3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Piano

How much time is needed to learn the piano? Do I need a piano when I start? Should I practice as much as I can?

People often ask me questions like these – I hear the struggles behind all these. In fact, there are many misconceptions associated with starting piano lessons. We are here to help debunk them!

Myth #1: How much time is needed to learn to play?

There is no set answer as to the amount of time needed. Whilst piano is easy enough to pick up, it takes practice too, just like any new skills. Time required varies according to the level, how much practice one has, and the fact that most students learn at their own pace.

For example - with regular practice, young beginners learn the basics after approximately six months. Teenage and adult learners may take shorter as they have better hands and fingers control, and likely to digest concepts faster.

Most take lessons on a long-term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.

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Myth #2: I am not buying a piano. It will be a waste if I end up losing interest.

In my opinion, it is the other way round - one tends to lose interest if they don’t have an access to piano.

If you want to develop a hobby and to make good progress, you need the right equipment. Even if you are just starting, it does make a difference if you can work on exercises that you learnt. Otherwise you (and your finger muscles) would have forgotten by next week.

Most importantly, the experience of playing 88 weighted keys is important for young players to allow them to develop the correct technique and get a feel for playing the instrument.

If budget is a concern, you can start by using an electric keyboard. I’d recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. The experience of playing 88-weighted keys is important as it allow players to develop the correct technique and get a feel for playing the instrument.

*A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.

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Myth #3: I am looking to play the piano for fun. Probably I don’t need to practice.

OR, I need to practice LONG HOURS!

With a wrong focus or method to practice, one could end up spending hours and accomplish nothing. It’s not realistic to spend certain hours on the piano and expect to succeed.

I’d recommend finding a teacher that you enjoy working with, so you have the chance to feel what a good musical experience is, and have the motivation to work towards it. For example, I believe in goal-based teaching and practicing. It works for me and so as my students. Together we make music lessons fun and give clear goals so that they play piano at home naturally without it being a chore.

For early beginners, I’d recommend repetition. Repeat the assigned exercise 5 times every practice, with decent fluency, of course. This may take 15 min, or longer, but you needn't worry about time.

For intermediate and advanced players, simply repeating won't work, also incorrect or inefficient method would damage your techniques and worse, foundation. Therefore, you will have to practice smart and seriously, which will be covered in my lessons.

One that note, practice takes patience and commitments. There is no short cut to it.

Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes progress!