Want to learn to play piano?

Regardless of which option you chose, here are 10 tips to remember when learning piano

1. Start off with simple pieces of music. Relax and take your time.
2. Listen carefully to the song you are trying to learn to get a feel for the dynamics and emotion used to ‘tell the story’.
3. During practice sessions, when you have a hard time playing a section of music, break it down into smaller pieces. Play one hand at a time and repeat the pattern until it becomes easy.
4. Practice playing each part of the song. When the physical playing becomes second nature it is much easier to perform the whole song with a natural relaxed ‘feel’.
5. When you learn a complex section of music, go back and put it in context by playing the sections before and after it.
6. Look for familiar patterns and harmonies in every song you learn/play. This will help your understanding of songwriting and your knowledge of the instrument.
7. Record your performances so that you can hear areas that need improvement and get a sense of your progress.
8. Find a great teacher who can help you with your technique and offer suggestions on ways to learn.
9. Practice every day if possible and remember to have fun! Keep your learning interesting by trying new techniques.
10. Play with other people to improve your timing and listening skills.

If you're still plucking up the courage to take the first step, here are three points to remember:

Learning piano as an adult? Hear Fiona’s story…

I was definitely a late starter! I didn’t play an instrument as a child and I didn’t come from a musical background.

When I was in my mid-thirties, I had a friend who could play the piano beautifully. I used to sit in awe as she played classical pieces that she had learnt as a child. The astonishing thing to me was that she didn’t play much anymore.



I thought to myself, if I could play like that I would be playing every day! I would probably even be writing and recording songs … maybe even be famous on YouTube!

Then it came to me…

I am going to learn how to play the piano! And so my adventure began.

“The hardest thing about learning to play piano as an adult is actually starting” I work as a high school teacher. Everyday, I am surrounded by people trying to learn things. I’m always amazed at how one learning method works for one person and not another. Learning is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ kind of thing. So, from the beginning, I realised it was really important to find the best learning method (or methods) that suited me personally.

The benefits of learning to play the piano as an adult

1. It’s good for your mental and physical health
Music is extremely beneficial for your mental and physical health, from that warm fuzzy feeling of playing a song perfectly, to figuring out specific chords and muscle memory. It’s known to combat Alzheimer’s disease, boost concentration and memory, and even general perception of your surroundings.

2. You can learn in the way that works for you
Buying the piano YOU want, learning via a tutor, from YouTube, or from a book, and choosing what times you want to practice… learning when you’re older can be more fun, and make it feel less like an obligation. It’s on your terms!

3. You have a lifetime of musical experience
You may not play an instrument yet, but you’ve grown up listening to lots of music and have that extra experience that a younger learner may not have yet. You can choose what style you’d like to play, from classical pieces, to the latest pop songs.

4. It makes you feel great
While you may be new right now, in the future you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. You’ll be amazed what you’ve achieved, and be able to say “I did that” instead of “I wish I did that”.

So…get started now!

As I mentioned, there are several ways to approach learning to play the piano as an adult. Here are five methods that have been working for me:

1. Get a piano teacher
2. Take piano lessons online
3. Use piano Apps with Bluetooth
4. Learn your favourite songs via YouTube
5. Jam with friends

Learning piano as a child? Hear Michelle’s story…

As a parent, it is sometimes difficult to guide your children towards positive activities that will help them navigate life and to become better people. The world is full of adults who wish that they had been encouraged to learn piano as a child.

There is a wealth of evidence that suggests it is much easier to learn an instrument when you are young. Playing piano from an early age will have a positive effect on your child’s mental and physical growth and enrich their life in a number of areas.

Learning piano when you are young
I was fortunate in that my parents encouraged me to play with the piano at an early age as we had a piano in our house. I have fond memories of sitting with my siblings and playing simple songs and games together. When I was five my mother suggested that I start taking lessons.



Children have a wonderful capacity for learning. The piano lessons and practice exercises my teacher gave me really helped my physical coordination. They also gave me some structure on how to approach learning new things.

I continued with my piano lessons throughout my school years. I believe that the discipline I gained helped me with my school work, creativity and even my social skills. Interestingly, when my schedule started to fill up with other activities, I was always able to set aside enough time for my music studies.

Today, as a music teacher myself, I am continually amazed by my young student’s ability to absorb information and understand subtle concepts. With the right encouragement and guidance, their progress is often astounding. There is something about learning piano as a child that is challenging and appeals to young imaginations!

Music improves brain development - science agrees
Numerous studies by neuroscientists have determined that playing the piano has a positive effect on brain development, especially in young children. Memory functions, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, listening and communication skills all benefit from learning an instrument and engaging in regular practice.

Studies show learning piano improves brain development
It takes focus and dedication to learn an instrument and progressing through the levels is very satisfying. This has a positive influence on many other areas of your child’s life including school, sports and social activities. Putting in the practice before a recital provides an understanding of what it takes to learn something new and perform well.



Another benefit of learning piano as a child is the early development of music appreciation. Learning to play an instrument gives you a unique insight into the craft of songwriting, arrangement and performance. It is wonderful to be inspired by the talents of other musicians and the music of different cultures from around the world.

Introducing your child to learning the piano?
There is an advantage in having a piano in your home when your child is still very young. I know that many homes don’t have the space or the budget for an acoustic piano so I often recommend buying a digital piano. These days they sound and feel just like an acoustic piano and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices. Digital pianos also have headphones which can be a blessing in an apartment!

I encourage parents to ‘play’ games on the piano with their child well before they take formal lessons. This develops a playful familiarity with the instrument and an eagerness to learn.

There are lots of suggestions about games and activities in these two articles: Things to do Before Your Child Begins Lessons & Fun Games to Play with Your Child on Piano.

In conclusion
My personal message to all parents out there is:
“there is no better a time to learn an instrument than when you are young.”

It is a blessing if you have a child that is interested in playing an instrument. If your child likes music, singing or dancing, the piano could be a doorway to a lifetime of enjoyment.

Who knows, you may even want to join in on the fun and take lessons yourself!