Piano Practice can be fun too!..
Most people don’t really want to ‘learn’ to play the piano or ‘practice’ the piano, they just want to ‘play’ piano. ‘Play’ sounds like fun, ‘practice’ sounds like a chore. We get this image from childhood – some kid stuck indoors ‘practicing’ scales while all the other kids are outside the window ‘playing’.
So, first thing we need to do is to see our piano practice in a new light. See it as a way of accelerating the learning process so that SOON you’ll be able to ‘play’ piano and play it well. If you don’t practice and you just play old familiar tunes you move rather slowly. Yes, you’ll get better at playing those old familiar tunes but technically you won’t be pushing yourself to greater heights.
Proper, structured piano practice helps you stride forwards. I say ‘proper’ because a lot of people have an idea that practice IS just playing songs over and over. Practice needs to involve unchartered territory. The golden rule is – ‘practice what you CAN’T play, not what you CAN play’.
First of all, work out what you want to achieve. Do you just want to know all your chords without thinking about how they are formed – then work out a practice routine that leads to that goal. Maybe you want to learn about inversions or chord substitution – again, make the practice fit the goal.
Split your practice session into two halves. In the first half play the difficult stuff – your mind is sharper to begin with – then reward yourself with some enjoyable but reasonably difficult tunes. Make sure you are comfortable. Many a bad back has happened because of a bad piano stool at the wrong height. Make sure your piano is in tune. If you don’t have a good piano and are serious about learning GO BUY A GOOD ONE.
Every fifteen minutes stretch your arms and shoulders and roll your neck to combat stiffness. Check out some Yoga exercises for shoulders and back.
So, first thing we need to do is to see our piano practice in a new light. See it as a way of accelerating the learning process so that SOON you’ll be able to ‘play’ piano and play it well. If you don’t practice and you just play old familiar tunes you move rather slowly. Yes, you’ll get better at playing those old familiar tunes but technically you won’t be pushing yourself to greater heights.
Proper, structured piano practice helps you stride forwards. I say ‘proper’ because a lot of people have an idea that practice IS just playing songs over and over. Practice needs to involve unchartered territory. The golden rule is – ‘practice what you CAN’T play, not what you CAN play’.
First of all, work out what you want to achieve. Do you just want to know all your chords without thinking about how they are formed – then work out a practice routine that leads to that goal. Maybe you want to learn about inversions or chord substitution – again, make the practice fit the goal.
Split your practice session into two halves. In the first half play the difficult stuff – your mind is sharper to begin with – then reward yourself with some enjoyable but reasonably difficult tunes. Make sure you are comfortable. Many a bad back has happened because of a bad piano stool at the wrong height. Make sure your piano is in tune. If you don’t have a good piano and are serious about learning GO BUY A GOOD ONE.
Every fifteen minutes stretch your arms and shoulders and roll your neck to combat stiffness. Check out some Yoga exercises for shoulders and back.
Follow the 3 times daily rule. Repetition in practice is ESSENTIAL. If you find something particularly difficult make sure you practice it at least 3 times every day. Don’t worry if it takes months to master – you’ll get there. Don’t play for the neighbours. Practice piano at a time when you don’t care who is listening so that you can make lot’s of mistakes and play things over and over. Organise your piano music carefully – don’t keep it in a heap where you keep playing the ones on top. If you download sheet music put it in a folder. Have plenty of shelves near the piano. Be realistic – I truly believe that anyone can learn piano and learn it to an enjoyable level but no two people are alike – some are more ‘naturally’ gifted than others. If you have an average ability then it’s all down to practice. The more you practice the more you learn.
Now and then, practice with your eyes closed – or don’t look at the keys – this really sharpens you up. Organise your life so that practice is possible (this where Mindfulness comes in). Too many people think they don’t have time to practice when really they just haven’t found the time. How long should you practice – that’s up to what you want to achieve. You don’t have to be a concert pianist. Even if you just play for yourself just enjoy that. The archer who’s mind is on the prize cannot stay focussed on the target. Accept the bad days when it seems like you can’t play a note. Sometimes it’s better to walk away. So remember that ‘playing’ piano and ‘practicing’ piano are different. Which do you do? Aim for a bit of both.
Now and then, practice with your eyes closed – or don’t look at the keys – this really sharpens you up. Organise your life so that practice is possible (this where Mindfulness comes in). Too many people think they don’t have time to practice when really they just haven’t found the time. How long should you practice – that’s up to what you want to achieve. You don’t have to be a concert pianist. Even if you just play for yourself just enjoy that. The archer who’s mind is on the prize cannot stay focussed on the target. Accept the bad days when it seems like you can’t play a note. Sometimes it’s better to walk away. So remember that ‘playing’ piano and ‘practicing’ piano are different. Which do you do? Aim for a bit of both.
Which is better.. Keyboard or Piano?
_Real pianos are great but the one big drawback is you can’t turn the volume down so with a piano you tend to end up playing for the neighbours. With a keyboard you can stick on some headphones and play whatever turns you on – you can experiment, make mistakes and sound silly and play something a thousand times without driving other people nuts.
Ideally – have BOTH!
If you are buying a piano it is preferable to buy an overstrung piano not a straight strung! How to tell: Lift the top lid of the piano you should see the tuning pins at the top of the piano. If the tuning pins are evenly spaced along the pin block and the strings are all parallel and vertical this is a straight strung piano. If there is a group of tuning pins at the left and a separate group at the right and the strings cross over in a X shape this is an overstrung piano. Also get a tuner to check it out. I bought a piano once that needed to have the wood treated because all the pins (that tighten the strings) were coming loose very quickly after being tuned – disaster!
What Keyboard should you choose? A lot depends on what you want. Do you want a keyboard that sounds and feels like a Piano – then you’re looking for a keyboard or Digital Piano with WEIGHTED keys. Listen carefully to the piano sound – don’t be bamboozled by all the other buttons. If you want something portable then you are looking for a keyboard. Personally I would still look for one with weighted keys – I hate the feel of light plastic keys.
Get a keyboard with at least 61 keys – anything less and you will be craving for more keys after a few days. Also make sure get a sustain pedal, a keyboard is absolutely a dead thing without one. Without a sustain pedal as soon as you lift your finger off a key the sound stops dead – with a piano at least the strings vibrate for a second or two – the difference is quite noticeable.
Ideally – have BOTH!
If you are buying a piano it is preferable to buy an overstrung piano not a straight strung! How to tell: Lift the top lid of the piano you should see the tuning pins at the top of the piano. If the tuning pins are evenly spaced along the pin block and the strings are all parallel and vertical this is a straight strung piano. If there is a group of tuning pins at the left and a separate group at the right and the strings cross over in a X shape this is an overstrung piano. Also get a tuner to check it out. I bought a piano once that needed to have the wood treated because all the pins (that tighten the strings) were coming loose very quickly after being tuned – disaster!
What Keyboard should you choose? A lot depends on what you want. Do you want a keyboard that sounds and feels like a Piano – then you’re looking for a keyboard or Digital Piano with WEIGHTED keys. Listen carefully to the piano sound – don’t be bamboozled by all the other buttons. If you want something portable then you are looking for a keyboard. Personally I would still look for one with weighted keys – I hate the feel of light plastic keys.
Get a keyboard with at least 61 keys – anything less and you will be craving for more keys after a few days. Also make sure get a sustain pedal, a keyboard is absolutely a dead thing without one. Without a sustain pedal as soon as you lift your finger off a key the sound stops dead – with a piano at least the strings vibrate for a second or two – the difference is quite noticeable.
Learn Piano in 30 Days - LearnPianoin30Days.com Review
LearnPianoin30Days.com is a 30-day online piano lessons program instructed by singer and songwriter, Rachel James. You can become a member of these piano lessons online by purchasing a monthly subscription on the website. Once you become a member, you will have access to all of the training videos, audio files and printable sheet music that the website has to offer.
FAQ about Pianoin30Days.com
1. Are there any software requirements for the course?
No, we would provide you with everything you need in order to start playing the piano today.
2. How does your Piano tutorial work?
Piano in 30 Days takes you through different lessons that will ultimately guide you in learning piano in the easiest and fastest way.
3. What is the difference between a traditional piano tutorial and what you are offering?
With Piano in 30 Days, you don’t have to travel to take your piano lessons. You can take Piano lessons anytime you want, anywhere you may be in the world. Since you take the lessons on your own, you can take a more substantial lesson than that of a group lesson.
4. Do I need to have taken piano lessons before going through your lessons?
We do not expect any musical background from you nor do we expect to understand chords and staff. If you simply follow the instructions you will learn to play piano by ear and improvise and eventually be able to create your own compositions.
5. Is there an age requirement to start your lessons? I feel too old to be learning the piano.
There is no age requirement in learning the piano. You are never too old to learn, you can still develop your musical knowledge and abilities. One of your advantages is that you more focused and self-motivated to grasp the musical concept. Learning the piano will even help you relieve and your stress from work and help you live a relaxed life.
6. Do I need to cut my fingernails for playing the piano?
Aspiring pianists should keep their fingernails very short to allow the correct hand position. The fingertips attack the keys at all times firmly with fingers curved. If your nails are too long, they will get in the way and click the keys wobbly.
7. Do I need to have a piano at home?
Yes, while it is best to have a piano, beginners can get by with a 60 key keyboard. You will need something to practice with. You need either an electric piano or an acoustic piano. If you have an electric piano, it should have weighted keys so playing it feels like playing an acoustic piano. A full 88-key keyboard will also work for you (the same number of keys as an acoustic piano).
8. How long and how often will I have to practice?
We recommend that you practice at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.
9. Will I be able to play the piano after 30 days?
Yes! If you practice the lessons, you’ll be thrilled with your progress. You’ll be amazed at how good you’ll be at the piano.
10. If I am not satisfied with your Lessons, can I ask for a refund?
We promise you a 100% Money Back Guarantee within 60 days! if you think that our Lessons doesn’t deliver on the promises we made, you can email us within 60 days for a full, prompt and courteous refund.
Have access to hundreds of online step-by-step videos that makes learning the piano easy and fun!
No, we would provide you with everything you need in order to start playing the piano today.
2. How does your Piano tutorial work?
Piano in 30 Days takes you through different lessons that will ultimately guide you in learning piano in the easiest and fastest way.
3. What is the difference between a traditional piano tutorial and what you are offering?
With Piano in 30 Days, you don’t have to travel to take your piano lessons. You can take Piano lessons anytime you want, anywhere you may be in the world. Since you take the lessons on your own, you can take a more substantial lesson than that of a group lesson.
4. Do I need to have taken piano lessons before going through your lessons?
We do not expect any musical background from you nor do we expect to understand chords and staff. If you simply follow the instructions you will learn to play piano by ear and improvise and eventually be able to create your own compositions.
5. Is there an age requirement to start your lessons? I feel too old to be learning the piano.
There is no age requirement in learning the piano. You are never too old to learn, you can still develop your musical knowledge and abilities. One of your advantages is that you more focused and self-motivated to grasp the musical concept. Learning the piano will even help you relieve and your stress from work and help you live a relaxed life.
6. Do I need to cut my fingernails for playing the piano?
Aspiring pianists should keep their fingernails very short to allow the correct hand position. The fingertips attack the keys at all times firmly with fingers curved. If your nails are too long, they will get in the way and click the keys wobbly.
7. Do I need to have a piano at home?
Yes, while it is best to have a piano, beginners can get by with a 60 key keyboard. You will need something to practice with. You need either an electric piano or an acoustic piano. If you have an electric piano, it should have weighted keys so playing it feels like playing an acoustic piano. A full 88-key keyboard will also work for you (the same number of keys as an acoustic piano).
8. How long and how often will I have to practice?
We recommend that you practice at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.
9. Will I be able to play the piano after 30 days?
Yes! If you practice the lessons, you’ll be thrilled with your progress. You’ll be amazed at how good you’ll be at the piano.
10. If I am not satisfied with your Lessons, can I ask for a refund?
We promise you a 100% Money Back Guarantee within 60 days! if you think that our Lessons doesn’t deliver on the promises we made, you can email us within 60 days for a full, prompt and courteous refund.
Have access to hundreds of online step-by-step videos that makes learning the piano easy and fun!