| So you want to learn piano as an adult? That's a | | | | answer because different piano methods prepare you |
| fantastic goal and one that millions of other people just | | | | for different types of playing. The traditional route to |
| like you have accomplished. It's not an easy road, but | | | | playing piano was to spend years practicing so you |
| you can take some simple steps that will make it go a | | | | can play classical music in recital environments, but if |
| lot easier for you. Here they are: | | | | that's not what you want, you may find it far more |
| 1. Be honest about why you want to learn piano | | | | efficient to play jazz and pop tunes, which are |
| Maybe you started learning piano as a child and just | | | | generally simpler. New piano teaching courses and |
| never really stuck with it. That's fine, but do you really | | | | methods focus on these types of music so that the |
| want to play the piano now? If you do, then that's | | | | student makes progress faster. |
| great. If not, you may not have the discipline to put in | | | | 4. Get the right equipment |
| the time necessary to learn. | | | | No matter what method of piano you choose, you're |
| Do you want to play classical music at recitals? Do | | | | going to need to practice, and that means you need a |
| you want to write your own jazz music? Do you just | | | | piano. The more comfortable you are with the |
| want to play popular songs at parties? You should | | | | equipment you have, the more practice you'll be able |
| decide what motivates you to learn, as this will help | | | | to put in and the faster you'll progress. |
| you get through the hours of practice ahead of you, | | | | The first question you'll have to answer is digital vs. |
| and it will guide you to the methods and music that will | | | | acoustic. Most piano players prefer the sound of an |
| give you the best results. | | | | acoustic piano, but a digital piano offers some real |
| 2. Decide whether to self-teach or hire a tutor | | | | advantages, including the ability to fit it into a space |
| It used to be that you had to hire a teacher to learn | | | | apartment, as well as the ability to play at any time |
| piano, but with the amazing advances in technology | | | | without disturbing others. These advantages may |
| from the internet, DVD, and more, you can now | | | | mean that you'll end up playing more than you would |
| effectively teach yourself piano. Evaluate your learning | | | | with an acoustic, even though the acoustic piano |
| style and maybe try some of the excellent | | | | sounds a bit better. |
| self-learning piano methods available to see if they're | | | | Conclusion |
| effective for you. | | | | Deciding to learn piano is a great goal and by taking |
| 3. Find the method that works for you | | | | the right steps when you get started, you'll have the |
| Remember how I asked if you want to play classical | | | | right foundation to successfully reach your goals and |
| or jazz or pop tunes? This is an important question to | | | | be able to enjoy tickling the ivory for years! |