How do you decide what are the piano
lessons for you? It is becoming increasingly
popular for adults to rediscover their musical roots by learning
or re-learning to play an instrument. The piano is no exception.
In fact learning to play the piano is by far the most popular
instrument to learn.
It is a very rare individual who can just teach themselves
how to play piano and therefore most people
have to turn to taking lessons in order to better themselves
at the instrument.
So, the first thing you must do before diving into the piano
lessons is decide what skill level you’re at. If you
don’t know you would likely seek out the opinion of
a music teacher or professional. However, here are a few of
the questions they might ask you.
1. Can you read music? Many people learn
to play by ear and therefore most piano teachers or learning
programs would stress that you should learn to read music.
Why? Because it’s much easier to teach you to play if
you know how to read and understand music notation.
2. What type of music do you play? Whether
its classical, jazz, rock, blues or even popular music it’s
important to determine your skill level based on the type
of music that you can play.
3. If you have taken lessons previously, what level
did you achieve? Most lesson programs are structured
by level and therefore it would be easy to determine what
level you used to or can currently play at. For example: pianists
who have taken Royal Conservatory training would know what
level of conservatory piano that they have achieved.
After deciding your skill level you must then decide on budget.
And, of course, deciding on a budget will tell you how serious
you are about learning. Most people who are serious would
likely spend at least $60 an hour learning from a licensed
or otherwise proficient and prominent teacher.
If that is beyond your budget level then I would suggest
that you find yourself an online
learning program that suits your particular needs.
There are literally hundreds of online programs that mostly
teach via video and exercises. Make sure that you choose a
course that gives you the type of learning that you need.
While it may be difficult to do this just by reading about
the program I would suggest finding a program that has very
little risk. For example; you could find a program
that allows you to try the first lesson for free or at least
less than 10 bucks.
There are many other criteria for which you should choose
your online lessons, not the least of which would be price.
Some other points you should consider before diving in are;
1. Make sure the lessons are being given by a professional.
The last thing you want is to take lessons from someone who
has not proof that their method actually works.
2. Choose an online program that gives you the flexibility
to study at your own pace.
3. Make sure the quality of the video is first rate.
There is nothing worse than trying to learn from
a program that has poor visual and audio quality.
4. Try to stick to programs that have proof.
In other words, read the testimonials by people who have taken
the course and can say that it actually works.
5. Find the piano lessons that are at your level.
What you’re going to find online are lessons
that cater to very different audiences. For example; my lessons
are for more advanced musicians; people that can read music
and can play at least at a grade 7 conservatory level.
6. Do not take lessons that do not offer a money back
guarantee. That way you are assured that your risk
is non-existent in terms of money and low in terms of time
and commitment.
What are the piano lessons that can help you the most? Actually
it’s not the piano lessons that will help the most it’s
your attitude and learning habits that make the biggest
difference. Being committed to learning the piano
lessons that are right for you is as much your responsibility
as it is the teacher’s.
Paul Tobey
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