You can also check out our inventory of new and used pianos right here on the site.
If a piano is out of your budget, don’t worry. You can also opt for an electronic keyboard for now. Be sure to check with us with what we have in stock, and if for some reason we don’t have what you need, what we recommend that you get. One thing that is imperative is that you make sure that the keyboard that you get comes with six octaves so you can learn the range more extensively.
Familiarize Yourself With The Instrument
Now that you have your very own piano or keyboard, it’s time to get familiar with it. We live in the digital age, so go ahead and pull up YouTube and watch videos about your model of piano and what each part of it does. If you purchased a keyboard, read the manual and watch videos about how to get the most of the model that you own. Check and inspect each part. Start from the top down to the pedals (also, read this article about What Do the Pedals on a Piano Do).
Then simply play with it… fool around with it. Learn the sounds and play with the technology in your new piano. Trust us, as long as you keep food and liquids away from your piano, you aren’t going to break anything!
One thing that we like to stress here at Miller Piano is the word “Play”. Play your piano, don’t “practice” your piano. Remember that this is for your enjoyment, it’s not a chore. Have fun with it!
Teach Yourself Piano – the Basics
Once you’re familiar with the instrument, you can now start learning the first ropes. The very first thing to learn is the note placements – which keys you should press to give the intended sound. You remember your do-re-mi’s, right? Those are the seven basic notes you should learn (C-D-E-F-G-A-B).
Below is a Youtube video that shows you where the keys and notes are and the 3 Essential Right-Hand Patterns For Piano. To aid you with your learning, get a copy of a piano guide book, so you’ll have something to guide you when you get confused. Another book to grab is a book of simple piano sheets. Make sure that the notes on the sheet have the corresponding letters to the note for more convenience.
Keep your song choice simple at first and focus first on your right hand because the right hand usually plays the faster part of the song. Master one piece at a time.
If You Want to Go Further, We’re Here To Help!
Learning the basics of the piano isn’t difficult, but we often need someone to push us forward and also to correct our mistakes. If you find yourself in that position, or you simply feel that you are ready for more advanced learning, take the time to take piano lessons. If you live in the Middle Tennessee area, we have a full network of piano teachers connected with us here at Miller Piano Specialists, and we also do group piano lessons for ages 5 – Adult, and we also have Adult Classes!
Don’t put it off. Now’s the time! If you have any questions, be sure to call us or contact us through the contact form on this page.