Learn Piano your way with a TakeLessons expert

Struggling with your left-hand piano technique? Don't worry -- it's a common challenge for beginners. Follow along with the videos in this post as teacher Liz T. shares a few helpful exercises...    One of the hardest parts about playing the piano is coordinating your two hands. Often your left hand and your right hand will be playing different notes and rhythms, and it can be really frustrating for beginners! You might also find you have one hand that is stronger than the othe

Wondering about the average piano tuning cost, or how often you should tune a piano? You've come to the right place! Just as you go to the doctor for check-ups from time to time, your piano needs maintenance and care throughout its life. You may notice, especially if you have a keen ear, that your piano drops in pitch particularly during the summer and winter months. This is because your piano is mostly made of wood, and your wooden soundboard will contract when the weather is drier -- or the

As technology progresses, so does the music industry. Here, Tulsa, OK teacher Chris F. explores Yamaha's latest contribution to the world of music-making...   The acoustic piano’s design has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. The electronic keyboard, on the other hand, has had a rich and transformational history over the years, as technology has evolved and improved. What started with the "Denis d'or," an instrument developed in 1793 with 700 strings that were temporaril

There are several benefits of playing piano that go far beyond a greater appreciation for music and the acquisition of a new skill. Most of these benefits are applicable to both adults and children - it’s never too late, nor too early, to explore your musical side! If you are still unsure about signing up for piano lessons, read on to check out some of the long-term benefits you can expect to reap. Some you may never have thought about before! 1. Better Response to Criticism To get the mos

Feeling stuck? Take a break from your piano practice and try something new. Here, St. Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. shares five incredibly inspiring piano videos to renew your excitement...   For new pianists, the importance of inspiration should not be underestimated. Listening to and watching great musicians, especially live music, is just as critical to your success as piano practice itself. Most of the pianists whom I know, including myself, could probably point to several musica

We talk a lot about the benefits of piano lessons (you know, making you smarter, teaching discipline, relieving stress, and so on and so on), but have you ever thought about the lessons to be gained from looking at the lives of famous piano composers? These seven celebrated composers have lots to teach about life, creativity, and how to make your mark on the world. 1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Competitors Can Be Your Friends Like Mozart, you can achieve greatness by focusing on deve

Everyone who plays a musical instrument encounters stumbling blocks or hurdles from time to time. From beginners who have spent the last few months perfecting scales and the simple melodies in nursery rhymes all the way to professional musicians who are performing concertos in packed concert halls throughout the country, every piano player experience setbacks at some point. Boredom from practicing the same style of music over and over is especially common - the trick is to catch that feeling be

Ready to practice your piano scales? Break out that metronome and consider this advice from online piano teacher Crystal B... There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to practicing piano scales at different tempos. However, some tempos will be more beneficial than others in helping you improve your playing skills. In this blog post, we'll discuss what tempo you should practice scales at and why. Stay tuned! What Are Scales on a Piano? Here are a few basic facts about piano scales:

When you look at the keys on a piano, a few things pop out right away. First, there are both white and black keys, and second, there is a distinct pattern that the keys repeat. While most modern pianos contain 88 keys, you can find pianos with a shortened range, and even some that increase the number! But why, exactly, are the piano keys set up like that? We'll explore that in this article. What Are the 88 Keys on a Piano? A standard piano has 88 keys, with 52 white keys and 36 black ke

Do the butterflies in your stomach seem to turn into bats before each and every piano recital? You are not alone. Millions suffer from performance anxiety, or “stage fright,” from actors to professional athletes. But you don’t have to let this anxiety prevent you from letting your talent shine for the world to see! Is anxiety affecting you before your piano recital? Look for these signs: Increased heart rate Trembling limbs or voice Dry mouth or difficulty speaking Cold, swe