How to Start Piano as an Adult (Without Feeling Embarrassed)
Contrary to what a lot of people think - anyone can play the piano. If you can type, you can play - it’s just a different kind of keyboard.
OK, so it can be quite complicated, and there are thousands of YouTube videos of impossibly young children playing Chopin Etudes, and the set-up can feel overwhelming. And here we encounter the biggest obstacle: not any of the barriers I’ve just mentioned, but actually confidence. Most people treat practicing or performing like they’re giving a speech, and they get stagefright and feel nervous about starting. My students have approached me with questions like ‘what if I’m not good enough?’, ‘what if it becomes too time consuming or expensive?’ or ‘what if I can’t work out how to set it up?’.
The truth is, it’s never been easier to set up what you need to learn, and the only good reason to learn is joy. If your motivation is not to find joy in yourself and others through music, you won’t get the most out of it.
What you need to start
A keyboard or piano
Anything is better than nothing, but if you want the process to be easier a few months down the line, save yourself some time and money: if you’re getting a keyboard, get one with weighted keys. If you’re getting a real piano, have a technician come to service and tune it.
A phone, tablet or laptop
Access YouTube or private tuition easily, along with pdfs and sheet music. It’s easy to set up!
A goal
Check out the list of first goal pieces for beginners - they’re all picked for their level and popularity, so there’ll be something there you like.
Your first month plan
Your plan should include:
15 to 30 minutes of practice per day
A practice plan
Completing 4 of the beginner pieces, ideally with a teacher
It’s OK if things don’t go to plan - it’s more important that you make the start and keep trying.
Why online lessons work well for adult learners
Online lessons save time
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent or you have limited energy, your time is precious. Save some by not having to travel to your teacher, instead having them appear on your phone or laptop in the comfort of your home.
Online lessons can be booked at your convenience
If you need flexibility, we’ll accommodate you. Simply book each lesson on a time and date that suits you.
Online resources are all in one place
You can get pdfs, all-in-one courses, group lessons, 1:1 tuition and recorded notes all on the same platform.
