Piano music can make you happy. It connects with your emotions, it brings people together, it’s calming, entertaining and inspiring. Whether it’s a concerto by Beethoven or a contemporary pop song, the piano soothes the soul. Believe it or not, anyone can learn to play the piano – you don’t need to be able to read piano sheet music to be able to play a tune. If you want to learn the piano or teach your children without having to pay for expensive lessons, here’s our three top tips.
Tip #1) Buy an illuminated keyboard
A good place to start learning is not to buy an expensive antique grand piano, but a decent keyboard with light-up keys. Most illuminated keyboards come with powerful lesson features which are perfect for novices who want to play their favourite tunes. You just press the key when it lights up! Some keyboards even
With this instrument you can make great music with very little effort or skill but as you progress the added features will enhance your performance greatly.
Tip #2) Get on YouTube!
Forget paying for a piano teacher – Youtube is full of thousands of free piano tutorial videos. Whether you want to learn simple chords or play along to your favourite tune, you can learn at your own pace. You can stop, pause, rewind and practice at a speed to suit you.
The best bit about Youtube though is that you can subscribe to videos you like – so as soon as a new video is up you’ll get an email and will be able to play along in no time.
Tip #3) Buy a colour chord book
Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to start learning some chords and expand your piano music skills. Whether you enjoy rock, jazz, blues, country or pop music, a book such as an encyclopaedia of colour picture chords will help you find the chords you need quickly and easily.
These diagrams are clearly set out, with colours and shapes for your hands. Studies have shown that if you picture things visually you will be more likely to remember them. And the best part is you only need to know 4 or 5 chords to play many of today’s pop tunes!
To sum up…
You don’t need to be able to read notes on a scale to play the piano – and this is what puts most people off. Sure it helps, but if you just want to play piano for enjoyment or for your friends then it’s not worth the amount of hours it will take to master.
Focus on the songs you like, nail down the basics and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!
Great tips. I want to learn but don’t know where to start – will look into a light up keyboard. Thank you
This is great information! For other great tools to use when learning to play the piano, visit the Digital Metronome Shop!
You can start playing your favorite songs in no time. Go to http://pianocrumbs.com, connect your piano keyboard and start practicing. Start playing with only right hand at 50% speed, than with the left hand at 50%. When you master both hands at 100% you can try playing both hands at full speed.