Piano lessons are one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this instrument. For some, they always seem to play but are never actually able to play it nicely. Which is why taking piano lessons are truly a great way to enjoy the sound of music. There are many benefits to getting professionally taught, and can be a great way for young kids to learn the value of discipline, art, and music. Understanding chords all on your own is quite a tough task, especially if you have no idea which sounds are what notes. That is why piano lessons are needed to ensure success at playing the piano.

•What are the benefits of piano lessons?

One of the main benefits is the more time you are able to spend on learning. Most of the time, all we ever do is simply play the piano and touch all the notes at different times. This is actually very normal when you are just starting out. However, when you actually take piano lessons, you won’t have to do anything just to play the piano nicely, as you would know exactly what to do whenever you play. Taking lessons can also help you from gaining any bad habits from playing on your own. For example, some people play the piano with very hard hands, so it could be hard to adjust once it develops. When you first take lessons, your coach could always remind you to relax and not be so stiff whenever you’re playing. So it’s pretty useful to get lessons, as you could become a much better pianist if you are just willing to accept other peoples advice. Playing the world’s hardest songs won’t be accomplished immediately, but with the right coach and the correct foundation, you can be on your way to playing the songs you’ve always wanted.

•How to find an instructor.

You can easily find a reputable coach by utilizing the Internet. Go to Google and type in your area, along with “piano lessons”. You should see several websites or music schools pop up showcasing their amazing piano lessons. Despite the many instructors to choose from, try going to a music school who specializes in teaching the piano. Music schools are great to visit, as the teachers are very well trained at these schools. Remember again the results aren’t exactly instant and will take some time, but your hard work will definitely show in the end when you’re playing your favorite songs on the piano.

Playing the piano can be a great asset whether you want to do it for fun or you need it for school. Whatever the reason may be, taking piano lessons can be the best way to see yourself play at your fullest potential. Learning this instrument is quite a tough process and requires lots of work. So don’t give up if you don’t master your favorite songs quickly. Finding a teacher may be hard at first, but can easily be done once you use the Internet.

(Note: This article is not by Duane, but is a guest article)

For a cornucopia of great piano courses click on PlayPianoCatalog

Beethoven was never much for rules so why obey them for one of his most famous pieces?

Even the title of the piece popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata bears reference to Beethoven’s love of not doing things the way people expected. He called it Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia which means Sonata in the style of a fantasy or literally “Almost a fantasy”.

Listen to most music on the radio today and it follows a very similar style: It starts with a little bit of instrumental introduction, then the singer sings what is known as the verse. Then it goes in to the chorus, that’s the part that you often remember about the song which is why it is also called the hook in most songs. Then the song goes back to the verse, sometimes with different words and after that, the chorus again. Then we get to the bridge where the song changes pretty drastically but eventually makes its way back to the chorus (often played twice) and then a little instrumental at the end. The whole song takes about 4 minutes but rarely more than 5 minutes. Songs on the radio today are fairly predictable.

In Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven’s day, they had the Sonata. It was a very predictable style and although we’ll save a discussion of sonata form for another article, what defined a sonata form was a fast and lively beginning with a slow movement somewhere in the middle and ending with a medium and then fast tempo movements or just a fast movement. Moonlight Sonata is slow, medium, fast.

By the way, in case you’re wondering, a Fantasy is often a piece of music based on an improvisatory style. In other words, by throwing in the word Fantasy (fantasia) Beethoven is giving himself license to do whatever he wants. (Not that he needed it. He often did whatever he wanted anyway)

Every piece of art has to have a story and if they don’t, we romantic humans with big hearts will often make up a story to give a piece of art more personality. Here are the two stories behind Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven wasn’t much in to giving piano lessons to people and there seems to be evidence that he wasn’t all that personable as a general rule but around 1800 Beethoven was giving lessons to a royal family who was most likely paying him well when he met Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.

He fell in love with her (artists fall hard, you know) and wanted to marry her. Sadly, Beethoven being a commoner couldn’t marry royalty. Instead, she married another amateur composer. Beethoven dedicated this piece to her and judging by the not so happy sound of it, one wouldn’t think that it was an upcoming wedding gift. If you believe this story, you can certainly hear the sorrow of a broken heart present in this piece.

On the other hand, some stories, far more boring, say that Beethoven visited Lake Balaton, located in Hungary. (yawn) If a lake was his inspiration, it must have been raining when he visited. We’ll let you decide which story you like better.

The term “Moonlight Sonata” was given to this piece by Ludwig Rellstab who said that the piece sounded like moonlight shining down on Lake Lucerne. (Yes, another lake.) Beethoven didn’t live long enough to know of his piece as Moonlight Sonata.

The piece starts with a slow movement that is absolutely beautiful and when a pianist plays it, they can’t help but hear the sorrow that comes from the piece. It is commonly known that the first movement is played with dampers and very softly the entire way as to not only paint a picture of sorrow but also deep reflection by a tired soul. (As you learn it, see what the piece says to you.)
The second movement sounds much more like a classical period piece, a little more lighthearted than the movements surrounding it. This is probably the least liked movement as many people only know the first and last movements.

The third movement, a technically challenging and musically complicated composition speaks to anger and not just inner anger but anger that bursts out of the soul. As you listen to it, think about what the inspiration for such a piece would have been.

This piece was wildly popular in Beethoven’s day. In fact, he got tired of hearing it himself. He once said, “Surely, I’ve written better things”.

If you’re about to embark on learning this piece, you’re most likely starting with the first movement and quite possibly, not playing the second and third. That’s ok with Beethoven as some of his students and other musicians of the period often did not play complete sonatas.

Now that you know a little bit more about the piece, dive in and have a great time with it.

To learn the first movement of Moonlight Sonata (that’s the theme — the part everyone recognizes) click on the link below to learn about our audio CD course (not a video — an audio course with the original sheet music of the first movement):

Learn to play Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano

Piano practice for adults — how to help your piano teacher make the most of your piano lessons.

Any truly positive change takes a lot of time, dedication, and patience - and that includes piano practice. Anyone who tells you differently, is trying to get some fast money out of you. You know how it works. You start with a dream and you jump in and get started. Then reality comes roaring back. You have a job, you have kids, you’re tired, and after one week of work, you don’t feel like you’re getting any better so you start playing less and less.

That doesn’t mean that your hard work has to be tedious and boring. Far from it.

When is your prime time?

For some people, they do all of their “chores” when they wake up so real life doesn’t pull them in all directions before the essentials get done. Others do their piano practicing at the end of the day after everything is done and they can relax. When is your prime time? Whenever your mind is most focused and ready to engage in your practice, that’s when you should do it. If you have a bad attitude towards practice, often it’s not because you don’t like the piano. It’s because it’s the wrong time of day. Often the things that drain most of your energy and drive are the highest on your priority list, right?

Play Something You Like

Don’t spend all of your practice time playing material you already know but maybe do 10 or 15 minutes of scales and other technical exercises and then play something you enjoyed learning. Remind yourself that at one time this piece was just as bad as other music you’re learning now but you got there and now it sounds beautiful. Everything you’re practicing now will follow the same path. Play something you like to remind yourself of how the journey ends.

Consistent Standards

How’s your posture? How do your fingers look? Where’s your head? Are you using proper piano fingering? It’s ok and highly appropriate to focus on improving one thing at a time but your standards should never change. Bad posture while you’re learning teaches you two things: the piece you’re learning and bad posture. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between good and bad habits. You have to teach it and the only way to teach it is to keep standards consistent. That’s why your teacher may tell you to practice with a mirror next to you so you can see your posture.

You need a metronome

Metronomes used to be these big clunky looking things that cost a lot of money and looked like they were straight out of Beethoven’s day. Now, they cost as little as $15 and are about the size of a credit card. No musician is considered good if they can’t play at a consistent tempo. It will be annoying at first but quickly, you’ll get used to playing with it.

Bottom Line

Your piano lessons will help but they won’t make you a good piano player unless you make it happen. Your piano teacher will guide you down the road to being great but only your practice time will truly give you your dream of being a great pianist. Remember, positive change doesn’t come easy so hunker down and expect small changes over time but it won’t take long for you to look back and be amazed at the progress you’ve made.

For more good ideas on practicing, see Power Practice.

Copyright 2011 by Duane Shinn. Do not use without permission.

A student of mine who writes a blog did an hilarious post about her kids learning piano at home. She (the Mom) used my Crash Course to stay a piano lesson or two ahead of the kids. If you are a home school parent, you will no doubt identify with this!

http://www.destinationsdreamsanddogs.com/the-piano-project/.

PS: The Crash Course is at www.pianolessonsbyvideo.com

Learn to play Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, and other classical pieces on the piano.

If you are a beginner or a near-beginner, here are
some great courses you should be aware of:

*Fur Elise by Beethoven

*Classical For Beginners (which includes lots of classical pieces)

Just click on this link: http://www.playpianocatalog.com/clpico.htmland you’ll go right there.

I have noticed that some students have trouble navigating around our online catalog at PlayPianoCatalog.com so I decided to make a short video showing how best to use it.

Watch this video, then go to PlayPianoCatalog.

Standard Podcast Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I wish I had invented this!

One of my competitors, Jermaine Griggs, has invented a software robot that allows you to SEE songs being played on the keyboard — note by note — and you can slow the song down, rewind it, change keys, and all sorts of other things.

They call it the “Song Robot!” You simply load
song files into it and it shows you, on demand,
how to play them on a big virtual keyboard.

There’s a full video demonstration at:
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=a283550&w=songrobot
Here’s what it does:

* It can slow down songs, “turtle speed.”

* It transposes songs to all 12 keys so you’re
not stuck in ONE key.

* You have the choice of learning with huge, red
colored notes that light up or a real-looking
3d version of a piano.

* You can stop, pause, rewind, fast forward.

* You can even load your favorite audio files
and have it remove vocals so you can practice
(they can even be slowed down and put in all
12 keys… real albums!)

Visit:
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=a283550&w=songrobot
Like I said — I wish I had invented it, but I didn’t. But I’m glad that Jermaine did, as it is going to be a HUGE help to pianists all over the world!

To get a really full sound in your right hand, try putting in not only the notes of the chord under the melody, but also try to incorporate a color tone of some kind, such as a 6th, 7th, major 7th, or 9th. You can overdo it, of course, but this short video demonstates how it is done.

There are many wonderful piano teachers around, but along with those, there are also many who play piano themselves, but shouldn’t be teachers. That might be because they can’t express themselves well and explain the concepts, or it sometimes might be that they really don’t know much themselves.
Before you get a piano teacher for you or your child, make sure that music theory is included in the lessons — learning all about note values, timing, intervals, chords, and so on. It’s excellent if the teacher uses workbooks so you or your child can methodically work through theory step by step.
 

Lots of people, both kids and adults, wonder how long they should practice to get the most out of their piano playing. While there is no cut-and-dried answer to that question, here are a couple things you might consider:

1. What are your goals in piano playing? For most people piano playing is one of several things in their life they want to do. They may also want to play basketball, learn some craft, get advanced degrees, and so on. For the average person to practice long periods of time is unrealistic. Those who want to make piano playing their primary goal may want to practice several hours each day — many of the famous composers and pianists down through history did. But for the average adult, if you can get in an hour a day, you can certainly accomplish something worthwhile in that time period. For the youg child 20 minutes might be realistic, while older kids might practice 45 or 60 minutes per day.

2. Whatever time period you decide on, consider breaking it up into two or more practice sessions. If you practice an hour a day, how about breaking that up into 3 sessions of 20 minutes each? It is much easier to concentrate on something for 20 minutes than it is for an hour. If you can get in 20 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes in the afternoon, and 20 minutes in the evening, your results should be better because your concentration will be better. Besides that, it’s hard to sit in one spot for an hour without getting fidgity.

It’s an undisputable fact of life: kids learn by example. Both positive and negative behaviors are often learned and reinforced by a parent’s example. What better way to teach your child a skill, like piano playing, than by demonstrating it?

Dads have an extra important role to play when motivating kids to learn music. Children who are regularly exposed to music in the home are more likely to grow up musical. Kids with parents who actually play an instrument (like piano) have an even further edge.

Dad’s role is especially important when it comes to raising a budding pianist. Young children in particular look to their fathers as role models. They see Dad as omniscient, Herculean and heroic. Kids are natural imitators and will readily and willingly engage in an activity that Dad portrays as cool or fun.

Mothers, of course, can play a significant role in helping kids get excited about piano playing. The downside of having a mother who is musical when Dad isn’t is that it can send mixed messages. Children may view piano playing as a “girl” activity, at least at home.

Motivating a child to practice regularly is a chore at the best of times. Children are often even less excited about practicing when they know that their parents don’t play. It’s tough for kids to see the value in a musical education under these circumstances.

Dads can make a difference in the musical education of their children even if they’ve never played piano before. It’s never too late to learn something new. You might not become a virtuoso, but that’s not the point. The point is to show your child that piano playing is a valuable life skill.

Dads who haven’t previously taken piano lessons can get started by doing one or more of the following:

* Taking a parent/child piano class. Some music schools offer parent/child piano lessons. Many are actually founded on the philosophy that children learn best through active parent participation. Parent/child classes teach basic musical skills but also foster healthy interaction between parent and child. Plus, dads who never took piano lessons get to learn right along with their children.

* Take a self-tutorial. Piano tutorials are available in workbook and DVD form as well as online. Tutorials are self-directed and cover the basics like note reading and chords. Online tutorials sometimes have the added advantage of access to an online mentor. Self tutorials range in price. Many are free. Most courses cost between $25 and $100 for basic foundational skills. A dad can at least learn enough this way to understand what his child is learning. He may even be able to learn from his child.

* Take formal piano lessons. Remember, it’s not too late to learn. You don’t have to take classical piano either if that’s not your forte. Find an instructor who understands what your goal is: to lead your child by example. Your instructor can design a lesson plan that helps meet those needs without scaring you with long-winded classical pieces. He or she can teach you the basics and give you a great foundation for piano playing for and with your child.

Dads who master the basics of piano playing have another advantage that non-musical dads don’t. Pianist fathers have one more way to encourage kids to turn off the television and engage in something productive and beneficial. Impromptu family concerts, father/child duets or simply making up goofy songs together fosters relaxation, bonding and emotional health.

There are a zillion piano teachers available, but by far the majority of them do

not cover all the basics of piano playing. They might teach you how to read music -

play the written music on a score or sheet music — but many of them leave out the

study of music theory, proper fingering, technique, chord studies, and so on.

Here is a list of subjects that should be included in piano lessons:

1. How to read music. It goes without saying that the ability to read music is one

of the top skills in piano playing, but often it is the only one covered.

2. Proper fingering of piano scale passages and chords.

3. Proper positioning at the keyboard for arms and fingers.

4. Development of a repetoire of piano songs in a variety of styles: classical,

pop, folk, etc.

5. The study of music theory including intervals, scales, chords, cadences, chord

progressions and etc.

6. At least a touch of arranging and improvisation so the student is not afraid to

venture away from the written music.

There are other subjects, but these six make a solid basis for long term piano

lessons.

Proper piano instruction is an element extremely vital to learning the instrument well. Though it’s very possible to be a self-taught piano player, piano lessons can really increase the speed and efficiency with which one learns the instrument. That’s not to say that great piano instruction makes great piano players overnight; even the most naturally talented pianists still play for years before they consider themselves advanced. But proper piano lesson instructions will maximize those years to the fullest and ensure that the student is learning the correct techniques.

Though teaching styles always vary from instructor to instructor, piano instruction generally covers the same basic areas: fingering, , music reading, scales, technique, and sight reading. The early lessons will cover fingering and posture, making sure the student knows how to hold his or her hands and where to put them on the keys; series of scales practiced repeatedly will be the basis of this area. Piano instruction will then move on to notation essentials, starting with the basics of notes and key signatures and time signatures and then moving forward to more advanced concepts in rhythm, tempo and dynamics.

Many of these concepts are introduced into the piano instruction while the student is learning to read music, a practice that runs through the entire course of the piano instruction. Teachers will assign short, easy pieces to kick start the student’s music reading knowledge and eventually move forward to more advanced pieces. Sight reading, the ability to play a piece of music without ever having seen it, is sometimes placed sporadically throughout the piano instruction, after a student is fairly well-versed in reading music.

One crucial element of piano playing that is often left out of traditional piano lessons is the study and practice of chords and music theory. To learn to read music without understanding the theory behind the music and the chords and chord progressions that form the music is almost like teaching a surgeon to cut without understanding the human anatomy and it’s interrelated parts. The student will be able to play the piano from a piece of sheet music, but take that music away or have it blow off the piano and he or she is immediately in big trouble.

There is a famous story about a lady who was a concert pianist and could impress people with her playing, yet when asked to play “Happy Birthday” at a party had to decline with great embarrassment because she didn’t have sheet music for the song handy. To be tied to the written music is a shame, when learning chords and music theory adds so much to the value of piano instruction.

Given a healthy dose of music theory and chord instruction mixed in, all of the other elements of piano instruction eventually begin to work hand in hand. Piano instruction then becomes an intricate web of gaining bits of detailed knowledge little by little and understanding the music that’s being played without fully realizing that it’s being gained.

Then playing the piano becomes more fun and a joyful event that can be shared with full understanding of the theory and form that lies behind each song.

Beginning Piano: How To Get Started

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the opportunity. Perhaps you’re a parent with a child who has expressed interest in the piano. The question is: where do you begin? How to start depends on your age and your goals.

First, you need to find a program of study that is age appropriate. For children, formal lessons are usually recommended. It’s important for kids to take at least three or four years worth of formal lessons. It usually takes that long to get a good grasp on the basics of technique, sight reading, and chord theory. After that, children will have a good foundation in music. They may choose to continue on, branching out in piano studies and honing those basics.  Or, they can use that foundation and apply it to learning another instrument.

Formal study with a piano teacher is usually recommended for children older than six. A wide variety of methods is directed at children.  Some have different emphases. Therefore, it’s important to research various methods to decide what type will be best for your child.

Younger children (ages three to six) usually do not fare well with formal lessons. If you want to start your children off early in piano, enroll them in a program developed specifically for preschool children. These types of piano programs take into account the physical and mental development of young children. They are less overwhelming and more engaging for the younger learner. Often they are group-style sessions rather than one-on-one.

Sometimes parent participation is encouraged or required. This helps to ensure that parents are able to reinforce the concepts that their children are taught. It also fosters the parent-child bond, strengthening it with a mutual appreciation for music.

For adults who are beginning piano there are a few options. Adults may choose to take formal lessons one-on-one with an instructor. Be sure to find a teacher who specializes in teaching adults or has at least worked with adults before.

Another option for adult beginners is group lessons. Music stores, community groups, educational institutions and even some private instructors may offer group lessons for adults. Students learn in a classroom-style setting with several other adults. Each person typically has his or her own keyboard on which to learn during class. Concepts are taught from the front by the instructor.

Another option for adult learners is to take a correspondence course or self-paced study. These types of programs are available for a fee in music stores, from a college or music school and on the Internet. In fact, many of these programs have DVD or software components to help visually reinforce the concepts taught in the manuals. In some ways it’s like having your own private piano teacher. Some curriculums even have live-study components via the Web in real time with an instructor.

If you are an adult beginner, set your goals. If you hope to pursue a higher level of study or want employment in the music business, then formal lessons are best. If you simply want to enrich your own personal life, correspondence studies or group lessons may be adequate. An added bonus with correspondence courses or self-directed study is that you are able to work at home at your own pace. This can be especially advantageous for the busy adult who can’t commit to regular, ongoing lessons.

So if you are a parent seeking a piano teacher for your child, make sure that he or she teaches music theory and chords along with sight reading, technique, and all the other basics. For adults with limited time for in-person lessons, look for a good course you can take at your own speed such as the Crash Course In Exciting Piano Playing for adults only.

Learning to play the piano is about more than learning the names of notes. Students and parents have a variety of different piano methods to choose from. All teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in their respective emphases and their suitability for particular age groups and learning styles. While there are many methods, here are a few of the most common.

* The Suzuki method: This method of teaching piano originated in Japan in the mid 1900s. Shin’ichi Suzuki realized that children have the innate ability to learn whatever language is their “mother tongue.” This includes languages that are considered very difficult to learn when taken on in adulthood. Suzuki reasoned that children can learn to play an instrument in the same way. Like being immersed in a language from the moment of birth, immersion in music could also be instilled this way. Suzuki developed his piano curriculum in a manner that addressed the whole child. He desired to develop children who were not only skilled musicians, but noble citizens as well. In addition to formal lessons, the Suzuki method focuses on immersing the child in a musical culture. This includes listening to quality music at home, attending professional concerts, and meeting with other musicians. Of children who grow up learning the Suzuki method, a large percentage enters into careers in the music industry.

* Music for Young Children: This method is unique in that it incorporates parental involvement. Rather than merely dropping off a child at a lesson, parents actively participate in the child’s lesson. MYC builds upon the natural curiosity of a child by exposing children as young as three to different musical styles. Children are guided in exploring differences between types of music. Children are also encouraged to create their own compositions. Listening skills are stressed in MYC. It uses a multi-sensory approach to reinforce the concepts taught in class.

* The Bastien method: This method contains curriculum for both the child and the adult beginner. This is advantageous for those who never had the opportunity to take lessons in childhood. This method is not generally recommended for children younger than seven. It emphasizes good technique from the very first lesson. However, some professionals have criticized this method because of its over-emphasis on the five-finger method of playing. Students who study Bastien exclusively tend to learn to read notes more slowly than with other methods. The Bastien curriculum does incorporate graphics and colors that appeal to children.  Students who are exposed to this method should also be taught other methods as well.

* The Alfred method: Similar to the Bastien method, there is curriculum for both the adult and child beginner. The method has been around since the early 1900s.  Alfred has kept up with the times by expanding its curriculum to include software and CDs. Like Bastien, this method isn’t suitable for very young children. The method emphasizes intervals and chord progressions. Like Bastien, the tendency for students is to lag at learning to read notes. This curriculum may be best combined with other methods for a more rounded piano study.

* The Schaum method. This method has been around since the early 20th century.  John W. Schaum began teaching piano during the depression era. Eventually he founded his own music school. His teaching method focuses on sight reading, theory and proper technique. It also encourages music appreciation and introduces classical music beginning at the very earliest levels. The Schaum method is more suitable for older children.

All of these methods are available to most all piano teachers, so when you choose a piano teacher for your child, be sure to ask him or her which method they prefer, and why. Knowing where the teacher is coming from and the logic used to select a method will give you a strong hint about the compentency of the piano teacher.

To play in any given key, such as the key of A or the key of Db or any key, you really need to be able to think in that key.

When I was in college I spent one semester in Mexico City while attending Mexico City College and lived with a Mexican family. I had taken 4 year of Spanish in high school, but I certainly wasn’t great at speaking Spanish. But before the semester was up, I began to actually think in Spanish to some extent — certainly not very much, but some. And as a result, I could begin to converse more comfortably when I spoke to the locals.

And I could see that if I had spent a couple years there instead of just 3 months, I would be a lot further down the road in thinking in Spanish.

It’s the same with you when it comes to music.

You can probably think in the key of C — most piano players can, because that’s the key they almost always start in. And that’s fine. But if you had started in the key of Bb or E, you would be just as comfortable as you are in the key of C.

But there are 2 HUGE advantages in music over languages when it comes to thinking:

1. There are hundreds (probably thousands,if you count dialects) of languages. There are only 12 major keys.

2. Those languages have different alphabets in many cases. All keys in music use the same alphabet - A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. That’s it.

3. Language alphabets have many letters — English has 26, Greek has 24, Hebrew I believe has 27, and so on. And of course, the letters are not the same as in English.

So learning to think in all 12 major keys is not that hard compared to learning languages (in fact it is super easy compared to languages!). And since there are 12 months in the year, why not devote one month to learning the key of D, one month learning the key of Eb, and so on throughout the year? At the end of the year you’ll have a pretty good grasp of all 12 keys, and you’ll begin to think in those keys instead of fighting with the sharps and flats as perhaps you used to.

If you would like some help, go over to How To Think In All 12 Keys.

When you think of piano lessons, the mental picture you get might be of child sitting at a keyboard. The instructor is probably sitting next to the child, tapping out rhythm with a baton or pencil. While many do start as children taking piano instruction from a teacher, far more options are available today. Often this is good news for adults who never had the opportunity to take formal lessons as a child. If the idea of being scrutinized by a piano teacher makes you cringe, consider these other forms of piano instruction:

* Group lessons: Piano instruction takes place in a classroom-like setting. You’re usually in a group with several other students. Every student has their own keyboard, and the instructor teaches from the front. Group lessons are sometimes offered by music stores, community centers or schools. Often with group lessons, you sign up for a certain length of time (several weeks to a few months). With no pressure to sign on for long-term lessons, the commitment level required is low. Prices tend to be somewhat less expensive than private lessons too.

* DVD instruction: A plethora of DVD piano instruction curriculum is available for adult beginners and even advanced players. Topics range from learning basic notes and scales, to chord theory, specific music genres and more. Techniques are clearly demonstrated, making it easy to follow along. DVD piano curriculum ranges in price and often works out cheaper than taking private lessons. Plus, you can work at your own pace and on your own timeline. This method is not recommended for a child, as kids need a warm flesh and blood person sitting by them to help them with fingering and answer their questions.

* Internet lessons: There are a couple of options for Internet piano instruction. First, students can view video demonstrations and download curriculum and sheet music via an online music company. As with DVD instruction, you can work at your own pace. There’s no pressure to commit to anything long term. Another method is receiving live instruction via the Web. It’s similar to traditional piano lessons, except you see your instructor through a webcam. For this type of piano instruction, you must have a computer, or access to one, with Internet access. You’ll also need a webcam and an electronic keyboard or piano that is MIDI compatible. With either type of Internet lesson, you work in the comfort of your own home, and cost is usually less than traditional lessons.

* Instructional software: Similar to DVD instruction, you may also choose to purchase instructional software. This can be installed directly onto your computer. Piano lesson software is cost-efficient. And of course, you can work at home, at your own pace.

The type of piano instruction that you choose is largely dependent on your musical goals. Most piano instructors argue that traditional, one-on-one piano lessons are the only way to go. This is especially true if your goal is to become a professional musician or obtain some type of musical certification. It’s also important to note that one-on-one piano lessons are usually recommended for children over other methods of piano instruction. However, for adults who simply wish to enrich their personal lives or can’t afford regular lessons, these can be great alternatives to traditional piano lessons.

There are literally millions of adults today who took piano lessons when they were growing up, but at some point along the way gave them up. Some couldn’t care less, but many have an urge down deep to take up piano playing again someday.

Over the years I have never heard anyone say “I’m glad I never learned to play the piano”, but I have heard hundreds say something like “I sure wish I had paid attention when I was a kid”, or “My piano teacher was too strict (or too boring), but I would love to get back to the piano some day.”

And most people that feel that way have the “round-tuit” problem that we all have; they mean well, but the busyness of life distracts them from starting to play again. And they really don’t want to take lessons again from the little old lady down the street who can’t tell the Beatles from Beethoven. Plus it’s hard to work regular lessons into their already-packed schedule.

So what’s the solution?

There are two inter-related factors that when combined create an opportunity for adults such as this unlike any in history.

1. For the first time ever there is the world-wide web and all its endless and growing sources of information. Up to nearly 2000AD an individual was limited to the piano teachers of the region in which he or she lived. But it’s not so anymore. Many piano teachers have moved their teaching into the cyber world of the internet in the form of online lessons. Others have DVDs and CDs available in all aspects of piano playing, from the basics of a beginner to the improvisations of an advanced player. And they are easy to find, too. Simply type in phrases such as “piano lessons for adults” or “how to play the piano” or “I want to learn piano chords” into any search engine such as Google, and up pops a vast array of intriguing possibilities. (Try it — you’ll see!)

2. The second factor is one that has always existed, but until recent times has not been articulated well so that the average person could understand the concept. And that is simply that there are 3 different ways to learn to play the piano, and adults can pick one of the three, two of the three, or all three in any combination, and come out with a synergy far better than any one method alone.

The 3 methods are:

1. Reading music from the printed score. Well over 95% of all piano lessons revolve around the ability to read a piece of sheet music, and the technical facility to make your fingers do what your mind tells them to do. This is the traditional method of piano lessons; scales, drills, finger exercises, and practice reading endless pieces from the very first “Left thumb, right thumb” piece to the most advanced classical piece such as Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in C# minor”. And there are teachers online who can teach music reading. Search for them by typing in such phrases as “learn to read music” or “classical piano lessons online”.

2. Playing by ear. There are a very few individuals who can really play by ear, but they don’t need our help — they can play what they want any way they want. Playing by ear can be taught to some degree, but anyone who thinks they can end up playing like Ray Charles is kidding himself or herself. Still, normal individuals can learn to pick out a tune by ear and then match a chord to that melody, and eventually entertain themselves and others while having a ball.

3. Playing from chord symbols. Many professional pianists — especially jazz pianists — use “fake books”. Fake books are collections of songs in a “lead sheet” format, which means the melody of the song plus the chord symbols that go with the melody. To learn this form of playing you will need to learn chords — at least enough to play the songs you want to play — and you will need to learn to read the tune of the song in the treble clef — a skill much easier than learning to read masses of notes in both the treble and bass clefs.

Most people don’t even know that this form of playing exists, or if they do, they thing it is limited to pros. Not so. It is a straightforward process and produces good results after a relatively short period of time. In other words, you’ll be playing enough to enjoy yourself and maybe amaze your friends in a matter of weeks instead of years.

All of these methods are viable, and all can be learned from piano teachers online. But probably the best way of all is a synergy of the 3 ways: learn to read sheet music, develop your ear, and learn chords and how to use chord symbols to create your own styles of music.

Which ever method you pick is fine — just pick one and get going. A world of fun and satisfaction await!

For more information on the 3 methods adults can learn how to play the piano, watch my free short 5-minute video titled “I want to get back to piano playing!”

To get started come on over to the Play Piano Catalog

For those who want to pursue a career in piano, the options for training are diverse. There are a number of quality schools available in the United States and some abroad too.

* Juilliard: The Juilliard School in New York has a reputation as one of the best music schools in the world. In addition to piano and other instruments, students can also focus on dance and drama. The institution was founded in 1905 by Dr. Frank Damrosch. Damrosch was a musical prodigy and the godson of Hungarian pianist and composer Franz Liszt. A New Yorker, Damrosch bemoaned the idea that American musicians had to leave the U.S. for advanced training. He began with a modest idea to accept 100 students. Instead, he was overwhelmed by the demand for spaces in his school. Thanks to wealthy benefactor Augustus D. Juilliard, the school increased its space and programs beginning in 1919. Today the school seeks to provide high caliber training and experience in music. Juilliard prides itself in turning out some of the profession’s best leaders. Jazz pianist Chick Corea is one of Juilliard’s famous alumni.

* The Eastman School of Music is a music conservatory located in Rochester, New York. The school is considered among the most prestigious music institutions in the world. Centrally located downtown in the metropolitan city of Rochester, New York, The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music has been named the “Hottest Music School” in the 2008 Kaplan/Newsweek “How to Get into College” guide. A good friend of mine and former conductor of the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra is a graduate of Eastman.

* Berklee: The Berklee College of Music in Boston focuses on training musicians in contemporary music. Students have 12 majors to choose from, including songwriting, music therapy and more. Berklee’s programs offer very unique courses and instructors. There are also numerous opportunities for development outside of the classroom. Berklee College boasts the largest percentage of undergraduate students from outside the U.S. compared to all other American colleges and universities. This diversity enriches students both personally and academically. Some of Berklee’s famous grads include jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall and jazz pianist Danilo Perez.

* Royal College: The Royal College of Music in London attracts both British and International students. Its rich history begins in 1882. It was founded by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) and is still closely associated with the British royal family. Close to 50 nations are represented within its student body. Most are drawn to Royal College because of its stellar reputation in the music industry around the world. It strives to turn out the world’s most skilled musicians. It counts among its alumni such famous graduates as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and pianist Clifford Benson.

* New England Conservatory: Located in Boston, the NEC is ranked in the top five music schools in the United States. One-on-one interaction between individual students and faculty mentors is a central focus. This helps to ensure a high quality education that addresses the strengths of the individual. The NEC offers programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. Its Professional Piano Training Program is a unique study major, offering intensive training for career-driven piano students. Famous NEC alumni include jazz pianists Fred Hersch and Cecil Taylor.

* Curtis: The Curtis Institute of Music of Philadelphia sets itself apart from most every premier music school in the world. This is because every student receives a full tuition scholarship. Founder Mary Louise Curtis Bok envisioned an institution where finances were not a barrier. Potential students are instead judged solely on artistic merit and promise. Curtis typically admits fewer than 200 students per year. The school’s philosophy states that students learn by “doing.” To fulfill this mandate, it offers frequent opportunities for students to perform, both within in the community and abroad. It has a notable reputation for turning out exceptional professional musicians. American pianists Jonathon Biss and Richard Goode are two of Curtis’ famous alumni.

Do you know about our online catalog for piano players? It is a rich resource for all kinds and levels of piano players, covering everything from chords to music theory to arranging, technique, practice, styles, and tons more. Visit it at Play Piano Online Catalog