TIPS FOR LEARNING PIANO FASTER
Learning piano needn’t take forever: here are some tips for speedy learning
keyboards and pianos via Bluetooth or USB so be sure to check out whether the piano has good learning resources included, or at least a discounted subscription.
In addition, always try to get a heightadjustable stool (that can accommodate two people) included with your keyboard/piano. One big problem I come across (as a player and teacher of piano myself) is bad posture caused by sitting at the incorrect distance and height, which can lead to all manner of back or neck problems and ultimately lead to poor technique. Next, make sure your keyboard or digital piano has an adjustable music rack for putting sheet music or an iPad on: not all of them include this.
Then be sure not to overlook the speaker system onboard. Is it loud enough? Does it sound warm and lush or horrible and tinny?
Firstly, select an instrument that feels good, sounds good and inspires you to play: you can’t underestimate how important this is to keep you engaged with learning.
Next up, from the start of the learning process, sit comfortably at the piano, don’t hunch over and always play from your fingers, not your wrists or arms. Economy of movement is also important: if you are having to move your hands, wrists and arms loads that’s wasted energy. Relax your arms and body and let your fingers do the work.
Use a metronome at all times to give you a rhythmic framework when practising. If you practise or play without a timing reference
You have to decide these points for yourself but you’ll know when your ears are smiling when you test in person or audition sound clips. In addition, you have to make sure that any keyboard/digital piano fits within its surroundings but thankfully most manufacturers offer a variety of finishes, from gloss black and white to wood.
In terms of the sounds, a broad range of bread and butter sounds is important (organ, strings, guitars, woodwinds, brass, clav etc) but the most important thing is a great piano sound. EQ and reverb are also great for customising sounds and the ability to layer two sounds is handy too.
In addition, a pair of audio outputs is necessary if you want to record or connect to a mixing desk/PA system and having two headphone sockets enables your good self you will find it much harder and slower to learn. Don’t overlook timing!
Start with learning scales as soon as possible to aid technique and note reading too. Scales are a tried and tested way to improve your playing, technique and stamina.
If you envisage yourself doing exams, then try and start on an approved syllabus then you won’t find you’ve wasted any time: there are approved classical (and also jazz routes now too) to cater for all tastes.
Whilst there are many apps out there for learning, real sheet music and books are still as valid as ever. They are tried and tested.
There’s nothing wrong with a paper and and another person (teacher, sibling, friend etc) to play together at any time of day or night without annoying others in your house (or your neighbours).
Other must-haves include a metronome, which can provide an audio and/or visual click on screen for practising timing and scales. Whenever I teach or advise my students about practising, it’s essential to have solid rhythmic support and a metronome can provide this and will help no-end long term with your timing. If the digital keyboard/piano has built-in beats and auto-accompaniment, this can serve the same function yet also be a lot more fun than just listening to a boring click. Beats and auto accompaniment will improve your timing, get you listening and improvising (and on the path to jamming with real humans) and allow you to work on your harmonic language/ideas too.
Finally, the ability to record your performances to internal memory as audio, an external memory stick, or an onboard sequencer is very handy. These features all allow you to record yourself, then listen back and hear where you are going wrong: this will only aid and speed up the learning process and as a bonus you can show off your performances to your friends and family too.
It’s essential to have solid rhythmic support and a metronome helps
pen either and it’s great to develop your theory and to be able to write music physically with a pen and paper: it’s a very useful skill that many pro musicians still rely on and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
As well as having your head in apps and books, remember that just sitting down and playing without constraints is massively important. Try composing your own tunes, jam along to your favourite music, record yourself/listen back, or jam with friends online over Skype, FaceTime or Zoom.
Don’t forget that one to one tuition with a reputable teacher will always help too.