What is the best way to learn piano on your own?
I get asked all the time: What is the best way to learn piano on your own? Or is it even possible?
Like many things, the answer is: it depends.
The first question to ask is: Why do you want to learn the piano?
After 20 years of teaching piano lessons, I can tell you the answer isn’t always obvious. Taking on lessons is a big challenge for many people, and you would be surprised at the psychological reasons involved! Some people want to learn piano because they want to play for friends or for their pleasure, but others have “deeper” motives. Sometimes positive, like a need for self-expression, and sometimes negative, such as leftover guilt or regret from childhood.
No matter what your reason: it’s worth asking yourself this question right away because a lot of it determines your course of study.
For example, if all you want is a very general understanding of music and the piano, then there is a very solid chance you can learn this on your own.
Even if you want to get to an intermediate or early-advanced level but have no desire to play for others, there is a lot about the piano you can learn online.
On the other hand, if you want the discipline of a teacher who will constantly monitor your progress and perfect your playing over years, you are much better off seeking a piano teacher in person.
The biggest fear in self-teaching is that you will learn bad habits at the piano. So you must decide how open you are to the possibility that your habits will hold you back in the future. If you only want to play for pleasure, this is fine. But you may not make it to Carnegie Hall.
How do I get started?
The most important thing is this: first steps are important!
A lot of people try to learn the piano by diving in – which is great – but they often try to learn things that are too hard! It’s easy to bite off more than we can chew. Here are a couple hints:
- Find material made by actual piano teachers. (Might I suggest my free beginner piano lessons here?)
- Don’t move too fast. The best way to learn the piano on your own is to be patient. Remember that most students take a long time in getting started. Be patient with yourself.
- Study music theory, technique, and ear training while you learn piano. This will help you “connect the dots” and build an overall understanding of what is going on.
- Build a solid practice routine.
Who can I trust when I learn to play piano on my own?
One of the most difficult things about learning online is knowing who to trust. The truth is there are a LOT of teachers online, many of them great, and some of them questionable. And if you’re just beginning, it’s hard to know who is who.
One of the best things to look for are teachers who have real-world experience and results. If a person “plays the piano” but has never taught, you might not be getting the best advice. Like in many things, be suspicious of the person who brags too much. Do a little research.
When should I stop?
At some point in your journey, you might find yourself having more questions than you can answer. Or you might want some feedback from a piano teacher. If that’s the case, you might want to stop trying to learn the piano on your own.
And remember, if you are afraid of forming bad habits, you should at the very least have a professional look at your playing on an occasional basis and offer feedback.
For sure, if you find that the frustrations of trying to self-teacher are getting in the way of enjoying making music, don’t hesitate to look for regular instruction!
Always remember, at the end of the day that when you learn the piano, whether on your own or with a teacher, it should serve your own personal goals.
If you like this article, please consider my free beginner piano lessons.
You might also enjoy my article on getting started as an adult beginner: Piano Lessons for Adult Beginners.
Happy Practicing!