Sometimes playing the piano can feel like trying to rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time – there’s a lot to think about! One common question that beginner piano players have that ties into this is whether you should look at your hands or the music when you’re playing. Read on as Chicago piano teacher Carol R. tackles the topic…
When you’re a beginner learning how to play the piano, one of the biggest questions you’ll ask is where should you look when playing? Your hands or the music? There isn’t really a right or wrong answer, but here’s what you need to know about each option.
How Do I Start Playing the Piano?
A piano is a beautiful and versatile instrument that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano, there’s no time like the present. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Find the right instrument – If you’re just starting out, it’s important to find an instrument that’s comfortable for you. A digital piano is a good option for beginners because it’s portable and relatively affordable. You can also rent a piano for a reasonable price if you don’t want to make a long-term investment.
- Don’t be afraid to practice – Like anything else, practice makes perfect when it comes to playing the piano. It’s important to set aside some time each day to practice what you’ve learned in your lessons. If you can only spare 15 minutes, that’s better than nothing!
- Be patient – Don’t expect miracles overnight-learning to play piano is a gradual process. By sticking with it and practicing regularly, you’ll be playing your favorite tunes in no time at all!
With a little time and effort, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time flat!
One of the best ways to master the craft of playing the piano is to sign up for piano lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know to play the instrument with more confidence (including how to play the piano without looking at your hands).
Just check out the video below for a better idea of what you’ll cover in your piano lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw
Learning to Play the Piano By Feel, Not Sight
I am asked this question many times in my teaching, especially with beginners. I try to explain that it is like typing on a keyboard. You have to “feel” where the keys are and only look at the music. This is fairly easy if it is done at the beginner level. Your piano teacher should be training you to watch the music and not look down.
How to Play the Piano Without Looking At Your Hands
In my teaching, I begin with a five-finger hand position (key of C) and have my students feel where the notes are by playing and thinking of each key as a number and stating the name of the note. Of course, you must find the position by looking at the music before beginning to play, not after you’ve started. Gradually, we expand out to other five-finger positions (key of G, F, D, etc.). From there, we branch out to notes outside of the five-finger positions, by knowing how it feels. You’ll learn that your playing will sound more like music by “feeling” for the notes, along with counting, and by keeping your eyes totally on the music.
This becomes more of a problem if you can already play the piano and read notes, but play by stopping and looking down for the notes. This leads to not keeping a steady beat and breaks in the music, and affects the sound of the song. Your teacher should help you recognize this, and encourage you to keep your eyes on the music. In time, you’ll learn how to do this on your own and be able to play many more songs accurately.
Songs to Play on the Piano That Build Hand Confidence
As a pianist, I know how important it is to have confident hands. After all, when you’re playing the piano, your hands are the only part of your body that’s actually making music! That’s why I’ve put together a list of songs that are perfect for building hand confidence.
These songs are all easy to play and don’t require any fancy fingerwork, so you can focus on keeping your hands steady and in control. Plus, they’re all fun to play, so you’ll actually enjoy practicing!
The first song on the list is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” This classic nursery rhyme is one of the most popular songs for beginners, and it’s perfect for those who are just starting to learn the piano.
The second song is “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” This tune is also perfect for beginners, as it’s relatively simplistic and easy to follow.
The third song on the list is “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” This is another classic nursery rhyme that’s perfect for beginning pianists.
Next is “The Wheels on the Bus.” This well-known children’s song is also relatively easy to play, making it perfect for those who are just starting out.
The final song on the list is “Bingo.” This recognizable tune is sure to please any crowd, and it’s also relatively easy to play.
So whether you’re a beginner who’s just starting to build up your hand confidence or an experienced player who wants to keep your skills sharp, this list of songs is sure to have something for you.
Happy playing!
The Best Way to Learn to Play the Piano
In general, it is best to look at the music when you are first starting out playing the piano. This will help you to better understand what notes you are playing and how they fit together. As you get more experience, you can start to experiment with looking away from the music sheet and seeing your hands instead.
If you have any other questions about learning to play the piano, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We would be happy to answer them for you or put you in touch with a local instructor who can help guide you on your musical journey.
Carol R. teaches piano, music theory and organ lessons to students of all ages in Chicago, IL. She holds a Master’s degree and Ph.D in Music from the American Conservatory of Music, and she joined the TakeLessons team in February 2013. Learn more about Carol, or search for a teacher near you!
Photo by guruscotty
Suzy S.