Learn Piano your way with a TakeLessons expert

Piano may be one of the toughest instruments to learn, because of all the multitasking required! You have to be able to read two different musical lines simultaneously, and keep track of what both your left and right hands are doing, all while your foot works the pedals. While most schools have classes to teach students band instruments or stringed instruments, few schools offer piano instruction. This means that most piano students learn how to play at home and in private piano lessons, instead

Want to try playing piano by ear? Follow these four simple steps from Newport Beach, CA teacher Patricia S. and you'll be playing your favorite songs in no time...   If you've ever wanted to be able to play the piano by ear, then this is the blog post for you! In just four easy steps, you'll be able to start playing your favorite songs on the piano without any sheet music.  Ready to get started? Let's go!  Is Playing the Piano By Ear a Gift? How do you play the piano by ear

Playing fast is cool. Audiences love to see fingers flying fast over the keys, effortlessly and in perfect control (or even out-of-control!) It provides a sense of exhilaration and danger, and taps into our love of exhibition and speed. The pianist themselves also enjoy playing fast, as the effort and exercise is satisfying once grasped. But despite the love of playing fast, the practice and journey to gain this ability is actually very much slow practice. There is a famous story of a co

Are you looking for the perfect piano recital song to show off your hard-earned skills? Below, piano teacher Liz T. shares 10 great piano recital songs for beginners... Preparing for your very first piano recital is exciting. Although it’s fun to show off what you’ve been working on during piano practice, piano recitals require lots of preparation. When choosing the type of piano style you'll be performing, it's important that you pick a song that will best showcase your skills.

Studies show, time after time, that music lessons in early childhood are essential for creating neural pathways for brain development.  They also give children a head start on creativity and self-expression.  Music was likely our first language as human beings, and it still provokes a very primal response in us - anybody from anywhere in the world can listen to a song and know what emotion it is trying to convey. If you ask an adult if they took piano lessons as a child, many will say yes.  

Forgo the sheet music and try your hand at improvising! Get started with this exercise from Tucker, GA teacher Linda L...   Piano improvisation can seem daunting, but with a little practice, it can become second nature.  Improvising is all about expressing yourself, so don't be afraid to let go and just play what comes to mind. Improvising, in music, is making up your own music on the spot. It is truly “playing with” music, in the more common sense of the word “play.” I

Are you considering piano lessons for your child? If so, you may be wondering how much they will cost. The cost of piano lessons for kids can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the child's age, the length of the lesson, and the location. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of how much you can expect to pay for piano lessons for your child. Determining the right budget your child’s piano lessons can be difficult. Some teachers charge very little, while others may charg

With the spread of the coronavirus, life as we know it is moving indoors. In many major cities, schools are closed, restaurants and bars are shut down, events are postponed, and employees are working from home. The goal is social distancing in order to flatten the curve and reduce the impact of Covid-19 in our communities. We are all sacrificing our individual freedoms to help the common good. As we self-quarantine and spend more time inside, there is a growing need to occupy our time in

Love to play the piano, but want to take a break from scales and Hanon exercises for a bit? Here are some ideas from New Paltz, NY teacher Cheryl E...   It happens to all of us: we get in ruts. Whether you're bored with your practicing routine or your repertoire, we've all been there. But instead of giving up on playing the piano, take action! Here are 10 fun ways to spice up your playing. 1. Put your own spin on it! Try taking a straight song and swing it. Here’s a great example of

Happy National Piano Month! To celebrate this September, why not spend some time making some easy art projects for kids that will add some pizazz to your music room? Crafting together is a great way to bond with your kids and get them interested in learning more about making music on the piano. It's a win-win! Origami Piano For even more fun, try using decorative folding paper with interesting patterns and colors! Finger Puppets Kids love making fun finger puppets, and these