If you’re looking for free piano lessons, look no further. In this article we share three resources that will help you take your first steps from beginner to Beethoven.
No one ever says, “I wish I hadn’t learned the piano.”
With a bit of skill and practice, the piano creates beautiful music. It’s no wonder why so many revere those who play it and are eager to learn it themselves.
Although learning the piano can be quite expensive, there are several affordable and even free options available. We’ve done all the research for you below!
What is the Best Free Piano Lesson App?
There’s no better way to learn piano than by trying a free piano lessons app! These apps offer learners a hands-on, accessible way to learn piano regardless of where they might be. Some good options include:
- TakeLessons Live
- Perfect Ear
- Music Tutor
There are other well-known apps you can tap into, too, such as Flowkey. The downside to some of these is that you start off with free online piano lessons for a brief period of time but then need to pay for them.
Of course, you can always teach yourself how to play piano for free, too. Although this isn’t the best way to learn – we always recommend getting signed up for piano lessons with an instructor. It’s a great way to get started, especially if you’re on a budget.
Check out this video to start learning your major scales, the first step for any piano player to take:
Where to Find Free Piano Lessons
Ready to learn more about some of the best free piano lessons for beginners? Here are some of the best options to consider!
1. TakeLessons Live
When it comes to learning a new instrument, most will agree that having a teacher is the best way to go. This can be challenging if you live in a rural area, or if you’re on a budget. TakeLessons Live is an excellent solution with free online piano lessons.
With TakeLessons Live you get a real, live teacher who can show you proper technique, correct your mistakes, and answer any questions you have “in real time.” You’re able to take classes from the comfort of your home, or while on-the-go with your laptop or mobile device.
You can take as many classes as you want, at no cost. A few examples of class topics include how to read music, playing piano chords, and scales for beginners. These classes allow you to get a solid foundation on the piano that you can continue to build upon as you progress in your studies.
2. Piano Nanny
Another place to get piano lessons for beginners free online is with Piano Nanny. Piano Nanny is an award-winning website that has beginner, intermediate, and advanced free piano lessons, each with around a dozen lessons each.
All of these piano lessons are text-based but they are audio files and images to help demonstrate the core piano concepts. Many of the beginning sections are all about music theory and how to read music but it should be easy for you to apply these concepts to your playing later on.
You’ll even learn about more advanced concepts like improvisation and jazz! As you can see, this is a free piano lessons website that is just about as well-rounded as it gets.
3. Zebra Keys
Zebra Keys is another excellent resource to get free piano lessons. It’s kind of an old-fashioned website but it’s totally free to use.
Best for beginners, this website divides its lessons into four levels. The levels are further divided into subcategories based on music theory, chords, songs, technique, and improvisation.
You’ll begin with just the basics before you pull them into practice with simple recognizable songs. However, by the time you’re done with all the lessons, you’ll know how to play advanced chords, blues scales, and more.
This website has an accompanying YouTube channel with all kinds of tutorials. Although the lessons here don’t go quite as in-depth as you might find with other resources, it’s a great resource for sheet music, too!
4. Perfect Ear
Perfect Ear is an ear training app that will help you get better at building a sense of rhythm and playing songs by ear.
You’ll do activities like interval identification, rhythm clapping, and solfege. You’ll also learn how to identify chords and scales – just by listening to them!
You can download this app on both Android and iOS devices. It’s a great choice for someone who is interested in learning more about improvisation on the piano in particular.
5. Music Tutor App
One more resource for free piano lessons is the Music Tutor app. This free piano lessons app is easy to take with you on the go!
A sight-reading app, it will help you develop accuracy and speed when you’re reading sheet music of any kind. It’s a fun game that allows you to race against the clock as you identify notes on a staff. It’s available for Android and iOS and is totally free to use.
6. PianoLessons4Children
Some of the best free online piano lessons for kids can be found at PianoLessons4Children – after all, the name says it all!
The lessons here are designed for beginner and elementary-level use. Whether You’re a parent, teacher, or child yourself, you’ll love how this website uses common, well-known children’s songs to teach the basics of piano.
7. Local Music Stores, Studios, & More
Although it can be more difficult to find, another option for free piano lessons is local music stores. Some music stores like Guitar Center or Steinert & Sons offer free group lessons and workshops for children and adults.
If there isn’t a music store in your area, see if a local studio offers free introductory lessons. You can also check with your city’s recreation department and local community centers. Some offer free piano classes as a service to the community.
One benefit of these free piano lessons is the ability to ask a teacher questions in person, and have them physically show you what to do. A quick search will tell you if these options are available in your area.
What Are the Best Free Piano Lessons on YouTube?
One quick search on YouTube returns hundreds of results for piano lessons. They include everything from song tutorials to guides on hand positioning to music theory.
These free online piano lessons are a good tool for beginners since you can watch them as many times as you’d like to really master the concepts.
Here are just a few of the top piano channels that you can subscribe to on YouTube:
- Piano TV – Allysia has hundreds of videos ranging from piano exercises to analyses of classical and pop favorites. She takes a deep dive into the music to help you become a more well-rounded pianist.
- Hoffman Piano Academy – Joseph Hoffman helps you make the transition from beginner to intermediate pianist with a series of curated playlists on the different skills you’ll need.
- Pianist Magazine – Pianist Magazine features instructional videos from well known teacher-pianists. While most of the songs are classical, the concepts taught can be applied to all types of music.
- Bill Hilton – Bill Hilton has around 200 tutorials covering everything from basic music theory to improv and various piano styles.
- Piano Couture – Piano Couture is full of the music you know and love. Learning to play songs you’re already familiar with makes these lessons fun and easy.
These are just a few of our favorite piano channels on YouTube. With hundreds of piano channels to choose from, you’re sure to find one that is a good fit for your learning style!
Remember that as a beginner, it’s important to ensure that you’re learning the proper techniques so you don’t form bad habits later on.
One downside of YouTube lessons is that you can’t get immediate feedback on your playing. This makes YouTube a great supplement to online or in-person lessons, but it is not recommended as a substitute.
What is the Average Price of a Piano Lesson?
The average piano lesson costs between $15 and $40 for a 30-minute lesson. This can vary depending on where you live, how experienced your teacher is, and what level you’re at as a piano player yourself.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with looking for free instruction, either – especially if you’re a beginner who has nowhere to go but up!
Want to get in-person instruction? Consider doing a quick Google search for “free piano lessons near me.” While you might not always be able to find free instruction, sometimes, community organizations like churches and civic organizations offer free piano lessons for kids and other beginners to learn the basics.
Now that you know where to find free piano lessons, we encourage you to get started today and commit to growing your musical abilities. The benefits of learning the piano go far beyond being able to simply play a piece of music. You’ll also get to take advantage of health benefits such as reducing stress, strengthening your hand muscles, and stimulating the brain!
Natalie Hagen