My story of learning to play the piano

All the great classical composers created their music on the piano. Even Bach, when he was composing for lute. The same is true today. You will find that most of the well-known contemporary composers, particularly those who create music for film and television, base their compositions on the piano.

A class in itself

The piano also offers you something unique that is difficult or impossible to achieve with other instruments. The ability to play chords and melodies at the same time. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities that would be difficult to achieve on the guitar, for example. For example, although traditionally the left hand plays the chords and the right hand the melody, it can change. You can also play octaves (the same note, 8 notes apart) in the left hand, against a chord in the right hand. And even more interesting, the notes of the left hand can change, while the chord (with the right hand) stayed the same.

Let’s count the shapes

There are two ways to learn to play the piano. The hard way. And the easy way. I learned the hard way. Boring practice. Before and after school. Equally boring music (for a thirteen year old). Plus a piano “teacher” who broke my fingers with a steel-edged ruler every time I made a mistake. Definitely the hard way!

good news

Now, they are easier ways (not to mention more humane!). Ones that sadly didn’t exist when I was struggling with those 88 keys. Common to a variety of specific methods, these forms combine exercises focused on reasonable results and, more importantly, music you actually enjoy! Inspiring you so effortlessly. As what was torment for me, becomes joy for you.

Successful overnight

Keep in mind, though, that “easier” doesn’t mean “effortless.” Don’t expect to be playing your favorite song the next day. Just like anything else worth learning. Bottom line: learning to play the piano takes practice. Like the old joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Answer: “Practice. Practice. Practice.”

Although most of us do not aspire to the concert stage, we still need to practice. Newspaper. Fifteen minutes a day is better than three hours a day, but with new inspiring methods, I’m sure you’ll find yourself happily going beyond those fifteen minutes!