Piano Lesson

2008-02-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

How to Find The Right Piano Teacher

There are many places to find the right piano teacher. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a teacher that can narrow down your list of candidates:

1. What level are you at: beginner, intermediate or advanced?

2. What style of music do you want to play - classical, jazz, contemporary or gospel?

3. Do you want to travel to the teacher's home or studio, or have the lesson in your home?

4. Have you received recommendations from others on this teacher?

5. Does the teacher play professionally or is he just a teacher?

6. How much do you have in your budget to spend on piano lessons?

I'm sure there are many other questions you could come up with but these will get you started in the right direction. Remember to narrow down your focus on what you want. Do the research before you put out your hard earned money. There are many professional players that are not good teachers and many great teachers that do not play professionally.

An option that I recommend is trying some online piano lessons first to ensure piano lessons is something you or your child wants to pursue. If you're an adult student you can try a free 6-lesson introductory course here. Most kids like fun games on the computer, so for kids I would recommend the course here. This course incorporates fun, exciting games on the computer that teach children how to read piano notes fast. Then when you are comfortable with the idea of piano lessons you can do the research above to find the right teacher.

Piano Lesson

2008-02-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Piano Lesson Basics

Introduction

Learning piano and music notes by taking piano instruction is one of the most fun things you can do. Learning piano is easy, and if you can play piano, you can play other instruments as well. Have fun learning piano by playing your favorite songs or making up your own.

Lessons

If you or your child plan to learn to play the piano, you will want to consider a few things prior to starting lessons so as to assure that your time and money are not wasted. Keep in mind that progress in piano lessons is highly dependent on your degree of effort in practicing and learning. If your child enjoys the lessons, your job as a "piano parent" becomes much easier. Parents of young students also have the responsibility not only to encourage and support the student, but to provide a home environment in which practice is facilitated and learning rewarded.

Theory

Many piano students complain that music theory is too hard to understand. I agree with those who say to learn music theory. Few people have the sort of musical ear where they can play anything without studying or knowing any music theory. Learning music theory and harmony is not just an option, it's a must.

Practice

Consistency, repetition, technology aids, and practice are some of the keys to learning. Regardless of whether a student starts piano lessons as a child or as an adult, always keep in mind that learning to play the piano takes time, concentration, motivation, and lots of practice. Be sure you practice in the week before each piano lesson; otherwise, it will be a waste of time and money. Whether or not you know anything about music, make time to listen to your child play, provide a quality instrument and practice space, encourage them to play every day, and celebrate their continued accomplishments.

Online

Learning music online has revolutionized learning, since it is the first time in history that anyone with a computer can virtually find out anything they want to know about music -- and find out quick. Learning piano online is simple and fun. Learning piano online makes it easy to follow the piano lessons at your own pace.

Conclusion

Piano lessons will help you reach your goals in a more timely and efficient manner, but ultimately, whether or not you learn to play piano is completely up to you.

Piano Lesson Expectations

2008-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

Taking a piano lesson can be a daunting task if you don't know what to expect. There are a few questions to ask yourself before launching yourself into the musical world of taking a piano lesson.

What is motivating you to take this on? Are you committed to put the time and practice in to succeed? What are your expectations? Do you see your future as a professional or do you just want to play for your personal enjoyment? Are you an adult who always wished you had learned or are you a child whose parents are pushing you in this direction?

Whatever your reasons for taking a piano lesson, I'm sure you've made up your mind that this is something worthwhile to pursue or you wouldn't be reading this article.

I'll do my best to give you some tips I've learned over the last 35 years that make the experience of taking a piano lesson painless and fun at the same time.

My first tip is that you need to own or have access to a piano or full-size keyboard. This is essential since the old adage of "practice makes perfect" requires you to put effort in to gain the proficiency you desire. So, if you don't own or have access to a piano or keyboard, this would be the number one priority at this point.

I hope this has helped, and remember to check back for another tip on taking a piano lesson.

Thanks!

Ty

Piano Lesson

2008-01-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new piano lesson blog.

I'll be posting articles and tips on the different aspects of the piano lesson so be sure to check back.

Thanks!

Ty