How to Learn Piano as an Adult

Many adults regret not learning piano as a child.  I have heard many comments like “I regret not sticking with it” or “I just don’t think I will be able to learn how to play now”.  I am here to tell you that it is never too late to learn how to play piano.  If you are wanting to know how to learn piano as an adult, these are some helpful pointers to get you started.

Just Do It

We all know that famous Nike slogan “Just Do It”. Part of the reason you don’t know how to learn piano as an adult is because you are afraid.  You are afraid of messing up or not being able to.  There may be frustration along the way and it may not come easy to you, but just do it.  Take the first step and be confident in your ability to learn.

 

Decide How You Want to Learn

When you take lessons as a child, you will begin with method books.  These books contain music theory, songs, and technique.  As an adult, you can choose what exactly you want to learn.  You decide if you are wanting to learn chords, how to read music, how to play a certain genre of music, if you want to play by ear, or if you want to learn your favorite songs.  Then, when you start lessons, you will know exactly what you are wanting to learn.

 

Find a Teacher

There are many great piano teachers who not only teach young students, but also teach adults.  The great thing about teaching adults piano is you can move at a faster pace.  Concepts and skills are covered in a faster time frame and with practice on your part, you are able to move pretty quickly through the lessons.  Ask other adults who are taking music lessons to find a great piano teacher.  Or you can always learn on your own time and at your own pace by taking online piano lessons.

Get a Piano or a Keyboard

This is a pretty obvious pointer, but deciding if you want a piano or keyboard is definitely an important step.  If you are wanting an idea of a great keyboard to start on (I have the same one in my home), then I recommend the this one that comes with the keyboard, headphones, music stand, pedal and bench.  I recommend some other keyboards you can check out here. If you are wanting a piano, you can find really great ones at your local music stores or even on Craigslist.  Whether you go the digital piano route, or are wanting an upright piano, the choice is really yours.

 

Be Patient

Learning anything new is frustrating.  If you are anything like me, you want to learn something new and do it well.  When learning piano, you are having to think of many things at the same time.  It will take time to learn the notes, how to read music, rhythms, technique, and everything else. Give yourself grace and be patient.  Take your time and don’t give up, because if you are motivated to learn, it will come.  Besides, there are many students who start learning the piano young and hate it.  Maybe you were one of these kids.  Maybe you were forced to take lessons, and just had no desire to learn. So, now that you have the desire to learn as an adult, this will help you be successful.

 

Practice Makes Perfect

I have always hated the phrase “practice makes perfect.”  But, practice makes sort of perfect.  What I mean is, to grasp a new skill, you need to practice.  You will not be perfect at the piano, or anything else you learn, because I think we always have room to grow and learn more.   Set aside time each day, whether it’s in the morning before everyone else in your house wakes up, on your lunch break or after the kids are in bed for some good quality practice time. If you don’t know how to practice, start with saying the note names out loud.  Then, practice your scales and other warm ups. Then, start learning a song your teacher assigned you, taking it really slowly.  Each time you sit down, you will notice learning the piano comes a little bit easier to you and it isn’t as frustrating.  You will get the hang of how to have a good practice session and will feel more confident in your ability.

 

If you’re learning to play piano, it’s frustrating sometimes not knowing where to find good music.  I’ve found a lot of great ideas at Virtual Sheet Music, Inc.

 

Are you wanting to learn piano as an adult or have you already begun learning piano?  Do you find it is coming easy to you or are you having a hard time learning how to play? 

I’d love to teach you with my online piano course.  It’s for kids OR adults and is broken down in a step by step approach. 

 

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