Learning a musical instrument has many advantages.
Especially the piano.
The question is, what is the best way to learn this instrument? Music is something that everybody seems to love.
Listening to a rhythmic song makes us move, a beautiful melody makes us cry, and a catchy line gets stuck in our head for days! What's better than listening to music? Playing it.
The piano has many advantages.
You develop your coordination by playing different things with both hands and fingers, as well as using a pedal.
There's discipline with practicing to get better.
And there's the expressive side that allows you to let lose.
There are many different methods to learning the piano.
You can take private lessons, learn from a DVD, from books, by ear, and software.
Which is the best? It all depends on your goals.
As a beginner any of these methods (except ear training and from books) will get you on the right way.
It all depends what you want.
If you really want to get good at playing the piano you need a full hands on approach.
For this, I recommend a really detailed and planned out program or private teacher.
The benefit of having a private lesson is that you get personalized feedback and are given lessons that take time to get down.
This means you have to practice.
And by practicing you develop piano skills.
The downside to private lessons is that it is a hassle to schedule a time every week that you both can meet.
Then you have to drive to the house.
Then there are cancellations, poor weather outdoors, dealing with rush hour, and paying a good amount of money every week.
Learning online or through a software program has its benefits as well.
You teach yourself by following a program outline of lessons.
You set the pace.
If you want to learn fast, you can work through the material quickly.
If you are having a difficult time, you can take a slower time.
All you need is a computer to gain access and can take it anywhere with you.
The only downside is that you don't have someone telling you to practice.
It's all up to you to learn.
Learning the piano is a lot like learning a language.
You first learn words, then basic sentences, and pronunciation.
Then you start putting these things together to develop more complex sentences.
Then essays.
Then full blown conversations.
If you start off trying to have full conversations you'll sound very strange.
The same goes for piano.
Learning to play a piano requires a system that starts with the basics.
Then it builds on this to more detailed work.
Before you know it you'll be playing piano sonatas by Beethoven!