Let me guess: you've always dreamed of playing the piano like a pro, but you never quite knew how to get there. Maybe you've tried different ways of practicing but kept losing motivation, or perhaps you're not short on motivation but simply want better results. In this article I want to help you out by giving you valuable tips that have helped me improve my piano playing greatly over the years, all without the help of a teacher.
After years of obsessively teaching myself how to play the piano, I feel like I've gotten a good idea of what works and what doesn't. No matter the genre, be it jazz, classical, videogame soundtracks, you name it, there are certain rules you want to follow in order to improve your piano playing quickly. Apply these rules consistently, and you'll start seeing amazing results within weeks!
1. Practice pieces that you enjoy
My first tip might sound obvious, but I can't emphasize enough the importance of practicing pieces that you enjoy. Don't worry too much about spending time on pieces that you think are beneficial for your technique, since this mindset will only burn you out quickly. Instead, practice pieces that you love. It'll be way easier to practice consistently this way, which will most likely improve your technique the most in the long run.
Think about a song or piece of music that you really love. Now type it in Google, followed by "cover" or "tutorial". I guarantee you that there will be a decent version out there for you to learn from, probably for free. Try making use of a Synthesia video on YouTube (a video that shows falling piano notes), or even better, download (or buy) the sheet music of the piece you're looking for. Now go practice! I promise you, there is nothing more inspiring than being able to play your favourite music.
2. Practice pieces that you think are too hard
This is arguably the most valuable advice I can give you. You see, the more you challenge yourself, the faster you'll improve. Compare it with fitnessing: the person that pushes hardest and eats best, can generally expect the most gains. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it to the point that you become unhappy. But make sure to step out of your comfort zone constantly and go practice those pieces that you are so afraid of!
Often times you'll find that if you actually take your time with a piece and not give up too easily, you can make insane progress on it, even though you believed the piece was way out of your leauge. Breaking this 'mental barrier' often enough will open your eyes to the incredible reward of discipline and perseverance, which will benefit you greatly in all areas of your life.
Even if a piece turns out to be too hard for you right now, you'll still have learned a lot from it. You'll have gained new knowledge that you can apply to other pieces as well. Besides, pieces that you practiced in the past probably seem a lot more manageable now than they did before. In my experience, this is the fastest way to improve. For now, just leave the piece that is too hard for you and go practice other pieces. When you're ready, come back to the hard piece and check out your progress. You'll be amazed!
3. Start using sheet music, asap
I know many self-taught pianists out there hate the idea of sheet music and music theory, but trust me, those of you that do are missing out. As a self-taught pianist myself, I too used to not care about this for years. It was only until I forced myself to get into reading and writing sheet music that I became aware of the immense power it holds.
Let me put it like this: a piece can be practiced way faster from sheet music than from any other type of tutorial out there. Sheet music is like a language. It takes time to understand and master, but once you get to a certain level, it becomes second nature. You won't have to keep pausing some tutorial video to see how a piece needs to be played, but you can just read the music like you're reading this article and start practicing.
Don't feel intimidated. Sheet music may be a language, but it's not as complicated as English or Spanish. There are YouTube videos out there that explain the fundamentals of sheet music in a matter of minutes. Just watch some of those and start practicing your future pieces using sheet music. Are you still struggling with something? Just google it. You'll probably start slow and those YouTube tutorials will seem a lot more appealing, but after a while you'll never go back.
Being able to understand sheet music also opens up another door: writing down your own music. If you ever feel the need to arrange or compose music, sheet music is the best and only way to record your ideas. Spread your art with the rest of the world!
4. Master basic music theory
I used to be great at playing complex music on the piano, without actually having a clue what I was doing. Maybe you feel the same way right now. Besides understanding sheet music, getting into music theory really helped me solve this problem, as it will probably solve yours too.
There is no need to dive deep into this! Unless you enjoy getting to know everything about music theory, just make sure you get a good grasp on intervals, chords, key signatures and rhythms. In the beginning it seems unnecessary hard to learn, but just like the sheet music, it will make your future life a whole lot easier when it comes to practicing and enjoying music.
One of the best free ways to practice music theory is by using the exercises on www.musictheory.net.
5. Train your ear
Some of you might think that playing music by ear is some rare gift, but I can assure you it isn't. The people that can play anything by ear have simply practiced a long time for it. The trick really is to just keep trying! Here are some steps you can follow when interpreting a song using your ears only:
1. Find the melody of the song. Do this by replaying the song a few times (slow it down if possible), after which you will try finding its melody on the piano note by note. To help yourself out, you can use your voice to mimic the melody of the song (you really don't have to be a good singer for this). The piano notes that merge with your voice are the correct ones.
2. Find the bass notes. Do this by replaying the song a few times again, but this time don't get distracted by the melody. Try listening to the lower end of the music instead. What are the notes that the song is built upon? Play these notes on the piano with your left hand and combine them with the melody in your right. A great way to check if you've found the correct bass notes, is to play your version alongside the song itself. Does it blend well? Or do you hear some dissonance? If so, try using other bass notes until it sounds absolutely right.
3. Add chords to the bass notes. This becomes significantly easier when you have some basic understanding of music theory, since you'll be able to try out the different chords you know of. Listen closely to which one fits the song, simply by playing them alongside the music again.
4. (Bonus) Give the song your own twist. There are tons of ways you can make your version more than just a copy of the original. You can truly make it your own! If you're interested in a course that teaches you step by step how to approach this, besides how to use this skill to create an actual sustainable income, please vote here to let me know: www.thomasjonkermusic.com/virtuoso
It really is a process of trial and error. Just keep trying until it becomes easier and easier. Besides playing actual songs, I also highly suggest you train your ear using the hearing exercises on www.musictheory.net. By doing both regularly, you'll slowly but surely be able to recognize intervals and chords in all the music you listen to.
6. Practice different genres of music
What truly makes the piano a great instrument, is the wild variety of styles you can play on it. All of these styles demand different types of skills from the player. For example, there are techniques that jazz musicians regularly use but classical musicians have never touched, as well as the other way around. By exposing yourself to more than one genre of piano playing, you essentially become a multitalented musician. You'll gain extra knowlegde and will have a broader frame of reference, which in turn will allow you to tackle on new pieces more easily. It will also make your instrument and hobby a whole lot more fun!
7. Get enough sleep
To become better at something you have to be great at two things: practicing and sleeping. Keep in mind, both are equally as important! If you practice a lot but don't get enough sleep, you're not going to see the results you are truly capable of.
It's mostly while you sleep when your brain creates and strenghtens neural pathways for the things you spend your time on in life (like playing the piano). This is why a passage you're struggling with on the piano on one day, usually feels easier the next day. In order to become a great pianist, you need to give your brain the time it needs to work on your neural pathways. In short: you need to sleep well.
I can tell you from personal experience that if I practice well and also have a great night of sleep, my progress is significantly better than when I skip the last part.
Besides progressing faster with a good night of sleep, playing the piano is actually easier when you're feeling rested. If you're tired, you'll experience sloppiness in your playing, which will make you feel like you're going backwards. This might demotivate you and cause you to play less. So if you're reading this at night, thank you for reading, but it's time to get some sleep!
PS: If you liked this article, make sure to subscribe to my mailing list at the top of the page for notifications of my future articles!
FAQs
Can you teach yourself piano without a teacher? ›
Without a music teacher, playing the piano or any other instrument will remain awkward, strenuous, and might even injure your hands over time. You need a teacher to correct your hand and body position to make it feel comfortable. Knowing how to efficiently produce a good sound.
Can I really learn piano on my own? ›Now to come to the question: Can you teach yourself piano? Of course, you can. The only problem is that most people will only do their own teaching ever so often, and never really develop or finish any piece of music unless they are highly motivated and disciplined!
Can I learn piano in 2 years? ›If you want to be a professional classical performer, you're looking at a minimum of 10 to 15 years of concentrated study with a master teacher, and hours of practice every day. Most people who want to learn piano to play for their own enjoyment can get great results within three to five years of study and practice.
How can I learn piano for free? ›- Piano Lessons.
- Pianu.
- Skoove.
- flowkey.
- TakeLessons.
- Piano Nanny.
- HearandPlay.
Yes, learning piano on a keyboard is possible. The layout of keys is identical on both instruments. The songs you learn to play on a piano will transfer directly to a keyboard, and vice versa, with little adjustment needed for small differences in the width of the keys or the amount of pressure needed to play them.
How hard is self-taught piano? ›The good news for those who plan on self teaching piano is that it is simpler than ever to do so, with more learning material being produced all the time, so you can find the course that is right for you, and build up your knowledge of playing the piano at a pace that suits.
Is piano harder than guitar? ›Overall, the guitar is easier to learn than the piano. If you consider the layout, learning songs, the ability to self-teach and a few other things, it is an easier instrument. However, it's the easiest on average for everyone.
What should I learn first on piano? ›The Musical Alphabet
Each of the white notes has a letter name. These letter names make up the musical alphabet, which is one of the first things a piano player should learn. The letter names of these notes link the piano to all other instruments and also to written music.
Most instruments/singers must read notes in a certain range, because that instrument or vocalist can only handle a certain number of notes in their specific range. The piano has an 88-key range, which is a massive range of notes to have memorized.
Can a 70 year old learn to play the piano? ›People can start piano at 60, at 70, at 80, even later. Your brain can still form new connections at any age. You can always learn new skills. For those who begin piano later in life, learning the piano may take a little more patience.
How many hours should I practice piano? ›
Pianists should practice between 30 minutes to 4 hours per day. Beginners will benefit most from shorter practice sessions while advanced pianists will be more accustomed to longer days. Each practice session can be split into segments to help avoid physical and mental fatigue.
How difficult is piano? ›The piano is one of the most difficult and rewarding instruments to learn; not only do you have to learn to read notes and translate them to the keys, but you have to do it with both hands at the same time. You'll also have to learn to play with correct technique or you could face injuries in the future.
Does simply piano actually work? ›Simply Piano is a good app for those who want to learn to play the piano but don't know where to start. The practice is very guided; the app shows you what to practice, forces you to play it slowly if you need to, and doesn't let you move on unless you get it right.
What is the best website to learn piano? ›- Flowkey – Foundations for All Ages.
- Playground Sessions – The Popular Music Lover's Pick.
- Pianoforall – All About Improvisation.
- Skoove – Quick Piano Foundations.
- Pianote – Most Teacher Interaction.
- Piano Marvel – A Comprehensive Method for Classical Music Lovers.
- Piano in 21 Days – The Anti-Traditional Method.
- HARMONICA. One of the easiest instruments you can take up, which is also very popular in a variety of styles, is the harmonica. ...
- GUITAR. ...
- UKULELE. ...
- KEYBOARD. ...
- DRUMS.
- Simply Piano by JoyTunes. ...
- Piano Free–Keyboard with Magic Tiles Music Games. ...
- Yousician. ...
- Real Piano Teacher 2. ...
- Vivace: Learn to Read Music. ...
- Perfect Ear–Ear Trainer. ...
- Flowkey. ...
- Real Piano Teacher.
Do pianists look at the keys while they play? The short answer to that last question is: YES! It's perfectly acceptable and normal for a pianist to look at their hands while they play. An important part of the design of any musical instrument is the necessary range of movement for the player in order to produce sound.
Do I need 88 keys to learn piano? ›For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning to play, and you can play most music on a 72-key instrument. For anyone interested in playing classical piano, however, a full 88 keys are recommended, especially if you plan on one day playing a traditional piano. Many keyboards have fewer than 66 keys.
Is it possible to learn piano in a year? ›It's true! Most students start piano lessons with no musical experience whatsoever. By the end of one year they're playing music in all 12 major and minor keys! They can read notes, and are coming into their own as expressive players who can tell stories through music.
Should I take piano lessons or teach myself? ›With a teacher, you can be sure that you know where you're headed! Learning how to play the piano by yourself can be a great experience, but a music teacher make it even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a local professional teacher, contact Lessons In Your Home. We're ready to share our passion for music with you!
Should I get piano lessons or teach myself? ›
There have been great and innovative pianists that were self-taught without taking any piano lessons, but not everyone will succeed in doing this. With so many things to focus on, it's definitely worthwhile considering a piano teacher that will be able to correct your behaviors before they become habit.
Is playing piano attractive? ›11 Sep Survey Says Playing Piano is Sexy
A Vanity Fair/60 Minutes survey ranking the sexiest instruments to play has the piano at number three—just behind the guitar and the saxophone. They found that the top instrument was the guitar at 26 percent, followed closely by the saxophone at 25 percent.
Violin Has A Stiffer Learning Curve
Both instruments are difficult to master, but when it comes to the start violin is much tougher. There are all sorts of awkward positions that you would need to learn. Things like how to hold the bow, placing the chin rest at just the right angle and more.
An upright piano costs between $3000 – $6500 on average. High-end upright pianos average around $10,000 – $25,000. Entry level grand pianos costs between $7000 – 30,000. High-end grand pianos such as Steinway, Bosendorfer, and Yamaha can cost between $65,000 – $190,000.
What is the fastest way to memorize piano scales? ›There's an easy way to memorize major scales on piano - YouTube
How many piano scales should I learn? ›Most piano teachers require their students to learn the 12 major scales in the following order: C-Major. G-Major. D-Major.
What is the hardest part about learning piano? ›The hardest part of learning the piano is #1) learning the notes, #2) remembering the music terms, #3) finding the time to practice, and #4) playing with both hands together. These concepts will challenge the beginner, but they are hurdles that will be overcome with a little patience and persistence.
How do you read music for piano? ›How To Read Notes (Beginner Piano Lesson) - YouTube
Can I play piano with short fingers? ›People with small hands and short fingers can play piano. As with most instruments, pianos are made with all kinds of players in mind, especially modern versions. With exercises and with practice, you can overcome small hands and short fingers to play piano just as well as anyone!
How long does it take to learn piano by yourself? ›It takes about one month to reach the beginner level, to learn piano basics and get accustomed to it, multitasking, and learn basic music theory, like the values of notes. It can also take you up to six months if you don't practice that often and if you don't have rhythm and good motor coordination.
How good is piano after 1 year? ›
One year. You can expect to reach beginner level after around a year. This would correlate roughly to Grade 1 or 2 level (ABRSM.) Expect to play very basic pieces and have a reasonable grasp of learning from sheet music, playing basic one-octave scales, etc.
What is the best age to learn piano? ›What is the best age to Learn TO play piano? The best age to start piano lessons is typically between the ages of 6 and 9-years-old. While older students may have an easier time learning to play, students as young as 6-years-old can also learn since the keys of the piano are easy to operate.
What should I practice on piano everyday? ›- Practise for 1-2 hours per day. ...
- 10 minutes - warm-up. ...
- 20 minutes - scales and arpeggios. ...
- 20 minutes - your pieces. ...
- 10 minutes - sight-reading. ...
- 10 minutes - aural & viva voce (optional)
Yes, you just have to keep up your routine regularly. A little bit of effective practice each day will easily get you there. You just need to know how to practise effectively, and stick to it. 1hr a day would be more than enough.
How much piano practice is too much? ›Students should use effective practice methods and generally keep practice times within one-to-two hours per day, maximum, and no more than six days each week.
Should I take piano lessons or teach myself? ›With a teacher, you can be sure that you know where you're headed! Learning how to play the piano by yourself can be a great experience, but a music teacher make it even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a local professional teacher, contact Lessons In Your Home. We're ready to share our passion for music with you!
Can you learn an instrument without a teacher? ›After all, not everyone learns the same way and there are certainly some things you can learn by yourself. The good news is that you can learn on your own and still develop your skills quite well. If you want a more professional level of expertise, you could definitely benefit from the skills of an experienced teacher.
How can I improve my piano skills without teaching? ›- Manage Your Practice Time. ...
- Practice Sight Reading. ...
- Slow Down. ...
- Keep Challenging Yourself. ...
- Make Sure Your Goals are Realistic. ...
- Learn To Play Classical Pieces. ...
- Practice Playing in Public.
It would probably be more difficult without a teacher. You need someone to show you what to do and correct your mistakes. You need a lot of discipline to teach yourself.
How hard is self-taught piano? ›The good news for those who plan on self teaching piano is that it is simpler than ever to do so, with more learning material being produced all the time, so you can find the course that is right for you, and build up your knowledge of playing the piano at a pace that suits.
Are there self-taught pianists? ›
Two famous pianists who self-taught piano and their approach. The two self-taught piano players that will be explored are Lucas Debargue and Paul Lewis.
What should I learn first on piano? ›The Musical Alphabet
Each of the white notes has a letter name. These letter names make up the musical alphabet, which is one of the first things a piano player should learn. The letter names of these notes link the piano to all other instruments and also to written music.
Create a routine & pace yourself
When you're self-studying music, it's important to be intentional with how you approach it and create a consistent routine. Pick a special place in your home where you will practice and make sure it's easily accessible and quick to get started.
- Bass Guitar. The bass guitar has only 4 strings and music to play it with is freely available.
- Ukulele. The tiny instrument is portable to carry around with strings that are also more comfortable to strum.
- Harmonica. ...
- Recorder. ...
- Piano. ...
- Fiddle. ...
- Drums.
You can definitely teach yourself. Using YouTube or instructional videos online can be a great help. If you're looking to play keyboard or learn chords for your band to sing along to, using online tutorials can get you where you need to be. These can also help you learn basic theory.
How many hours should a pianist practice? ›Pianists should practice between 30 minutes to 4 hours per day. Beginners will benefit most from shorter practice sessions while advanced pianists will be more accustomed to longer days. Each practice session can be split into segments to help avoid physical and mental fatigue.
What skills should a pianist have? ›- Inventing.
- Keyboard skills.
- Expressive playing.
- Listening.
- Theory.
- Geography.
- Technique.
- Practising skills.
It means practicing and perfecting a piece of music until it's like you're “speaking” through that music. It's using dynamics, timing and all of your technical skills to create emotion in your playing, and then being able to draw other people in to feel the same things that you are feeling.
How can I learn music without teaching? ›- Start with one rhythm instrument. Rhythm is what keeps the beat in the music. ...
- Learning basic major and minor chords. And actually understanding how a combination of two or more notes forms a chord. ...
- Then you could move on to learning scales and modes.
Think shakers, hand drums, bells, rattles, etc. These instruments are ideal; young ones can easily pick up these with their hands and start making music instantly. Benefits to children include coordination and learning how to keep rhythm.
Why is the piano my favorite instrument? ›
Its sounds can hang in the air, long after the last note has sounded. It can surprise, soothe, enthral and entertain. Fleeting and effervescent at one moment, gritty and powerful the next, few other instruments have anything like the range of the piano – both tonally and dynamically.