Two Hot Ways to Learn Piano
It’s only natural to be a little bit overwhelmed when you first start learning to play the piano. Most people never consider how challenging becoming a good pianist can be. But that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. As a matter of fact, there are two very different ways of approaching piano learning. Everything is predicated on the level of piano skill you hope to attain.
If you’re serious about getting really good at piano going the classical route would be the best option. If you’d like to be able to play almost anything, then it’s essential you have an understanding of music theory, and the ability to read music. Learning the piano is like moving to a foreign country. Wthout being able to speak the native language, you won’t make significant progress. You wouldn’t move to Paris without learning at least a few basic words and phrases in French, would you? It’s the same way with the piano or any other instrument on the face of the planet. Without knowing how to read music you’re really not going to get very far or get very much out of piano lessons of any kind.
There are certainly some prodigies in the world who are able to reproduce entire songs by ear and memory, but if you were a prodigy you would already know. If that’s not the case, and you want to be able to play classical music, learning to read music is mandatory
On the other hand, if all you want to do is play your favorite songs, there is a faster and easier way of going about learning to play piano. Chording is the other style. Keep in mind that melody and rhythm are the basis of every song. There are 12 major and 12 minor keys in music. The construction of classical piano technique is built within each of these keys on a series of scales. Using chords allows you to play music without worrying about the scales themselves.
Specific notes required to play the song as it’s written, including the keys to the chords, are included in most sheet music. In other words, just by learning how to play all the chords, you can make it sound like the song. Without actually having to play the song precisely the way it was written.
Even though chording is much faster and easier to learn than classical piano, only by acquiring the ability to read music can you hope to advance to a level of decent piano skill. Again, it all depends on what kind of pianist you want to become. Obviously, consistency is the most essential consideration. The best, and easiest way to advance your piano skills is daily practice in a quiet, well lit place. Sometimes, practicing will be the last thing you feel like doing. But, remember, that old joke(“How do you get to Carnegie Hall?…..answer : Practice, Practice, Practice”) is true.
Filed under arts, entertainment and music by on Dec 31st, 2010.
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