Are There Easy Ways To Learn Piano?
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011It is common for beginners to withdraw from their piano lessons. They are tasked to master 88 keys and learn the pedal as they play. They need to read a series of notes as they locate which among the white and black keys to press. Although music takes time and hard work to master, you do not have to be a genius or gifted to learn piano. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you be a success.
Understanding the Basics
It is difficult to advance to the next lesson if you fail to grasp the basic music theory and techniques. Understanding scales is fundamental to playing piano. The order is from A to G, then doubling back to A but starting on the eight note. You must also get familiar with the jargon. Having a beginner music book will be a great help especially if you are clueless as to how to proceed to advanced topics. Understanding the musical jargon makes it easy to play the piano.
Fingering Drills
It is not enough to learn how to read notes. Pianists are also required to press different keys using specific fingers. Practice regularly and you’ll soon know finger positioning by heart.
Every time you play a new composition, use only one hand to get familiar with hand movements, then switch to your other hand. This drill will also prove helpful in improving the dexterity of the left hand which is used less often. Do the drill without fail and you will notice a vast improvement in your speed and skill.
You can also make use of computer games and education music software that are specifically designed for piano learners. Understanding scales is fundamental to playing piano.
Work on Your Hands and Feet Separately
Some students find it difficult to coordinate the movements of their hand and feet. The solution is to learn how to play a composition on the keyboard first before using the pedal. It would be easier to learn piano if you spend separate time to concentrate on the keyboard and pedal rather than work on both at the same time. Start playing both your hands and feet simultaneously only after you have mastered the keyboard and pedal independently.
Play Piano in Your Mind
Make it a practice to imagine yourself playing piano as you listen to music. Visualization can condition your mind to play piano and improve concentration. Memorizing musical scores is also a good strategy.
Develop a Balanced Practice Routine
There is nothing wrong if you devote more time practicing your favorite music style. But, if you persist on doing just this, your versatility will suffer.
Every three to six weeks you can change your routines a bit. Rather than devote your entire time on the same warm up drills and chord combination exercise, add a variety of chord scales to your practice plan. Do different musical pieces periodically. Repetition of drills is fine and good but you shouldn’t limit your exercises to the same drills over and over again. By keeping a balanced practice routine, you would find it easier to play different types of compositions.