Piano Practice For Adults

So, you have decided that you would like to learn to play the piano? Hopefully, you have chosen a teacher or online method that works for you. The next steps will be consistency and an effective piano practice strategy. This article is written with the beginning adult pianist in my mind.

I find that most adults fall into one of two categories. Either they dropped out of piano lessons as a kid and wish they could play now, or, they never had the opportunity as a kid and have always wanted to play. Welcome beginning adult pianists! I am thrilled that you have made the decision to learn to play the piano. There are so many benefits that I don’t where to start. Having made the decision, you are most likely wondering how to get the most out of your piano lessons and with that I would like to provide some tips about the basic cornerstone: piano practice.

Plan to spend about 15 to 30 minutes each day. Please remember, you can break up your practice sessions. If you are feeling tired, having difficulty focusing or becoming overly frustrated-just step away from the piano. This is the same advice I try to follow when learning a new skill at the computer or a new software product. Remember: Although playing the piano is a new challenge, it is important to take it in small, incremental steps. Enjoy yourself! You are not in a race.

Sit straight at your piano; bottom scooted slightly forward on your bench or chair, right foot slightly forward. You will eventually learn to use this foot to control the piano pedals. Forearms are parallel to the floor and hands should form a nice curved position over the piano keys. It is important to avoid playing with flat hands and fingers. It will impair your ability to reach the black keys smoothly.

If you are working through a course or with a professional teacher, he/she will assign appropriate musical goals and monitor your progress. There are many courses that include accompaniment CDs so that you can enjoy playing along with a full band. There are also Christmas books that come with these CDs and that certainly can be a lot of fun. Although fun, CD accompaniments also help you learn to play in ensemble and keep appropriate tempo. This is an invaluable skill!

I also encourage adults to visit youtube and pull up teaching videos of things you are interested in learning at the piano. Maybe you would like to see how to give a jazzy rendition of Blue Suede Shoes or would like to learn more about Black Gospel riffs. Whatever your cup of tea, you can find someone demonstrating it on YouTube. My adult students do this all of the time and really enjoy it. Sometimes, they surprise me with something they have learned courtesy of YouTube. It can really add some spice and variety to your piano practice regimen.

Lastly, sit down and play something for family and friends when you are comfortable. You will be surprised how great it feels to perform at the piano for someone and delighted to know that they think it is great that you, the adult, are learning something new!