Becoming a master pianist can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several years. The duration depends primarily on your learning pace and the specific instrument you’re using Piano Skills.
But while a piano ranks among the most difficult musical instruments to master, the learning process isn’t as rigorous as you may think. It mostly comes down to following certain expert tips, the same that shall be the focus of this article.
Read below as we introduce a beginner’s guide to becoming a professional pianist.
Begin With the Right Piano
Choosing the right piano is the first step in becoming adept at playing this musical instrument. Perhaps you’re now wondering what constitutes an ideal piano.
Well, there are numerous factors to consider while shopping for a high-quality piano. Among the top considerations include size, keys resistance, number of polyphony, the brand, and your budget.
Your best bet is to visit a piano dealer and try out the instrument before purchasing it. You could also hire a technician to help you make the best purchase decision.
Choose a Great Platform
The internet has made it incredibly easy to learn to play the piano from the comfort of your home. All you need is a suitable platform or software application.
Lumi is an app worth considering for anyone interested in learning how to play piano on the internet. It boasts an interactive dashboard, realistic features, and a vast library of prerecorded piano songs.
Learn the Layout of Piano Keyboards
The piano keyboard consists mainly of black and white notes. Black notes occur in groups of two or three.
The easiest way to learn the keyboard layout is to locate a white note immediately to the left of a set of black notes. That constitutes the note C.
You’ll also realize that piano notes are named after the alphabetical letters A – G, with the pattern repeating itself after G.
Learn Rhythm and Timing
It might surprise you to learn that thousands of supposed professional pianists have a rather shallow sense of rhythm and timing.
Rhythm and timing are all about note length. They spell out how long you should hold down a note or chord depending on the music you’re playing.
Understanding these two aspects is key to playing the piano in time. Ignore them and you’ll belt out a discordant piece that only hurts your brain.
Master the Melodies
According to many pro pianists, it’s important to learn the melodies even before signing up for a piano class.
Memorizing melodies beforehand makes them easier to play out on the piano. It also allows you to master your notes properly.
Begin with simpler, one-handed melodies and then work your way up. ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!’ is an excellent place to get started.
Master the Chords and Scales
Scales may not be so exciting to learn as melodies. That’s because they’re merely a group of beautifully-sounding notes. However, by-passing this step can affect your piano-playing skills in the long run.
Remember that notes on a scale are typically played in a sequence and not simultaneously. When played simultaneously, the notes constitute a chord.
Chords come in major and minor categories and each type has its set of notes to be played together.
Mind Your Sitting Posture
Comfort is paramount when playing the piano. Surprisingly, it’s a key piano playing tip that many beginners often skimp on.
The best sitting position is one where you keep an upright posture and straighten your back while resting your feet flat on the ground or pedal. You can achieve an excellent posture by investing in an ergonomic set of chairs and tables.
If you prefer to play the piano while standing, be sure to place the instrument on a platform high enough to avoid slouching.
Mind Your Hand Positioning
The hands are the most useful body parts when playing the piano. Paying due attention to your hands and fingers can turn you into a pro sooner than you expected.
The conventional wisdom is to sit next to the piano with your hands curved and fingers relaxed. Your wrists should be steady enough to press down the keys yet flexible enough to avoid pressing on a note for too long.
Curving your hands ensures you’re playing the notes using the tip of your fingers. It helps improve manual dexterity, which will be an asset when you begin playing high-tempo music.
Always Begin With the Right Hand
Most people have their dominant features located on their right side of the body. That explains why experts recommend starting every piano session with your right hand, even if it’s not necessarily your dominant one.
You might also want to designate each finger to a key.
To do that, you’ll need to count the fingers on your right hand from the thumb to the index. Next, place your right thumb on the C and allow the fingers to spread naturally over the other notes. Play around with the five notes to see what you can come up with before incorporating your left hand.
Wrap Up
Patience is a virtue when it comes to learning to play the piano. You cannot enroll in a piano class and expect to graduate in a week’s time.
But while learning to play the piano requires a great deal of time and patience, implementing the above strategies can make a huge difference in terms of expediting the process.
