Learning to play a musical instrument can be fun and challenging, unlike anything you’ve ever done before. For some students it can even be daunting, especially if no one in the family plays or has an understanding of what it takes to be successful.
Here are my top three tips for success in learning to play the piano.
- Jump in with both feet
Think that you can. Trust that it is possible. A good teacher will bring your natural ability out of you. (If anyone dare say you don’t have ability, find another teacher. The truth is, that teacher does not have the ability to teach you, but there is a teacher somewhere that does).
All you need is a skeleton and a heartbeat to confirm that you are alive. The rest is just training with the right teacher.
- Practice daily
This is huge. Without daily practice, the brain will not remember anything new. Every night when you go to sleep, your brain is processing what you learned that day and the day before. If you practice every day, you are getting the most bang for your buck.
The quickest way to slow progress and quitting is having several days in a row of no practice. The brain simply cannot remember as well without daily practice. And with no forward progress, playing the piano is not as much fun. It’s no wonder that quitting becomes a common solution.
- Practice on a real instrument
It always amazes me that when it comes to the piano how many people want to learn, but have no intention of practicing on a real piano. Another quick way to slow progress and quitting is not having an actual instrument to practice on.
When I delve deeper with these prospective students, it’s not that they don’t want a piano to practice on, it’s the thought of space in the home, or the challenge of moving a piano or other logistics.
I let them know that there are many schools and churches that have pianos that sit all day long, wishing someone would play them. I have had students without a piano in their home, practice at a church and progress. Where there is a will, there is a way.
With daily practice on a real instrument and belief in yourself, the sky is the limit on what you can achieve.
If you would like help reaching your dreams or those of your child, give us a call at 360-527-9626.
We believe you can, and your child can. We look forward to hearing from you!
