How to Learn To Play The Piano

The piano is a very visual instrument, which can make it easy to learn and fun to play. Here are a few tips for learning to play the piano correctly.

Scheduling Your Practices

The most important step to take when learning the piano is to set up a regular practice schedule. New piano players should try to devote at least twenty minutes per day to the piano. As you become more skilled, you'll see quick improvements from longer practice periods. You may need to start dividing your practice time.

Intermediate students might spend twenty minutes on music theory, twenty minutes on finger dexterity and twenty minutes learning a new piece of music. Your practice schedule will vary, but it's important to stay consistent. Marathon practice sessions once or twice per week aren't as helpful as short daily sessions.

Correct Finger Positions

Finger position is important when playing the piano. It may seem easier or more comfortable to play a chord or scale incorrectly, but as you progress, you'll learn that playing correctly has major advantages, especially when you're trying to build speed.

Experienced piano players use a crossover technique when playing scales to allow for more freedom of movement. Try playing a C major scale, which is all of the white keys on the piano. Use only your left hand and cross your middle finger over the top of your thumb to play the A. Keep crossing over with your middle finger whenever you play a note with your thumb.

The right hand crossover is the opposite. You'll cross your thumb under to the next note whenever you play a note with your pinkie. Practice crossovers with a metronome to gain dexterity.

As you learn complex scales and arpeggios, finger placement will become more important. Try not to develop any bad habits. Regularly check your finger positions with a piano teacher or with other piano players and try to stay conscious of which fingers are playing which notes.

Your practice schedule will vary, but it's important to stay consistent