Can you teach yourself how to play piano?

Answer 1

Learning to play the piano can be a somewhat overwhelming task, especially without instruction. To teach yourself, it may be a good idea to read about the subject especially in the areas of music notation and Music Theory. Reading music is almost like reading another language, so references are very helpful.

You probably get some help from a beginners piano guide or a DVD or CD, because there is no possible way you can 'just know' how to read notes, rests ect.

One approach is to learn by ear. Play the notes on the piano and learn to hear about their individual sounds and relationships to each other. Try to learn how to play simple folk songs. Soon, you will probably find yourself playing at a beginner to late beginner level.

Several other aspects of the piano are much more difficult to self-teach. Technique, musical notation, and Music Theory are all very important aspects that should be learned if one wishes to become an accomplished musician.

However, there is truly no "right" way to learn the piano. Just play some notes, learn some songs, and you will learn. If you find that there is a particular aspect of the instrument that you just can't master (like trills or playing both hands simultaneously) then it may be a good idea to ask an experienced musician for advice.

Several other aspects of the piano are much more difficult to self-teach. Technique, musical notation, and music theory are all very important aspects that should be learned if one wishes to become an accomplished musician.

Answer 2

Learning to play the piano can be a somewhat overwhelming task, especially without instruction. To teach yourself, it may be a good idea to read about the subject especially in the areas of music notation and music theory. Reading music is almost like reading another language, so references are very helpful.

You probably get some help from a beginners piano guide or a DVD or CD, because there is no possible way you can 'just know' how to read notes, rests ect.

One approach is to learn by ear. Play the notes on the piano and learn to hear about their individual sounds and relationships to each other. Try to learn how to play simple folk songs. Soon, you will probably find yourself playing at a beginner to late beginner level.

Several other aspects of the piano are much more difficult to self-teach. Technique, musical notation, and music theory are all very important aspects that should be learned if one wishes to become an accomplished musician.

However, there is truly no "right" way to learn the piano. Just play some notes, learn some songs, and you will learn. If you find that there is a particular aspect of the instrument that you just can't master (like trills or playing both hands simultaneously) then it may be a good idea to ask an experienced musician for advice.

Several other aspects of the piano are much more difficult to self-teach. Technique, musical notation, and music theory are all very important aspects that should be learned if one wishes to become an accomplished musician.