How To Teach Yourself Piano: 6 Simple Ways

Diving into the world of music, especially piano playing, opens up a realm of beauty, discipline, and creativity. The soft melodic tunes, the rhythmic patterns, and the emotional depth of the piano is enchanting.

Now, imagine being the one creating that magic! With the right guidance, you can teach yourself piano, maneuvering through the keys at your own pace, and curating a personal musical journey.

What Are the Basics of Piano?

Before diving into the vast ocean of piano lessons, it's crucial to understand the basic elements that form the foundation of piano playing.

Hand Position

As a beginner, the way you position your hands can greatly affect your playing technique. The left hand and right hand should be poised and relaxed over the keys, fingers arched with the thumbs gently touching the white keys. This not only ensures a more fluid movement across the piano but also reduces the risk of hand strain or injury.

White Keys and Black Keys

Familiarize yourself with the piano keyboard layout. The white keys represent the musical alphabet, while the black keys, situated in groups of twos and threes, represent sharps and flats. Together, they encompass the chromatic scale of music.

Middle C

This central note acts as a guiding star for beginners. Located roughly in the middle of the keyboard, the Middle C serves as a reference point from which you can learn to identify other notes and build your playing foundation.

How To Learn Piano at Home

The beauty of our modern world is that learning the piano at home has never been more accessible. There are various avenues one can explore, each offering its unique blend of benefits and challenges. Let's delve into these methods and their respective pros and cons.

1. Online Piano Lessons

These are structured lessons available through dedicated platforms or websites, tailored to guide learners step-by-step. Unlike traditional classes, you can learn at your own pace, fitting sessions around your availability.

Many platforms offer a range of lessons, from classical to contemporary, catering to different musical tastes. Plus, advanced platforms might offer interactive feedback, showing you where you made mistakes and how to correct them.

2. Video Tutorials (e.g., YouTube Videos)

Platforms like YouTube are replete with piano tutorials for songs, techniques, and theory. From Beethoven's classics to the latest pop hits, there's a tutorial for almost every song or technique you can think of --- and most YouTube tutorials are available for free.

Being able to watch hand placements and techniques visually is also a great advantage for many learners.

3. Dedicated Piano Learning Apps

Some apps and games are designed to make piano learning interactive, like Rocksmith+, which can provide real-time feedback and guide you on a progressive learning curve, ensuring consistent development.

4. Books and Ebooks (e.g., Amazon)

Traditional piano books or their digital counterparts offer structured lessons and techniques.

Many books provide a thorough dive into techniques, theories, and pieces, and you can learn at your own pace without the need for digital devices.

Just keep in mind that books don't offer interactive feedback or the visual and auditory aids that digital mediums do.

5. Play Along with Songs

Simply listening to your favorite songs and trying to play along can be an informal yet effective method. It's enjoyable and can keep motivation levels high, and it even helps in developing an ear for notes and chords.

6. In-Person Virtual Lessons

You can also hire a piano teacher to teach you virtually via platforms like Zoom or Skype. This way, you can get instant feedback and tailor-made lessons. Most teachers also follow a curriculum, ensuring a consistent learning progression.

However,personal lessons, even virtual ones, can be more costly than other methods.

The best method largely depends on individual preferences, goals, and resources. Some might thrive with the structure of online lessons, while others might prefer the freedom of playing along with songs. Regardless of the chosen path, the journey of learning the piano at home is a rewarding endeavor.

What Does Basic Music Theory Involve?

No journey into the realm of piano playing can truly begin without a basic understanding of music theory. It's like learning to read before diving into literature.

Reading Sheet Music

At first glance, sheet music can seem like an intricate puzzle. But by breaking it down, it becomes more approachable. Start with understanding the clefs. The treble clef usually indicates notes played by the right hand, while the bass clef denotes notes for the left hand. Additionally, time signatures, denoted at the beginning of a piece, guide the rhythm and pace of the song.

Basic Chords and Chord Progressions

Chords are groups of notes played simultaneously, forming the harmony of a song. Begin with the C major chord - it's straightforward and forms the basis for understanding more complex chord structures. As you become comfortable, explore different chord progressions, which are sequences of chords that add depth to a song.

Significance of Music Theory

Music theory isn't just about reading symbols on a paper; it's about understanding the language of music. By grasping its fundamentals, you can predict patterns, decipher the mood of a piece, and truly appreciate the depth and complexity of the songs you play.

What Are Some Song Choices for Beginners?

Every great musician starts somewhere, and more often than not, it's with tunes that are simple yet foundational. These melodies provide a hands-on introduction to the nuances of piano playing and offer a taste of the joy that comes from producing music.

• Starting with Simple Songs: Before attempting a Beethoven symphony, try your hand at classics like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Such tunes are not just memorable but also introduce learners to basic rhythms, patterns, and finger placements.

• Playing Your Favorite Songs: As you grow more comfortable with the basics, challenge yourself by taking on some of your favorite songs. Music resonates more when there's a personal connection. Knowing the melody beforehand can also make learning the song a smoother process. Furthermore, the sense of achievement from playing a beloved tune is unparalleled.

• __Focusing on Popular Songs for Beginners: __There are many pop, rock, and folk songs with simple chord progressions that are perfect for novice pianists. Songs like "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers or "Clocks" by Coldplay are not just crowd-pleasers but also wonderful learning tools due to their repetitive yet melodic structures.

Start Learning Today

Learning to play the piano from the comfort of one's home is, without a doubt, a journey filled with melodies, challenges, and personal growth. With the vast array of resources now available at our fingertips, it has become increasingly evident that there's no singular path to musical proficiency. Every method, be it online lessons, video tutorials, dedicated apps, or traditional books, offers its unique flavor of instruction, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of budding pianists.

The digital age has democratized the learning process, breaking down barriers that once restricted many from pursuing their passion. With flexibility in learning pace, diversity in teaching approaches, and the convenience of accessing lessons anytime, anywhere, there has never been a better time to embark on this musical adventure.

As we navigate through these numerous resources, it's essential to remember that the heart of piano playing lies not just in technical precision but in the emotional connection we forge with the instrument. Every note played tells a story, every chord struck evokes an emotion, and every piece mastered is a testament to dedication and love for the craft.

For further education on the music-making path, from playing pianos, to learning to play guitar, consider the educational masterpiece that is Rocksmith+.

Sources:

Where Is Middle C? (Various Instruments, Explained Simply) | Producer Hive  

Introduction to Chords | MusicTheory.net

Flexible Learning: Everything You Should Know | Education Advanced, Inc.

What's Your Learning Style? The Learning Styles | EducationPlanner.org

The Benefits of Music Lessons for Kids | Aurora Institute of Music