Further Lessons - Learning the Piano: Start Simple and Build from There

What could be more versatile of all the musical instruments than the trusty old piano. It can play simple tunes as well as the more complicated ones. Aside from being a solo instrument, it is also the perfect accompaniment to other instruments like the guitar, violin, among others. And it is no wonder that more and more people are now becoming interested in learning how to play this very special instrument. Whether you want to play with the rhythm and skill of a master or just learn piano as a hobby, you have to start from the bottom. That is, learn the basics. Experts often advise beginners to start simple. Mind you, this practical tip works 100 percent of the time. Learning how to play the piano is often a slow but sure process, not something to be rushed.
Learning to play the piano is no joke. Before you start taking lessons, by yourself or with a coach, think thoroughly if you can commit your time, energy, and money to complete the learning process. It would be a waste of time and effort, you know, to start and then not finish it. Note that if you want to make significant progress, you'll need to spend at least an hour a day in front of the keyboard. That's a bit boring if you are not really serious about learning the craft. So make sure that you really want to learn how to play the piano, and the rest will just follow.

The first step is always the hardest to take, so to avoid frustrations, again, start simple and gradually build from there. To make your first step easier and more effective, you have to learn a few good piano basics first.

Let’s take a quick look at how a piano works. Once you press a key, a minute hammer strikes a string that vibrates and produces a sound. When you sit on the piano, note that the keys to the right have shorter strings thereby creating higher pitch and the keys to your left have longer and thicker strings and gives out lower notes. Bear this mechanism in mind so it’ll be easier for you to hit the right keys to produce the right sounds.

Take note, though, that there's more to learning the piano than just being able to create pleasant-sounding melodies. Playing the piano is actually a skill that you need to develop over time. Mastering your piano skills is a combination of a number of elements like reading music, adopting proper posture and technique, following melodic and harmonic lines, mastering finger chords, and setting regular practice sessions.

When you are just starting, it is always wise to start choosing simple and easy-to-play songs. Simple songs will allow you to familiarize with the piano notes and chords, learn how they sound without being overwhelmed and frustrated. Simple songs will somehow give novice piano players a sense of accomplishment because it’s easy to master them. And you can also learn a few more songs in one sitting. That’s not bad for a start, is it?

Opt for songs with repetitive chords so you'll get used to the keys and still produce a good sound. Before you start thinking of playing Bach or Chopin or Mozart, start with three-chorded songs such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." These simple songs have a three-note tune that allows kids and adults alike to practice and familiarize with the keys before taking on the more complicated classics. Now don’t laugh, kiddie songs are the best pieces to practice when you’re just starting because it will let you practice your fingers to hit the right notes and at the same time allow you to be at ease with playing a new instrument.

Now before anything else, you have to determine the melody and rhythm of the song you wish to play. If you have the unique gift to actually figure out the notes easily by ear, you are well on your way to making wonderful music.

When you have the melody and beat in place, learn to harmonize what you heard so you’ll be able to play it with the proper chords. Remember that you cannot simply play a tune on the piano just by determining the melody. You need to learn how to harmonize them by choosing various chords to accompany the melody.

When you have harmonized the melody and mastered the chord, it is time now to alter the chords to fit the type of music that you wish to produce. Rhythm comes into play here.

Lastly, listen if your chords sound right. If they don’t, determine where you went wrong and start over until you have perfected your kiddie song. Only when you play your “Mary Had a Little Lamb” flawlessly can you play more complex pieces.