What is it like to take piano lessons? It is a whole new world! A world filled with a variety of things . . . excitement, adventure, entertainment, education and lots of new activities to encounter. Each week there is a healthy balance between something old and something new - old concepts from the previous week’s lesson, which need review, and new concepts at the present lesson.
You might ask, “Where does the adventure come in?” Well, the minute you open your piano method book, your journey begins. Fun music (there’s the entertainment) with words and artwork to transport your mind to a totally different subject and location (there’s the adventure), all while fostering and reinforcing the skills needed to learn to read music (there’s the education).
You will also gain a partner and friend for life – your teacher! A teacher will instruct, mentor and inspire you to be all that you can be – not just a person who can read music and play the piano, but a person who will be a better human being – a person who is more sensitive to others around him and recognizes beauty in the world. Your teacher will become your hero!
Do you REALLY have to practice? The answer to that is YES! You REALLY have to practice between lessons if you want to progress and reap the full benefits of music study. Plus, it is more enjoyable for YOU, the student, if you are well prepared for your lesson each week. Practice is a good thing. It is something that you can grow to appreciate and even look forward to. Practice time is a chance to escape to another world and do something positive just for yourself.
“How much do I have to practice?” You might ask. That depends on several factors such as your age, level of study, and length of study. Rest assured your teacher will advise you wisely on this subject. One thing for sure is that having a set routine for practice is necessary for the success of any student at any age.
Another element that is necessary for succeeding at learning to play piano is having a good quality instrument to practice on. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive or luxurious piano in the world, it just needs to be in tune and have an action that is even and adequately weighted. These days, you can purchase high-quality keyboards that are reasonably priced and have all 88 weighted keys plus a sustain pedal. Your favorite piano store can help you out with that, and in Birmingham, AL, hopefully that is Ellis Piano!
Am I reeling you in yet? I hope so! As a former piano teacher for 20 years, I can vouch for all of the above information. As the current Manager for the Print Music Department at Ellis Piano, I can also relay that I run into customers all the time who say they pine over never having studied piano when they were young. Some have told me that they took for a while, but then dropped out; oh, how they all regret that decision!
I always tell these people that it is never too late! You can take piano lessons at any age and enjoy the rewards of an art that challenges both your thinking and creative skills. In addition, playing the piano warms your heart and soothes your soul, especially when you learn to play well enough to share your music with others; by doing so, you then warm THEIR hearts and feed THEIR souls! It’s a win-win situation!
So, whether you are an adult who wants your child to take piano lessons, or whether YOU want to take, now is the time to take a leap of faith and get started. Help make the world a better place by spreading the joy of music!
Comments