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The piano is a string and percussion instrument that produces beautiful music. 🎶
The method to generate the sounds is very simple: just press a key to create a sound.
However, it requires skill, time, and a lot of practice to play the piano correctly.
Before you take your first piano lesson, make sure to prepare with these 3 tips!
1. Prepare for Mentorship
You'll spend money and time with your piano teacher, so it's important to communicate and connect with your mentor.
Questions you can ask to prepare for your first piano lesson include:
Asking these questions will show your teacher that you're serious about learning, and you will know the teacher's expectations for your first piano lesson.
Quiz
Tom wants to learn how to play jazz on the piano, but his teacher is teaching him how to play classical music. What should he do? Select all that apply:
All the answers could be right, but it will depend on the circumstances. Talk to your teacher about your expectations and practice honest and good communication with your mentor.
2. Prepare Mentally
You're starting to learn a skill that needs constant practice. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
But how far do you want to go? Do you want to be a professional pianist? Or maybe you just want to learn a song that you love?
Be honest with yourself and set achievable goals before your first lesson. Some questions to consider are:
How much time do you have available during the week to practice?
How much money can you invest in learning/buying a piano?
Are you learning piano as a hobby or as a vocation?
What music style do you want to play?
There's no right or wrong answer, but if you know your goals, you won't get frustrated and you will put in the effort and passion to achieve them!
3. Prepare Physically
Your hands will play an important role while playing piano. You'll need strength, and flexibility in your fingers but don't worry, that will come with time.
The rest of your body should be prepared as well so that you can keep good posture.
Prepare your body physically for your first piano lesson and keep using these tips while studying piano:
Cut your fingernails! You'll find out that it's very uncomfortable to hit a key if your nails are long.
Warm up your body with these exercises.
Stretch your fingers, as shown in this video: Finger & Upper Extremity Stretches for Musicians
Strengthen your fingers, as shown in this video: Finger Exercises — No Piano Required
Practice relaxation and breathing exercises.
Take Action
Remember that success isn't just about hitting the right notes — it's the result of hard work and a good attitude that you need to apply even before your first piano lesson.
Soon you'll be playing your favorite songs on the piano and having fun with your family and friends!
This Byte has been authored by
Gracia Quicano
Learning Designer Volunteer