Learning how to play piano can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth the it. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge of music theory. Group lessons or private tutoring are the traditional methods for learning to play piano, and are perfect for those who desire the motivation and individual attention. Or you can try to learn piano using courses available online and offline which make it easier to learn how to play the piano in your own time.
First, you will need to decide how you want to learn to play piano. Are you a self-starter? Do you enjoy being in group settings? Do you get a little nervous at the idea of other people hearing you play? Not every learning method is suited to every learner, so you’ll need to assess your learning style and decide if a group, private lessons, or self-teaching is best for you. Keep in mind, that no amount of group or private instruction will substitute for regular practice.
Private lessons can take place in a studio, in your home, or your teacher’s home. Lessons are usually offered once a week, and you’ll learn to warm up, perform exercises to develop technical proficiency, learn to read music if needed, and your teacher will check and correct your playing as you play exercises and songs. Your teacher will often select songs for you to learn, and will usually require that you buy a specific book to learn from. A private teacher is excellent for helping you perfect your playing posture and other aspects that you can’t check yourself.
Group lessons are often more affordable than private sessions, but you still get some individual attention. They are almost always offered in a studio or music school. Sessions usually take place once a week, and you’ll have much the same program as private lessons, only the teacher will go from student to student, checking and correcting technique. But don’t think it will be a cacophony- electric pianos with headphones make it possible for a dozen people to practice in the same room without hearing a peep from one another.
Also, teaching yourself to play piano through online courses or DVD lessons has become an excellent option for the busy student. While they don’t offer the individual attention of a teacher, you can learn at your own pace, rewinding when you miss something, or skipping a lesson if you’re already familiar with the concept being taught. Currently, the best learn to play piano DVD set is Learn and Master Piano. It’s a highly recommended piano course that teaches you from the ground up how to play piano well. It’s a great way to get started learning to play the piano and it’s much more affordable compared to private piano lessons.
