QUESTION

Hi Amanda,

This birthday, my friend gave me the piano, a present I had been dreaming about. It has always been a passion of mine, but I don’t know where to begin. So, can you tell me what is the best way to get started?

Love,

Josie!

ANSWER

Hi Josie,

Practicing is the best way to learn the piano. Every day, devote an hour to only scales. It’s boring as all hell, but it’s essential to becoming a better pianist. The other hour should be spent practicing your favorite songs.

Even though research is important, nothing can replace experience. You won’t improve until you practice scales and songs every day for countless hours.

Here are some basic daily routines:

  1. On YouTube, find tutorials on a scale and correct fingering.
  2. Practice tutorials on a piano (check your technique as you go). Take one hour to do this.
  3. Try practicing a fun song (one you like). For 1/2 hour to 1 hour, do this.
  4. If you are away from the piano, listen to the song repeatedly. By doing so, you help cement the practice in your mind. Imagine yourself playing the song without making any mistakes on the keyboard.
  5. When you have a spare hand, practice your scales on a table. Lift each finger independently and super slowly. This way, there’s no chance of hitting a wrong note, and your brain will reinforce the right technique.
  6. Before you go to sleep, visualize yourself effortlessly playing the keyboard. You’ll get over any negative reasons like “I can’t play” or “I’m not getting better”.

If you can’t play a song after practicing twice, don’t get upset. It’s not going to happen in one month. Believe in being a good pianist and you’ll get there. Don’t just focus on scales or other things that bore you. You’ll lose interest and quit if you do that. It’s important to balance it with staying committed.

If you’re practicing a song, slow it down as much as you can. You’ll need muscle memory so that you don’t have to think when you play and can focus on letting the emotion come through. Commitment is everything. Make sure you don’t cut corners and rush a song because you’re too lazy to slow it down. Don’t skip scales just because they’re boring. Put your focus on hard work and then reward yourself. So yeah, have fun and believe that you can learn anything you put your mind to.

Love,

Amanda!

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