How To Start Learning The Piano - Self Taught!

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares valuable insights on how to learn piano self-taught, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and understanding the fundamentals, including sheet music reading, scales, chords, music theory, and listening skills. They address common challenges like tension and improper technique while providing practical tips for effective practice. Recommended resources, including videos, books, and courses, are highlighted to support learners. The speaker encourages setting achievable milestones and tracking progress to maintain motivation over the long term, ultimately inspiring viewers to embrace their piano journey.

Takeaways

• 🎹 Starting piano self-taught can be rewarding but also presents challenges; it’s important to know what you want to achieve.
• 📅 Setting long-term, short-term, and very short-term goals helps maintain motivation and commitment in your piano journey.
• 📖 Focus on learning essential skills such as sheet music reading, scales, chords, music theory, and aural skills to build a strong foundation.
• 🔄 Long-term goals should be supplemented by short-term input goals that focus on daily practice rather than outcomes.
• 🤔 Common challenges when learning piano include tension, improper posture, finger coordination issues, and over-reliance on visual aids.
• 🪑 Proper posture at the piano is crucial; arms should be at a right angle, ensuring comfortable hand placement on the keys.
• 🚫 Avoid using stickers on piano keys, as they can hinder learning the actual notes and music reading skills.
• 🎥 Online resources, such as YouTube channels and instructional videos, can provide valuable guidance for self-taught learners.
• 📚 Recommended books and materials include 'It's Never Too Late to Play Piano' and various music theory resources for structured learning.
• 📈 Tracking progress, setting challenges, and seeking feedback from peers or instructors can enhance your learning experience and help you improve over time.

Q & A

What are the advantages of learning piano self-taught?

Learning piano self-taught allows for greater flexibility in choosing what to play, as well as being more cost-effective since you don't need to pay for a teacher.

What are some common disadvantages of self-taught piano learning?

Common disadvantages include not knowing what to learn, potential gaps in knowledge that can affect long-term playing, and the risk of developing bad habits without proper guidance.

What equipment is essential for starting to learn piano?

You will need a digital or acoustic piano with 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal to ensure a good learning experience.

How should learners set their goals when learning piano?

Learners should set long-term goals (6 months to a year), short-term goals based on practice input, and very short-term daily goals to stay motivated and organized.

What are the five main categories of skills to learn for piano?

The five main categories are sheet music reading, scales, chords, music theory, and oral skills (listening).

Why is it important to learn sheet music reading?

Learning sheet music reading allows you to interpret music as composers intended and enhances your understanding of music structure, expanding your musical toolkit.

What role do scales play in learning piano?

Scales help in developing dexterity and familiarity with notes, making it easier to recognize patterns and play pieces in the respective keys.

What are some common problems faced by self-taught piano learners?

Common problems include tension in hands, improper sitting posture, poor finger usage, and reliance on looking at hands instead of sheet music.

What resources are recommended for beginners learning piano?

Recommended resources include YouTube channels like 'Piano From Scratch' and 'Musicians Inspired', books like 'It's Never Too Late to Play Piano' by Pam Wedgewood, and various music theory books.

How can learners maintain motivation and progress over time?

Learners can stay motivated by recording their progress, setting quantifiable challenges, seeking feedback from peers, and regularly setting new achievable goals.