How to Learn Piano as an Adult

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How to learn piano as an adult- what is the best way? Should you start taking piano lessons or teach yourself to play? Are there any other alternatives?

Maybe you took piano lessons earlier and now would like to start again, or you are looking for ways to have some "you" time and do something just for yourself. Perhaps you want to challenge yourself with a new direction, develop your creativity, or even "train your brain."

Whatever your reasons, there are two main ways how to learn piano; you can either find out 

  • how to learn piano by yourself 
  • or start lessons with a teacher.

How to Learn Piano by Yourself

How to Learn Piano - By Yourself or With a Teacher?

If you choose to teach yourself to play piano, make sure to invest in a good quality self-teaching piano-method book and CDs and DVDs about piano playing. You can also use piano lesson software and online courses that may help you learn faster.

>>> Click here for a popular step-by-step program on how to learn piano online.

Why teach yourself? Teaching yourself piano can be a good idea. Especially if you have limited time for a regular lesson time, money is tight, or there are no piano teachers where you live.

8 Tips on How to Teach Yourself Piano

1. Begin right away and get a helpful teach-yourself-piano method book. 

2. Use Media. There are lots of helpful apps for music learners. You could also try out a DVD piano course or software for beginners.

3. Get piano software for beginners to supplement your method. Read my review of eMedia's Piano Method here.

4. Teach yourself how to learn piano by ear, which means picking out tunes and harmonies from memory (or from a recording), and learn to play without note reading.

5. Make up your own pieces and improvise whatever you feel like! Do this daily.

6. Learn to play piano chords. Playing chord piano is a fun and fast way to learn to play the piano yourself.

7. Keep doing it! Here are tips on how to stay on track: How to learn piano by yourself.

8. Stay Organized. Read Teach Yourself Piano in 20 Steps for tips. 

Start Piano Lessons with a Teacher

How to learn piano with a teacher.

If you choose to start piano lessons with a teacher, remember that you have many options as an adult.

There are different types of lessons available; for example, with varying styles of music. Sometimes, you can choose between group/class or individual lessons. Many teachers now offer online "long-distance" piano lessons, a relatively new approach.

Starting piano lessons with a teacher can be a good idea to get a push in the right direction. You may be able to choose between private one-on-one teaching, either in your own home or at the teachers' place or studio.

4 Tips for Starting Lessons with a Teacher

1. Tailor Your Lessons

You can discuss with the piano teacher if you would like only a few lessons, maybe even sporadically.

In my piano studio, I offer my adult students various options, for example;

  • 5 lessons cycles, where they can decide whether to continue for another set of lessons or not.
  • Drop-in lessons to help in the process of pieces they are working on themselves, as well as...
  • Lessons where we only focus on a particular topic, like learning piano chords or reading piano notes for those who like to work primarily on their own.

Even if many prefer regular once per week lessons, it is good to know that this is not the only way. Work out a plan with your piano teacher so that it suits you!

But, if "regular" individual lessons are not for you- here are some other alternatives:

2. Consider Group Lessons

Another fun option is participating in adult group lessons or classes, where you meet in a group setting.

This can be a lot of fun and offers a chance to meet new friends, as well as an in-built motivation booster - you don't want to show up unprepared ;).

3. Check out Adult Piano Camps

An excellent and inspirational way to learn piano and keep yourself motivated is to attend an adult piano camp. Several adult piano camps are available for pianists if you search online, from beginners to advanced.

In the camp, you will have a lot of fun, of course, and work intensively with your playing with different piano teachers in individual lessons and open masterclasses.

You will also get a chance to prepare to perform and get a lot of practice in daring to do so!

4. Online Piano Lessons

Some teachers offer online lessons via Skype, Zoom, or similar. In this way, you can have lessons in the comfort of your home, but with a professional piano teacher that you work with personally, online.

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