Learn Piano your way with a TakeLessons expert

andresr / E+ / Getty Images Tired of practicing piano scales over and over... and over again? While repetition is great for your muscle memory, getting bored won't do you any favors. Here, New York, NY piano teacher Nadia B. shares four ideas for how to practice scales in new ways... Whether you're a beginner or an experienced piano player, practicing scales can be hard work! But there are lots of ways to make it fun.  Here are four tactics that you can use to make scales more enga

After hearing a new piece of music, listeners often ask, “How’d you come up with that?”  However, this question often implies, “Why did you write that?”  The "why" is not answered easily. Creativity comes from a mysterious place.  Neuroscientists have shown that creative thinkers tend to be “right-brained”  processors (and synthesizers) of information. However, the impetus to compose includes a myriad of both internal and external factors, and often, these factors are elu

Commitment and motivation play key roles when it comes to learning anything new, especially as an adult; learning to play piano is no different! Whether you’re a beginner, or possibly returning to the keys, finding ways to stay motivated and engaged week after week is crucial to your success. Before you get started, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to staying motivated. As an adult learning a new skill, you’re probably beginning with a spec

Are you getting ready for a piano level test? You’re not alone. From grade school to college and beyond, many of us need to take piano level tests.  Whether it’s for a class or for your own personal progress, there are certain steps you can take to ensure success on the big day. Here is a timeline of what you should do leading up to your piano level test – get ready to rock out!  How Many Levels Are There in Piano? Learning piano is a deep and rewarding passion for many music

Olga Rolenko / Moment / Getty Images It’s never too early (or late) to start learning the piano! Whether you have an illustrious grand piano or a funky techno-beat electronic keyboard, you can teach your child several easy piano songs for beginners in a fun and encouraging fashion. Introducing your child to the fundamentals of music can help them in many different ways. Studies have shown that there’s a substantial correlation between music and language skills. It turns out that learn

When you're learning how to play the piano, finger exercises are especially important--especially if you're having trouble controlling that pesky fourth finger! Learn the steps to take in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI teacher Amy C... Ah, the fourth finger.  Most pianists know all too well the issues that surround the fourth and finger. Unlike the first, second, and third finger, these two ancillary fingers tend to not be as well developed. While some players might consider those f

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso According to the 2008 NAMM Global Report on Music, 82% of adults who don't play a musical instrument wish they did. It's a funny thing for a musician like me to meet different people--a physician or an attorney, for example--and hear her say, "Gee, I always wished that I could do that." On November 11, 2013, the New York Times ran a story about some very interesting neuroscientific studies. O

Are you interested in learning how to sight read on the piano? Want to be able to sit down at the keyboard and play a favorite piece by simply glancing at the sheet music? Piano sight reading is one of the most important skills to learn as a pianist. In this article, we’ll look at 9 sight reading tips for pianists. For more sight reading tips, check out this helpful video tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byyAqEoRdmk What is Piano Sight Reading? Sight reading is the abili

Taking piano lessons as an adult can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little research and preparation, you can find the perfect teacher who will help you reach your goals.  Let’s explore how to choose the right piano teacher for adult students. Is Learning Piano Over 40 Hard? Learning piano over 40 might seem like a daunting task, but there are many ways to make beginner piano lessons for adults easier: Setting reasonable expectations, finding a suitable t

Are you looking to learn some iconic piano songs? Today, there are many well-known pianists who are able to transform a movie theme, classical piece, jazz standard, or pop song into a solo piece for the piano. And now is your opportunity to learn to play the best of the best for yourself.  Not sure where to start? Allow our list of songs to inspire you. We’ve rounded up 15 of the top piano love songs of all time. Maybe you’re looking to gain the attention of a certain love interest,