| Clefs, notes, rests, scales, chords, rhythm... How long | | | | learning the language is essential in avoiding future |
| does it really take to learn how to play the piano? The | | | | frustration. Some of these frustrations might include: |
| answer depends on your definition of what your | | | | "I wish I learned how to read rhythm properly. Why did |
| desired level of 'piano playing' should ultimately be. | | | | I waste my youth faking rhythm when I could have |
| There are professionals, semi-professionals, amateurs | | | | learned properly? Why, why, why ...?" |
| and people with next to no training. The following are | | | | "I just realized something. I'm sixty and I can't read |
| three common categories that a beginner pianist might | | | | music. Ahhhh!" |
| aspire to achieve. | | | | 3. Finally, category three involves an aspiration for |
| 1. You want to simply play a couple of pieces to | | | | professionalism. In order to achieve this level, serious |
| impress friends; this frame of mind will help you avoid | | | | lessons and lengthy practice sessions are a must. |
| unwanted comments such as: | | | | Music, like any other language, requires understanding |
| "It doesn't surprise me that you don't play an | | | | and an unusual amount of repetition in order to |
| instrument. You never could do anything!" | | | | reinforce mental understandings of music concepts |
| "I thought anyone could play SOMETHING on the | | | | and tactile memory. Consistency in this category has |
| piano. You've proven that I was wrong." | | | | the added reward of increasing your chances at |
| "I'm glad you don't play an instrument. Why do we | | | | receiving comments such as: |
| need more noise pollution in the world?" | | | | "Wow, you're amazing!" |
| Yes, people can be mean. Of course, I'm giving you | | | | "I think my ears just smiled. Thank you for the blessing |
| the worst case scenarios, but it doesn't hurt being | | | | of your playing. Here's some cash... now please play |
| prepared for the worst. Piano can easily be taught by | | | | some more, oh great one." |
| a student copying a teacher, provided the pieces are | | | | "I never knew real happiness until today. Thank you, |
| not too long or complex. This type of rote teaching is a | | | | thank you, thank you..." |
| quick fix, designed to give a pupil confidence when | | | | Which category does the average person fit into? I |
| asked by a friend or relative to play the piano. The | | | | would say the second one. Although the world is filled |
| downside is that a student will probably not accumulate | | | | with professional musicians, most people want to be |
| a lot of repertoire using this method, unless that student | | | | able to play a few songs and enjoy themselves. This |
| has an astonishing memory or an incredibly accurate | | | | enjoyment includes a bit of an understanding of the |
| ear for music. | | | | language of music, including clefs, notes, rests, scales, |
| 2. The second category of student involves an | | | | chords, rhythm and more. |
| aspiration to play for one's own enrichment and | | | | So here's some final advice. If you really want to know |
| enjoyment. At this stage real lessons should kick in, | | | | how to play the piano, ask yourself what your ultimate |
| including theory and practical technique. If music is to | | | | goals are. This will better help you channel your |
| be taken as a serious, yet enjoyable hobby, then | | | | valuable energy. |