Whether you have more free time on your hands due to the pandemic or are simply on the lookout to hone a new skill, there are many benefits of playing an instrument such as the piano. For example, playing the piano is a great way to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety or to express yourself through music.
However, many budding instrumentalists decide to put-off learning to play the piano since it seems difficult. After all, in order to play successfully, you have to be able to read music, position your hands correctly and know exactly which notes are which. However, this does not mean that learning is out of the question – even as you get a little older.
While many parents encourage their children to learn to play an instrument as an extracurricular activity, there are many well-documented benefits of learning to play as an adult too. As mentioned previously, it’s a great way to relieve stress. Furthermore, as an adult, you are much less likely to get distracted when attempting to learn a new skill, meaning that you’ll see results far quicker than you would have done as a child. Furthermore, a recent study from Forbes found that picking up music as an adult may boost your memory.
Furthermore, there are plenty of steps you can take to make the process of learning an instrument a little easier.
- While there are many self-taught musicians out there, don’t underestimate the impact private lessons can have on your ability to play. This is due to the fact that you’ll be able to receive direct guidance from a highly-qualified pianist, making it easier for you to pick up certain skills or techniques.
- While there are plenty of articles debunking the idea that it takes 10,000 years to perfect a skill, there is no denying that practice makes perfect. As a result, if you are serious about learning to play the piano, you should ensure you practice as frequently as possible. Remember, this does not mean that you have to spend hours behind the piano every single day – as little as 20 minutes each evening can help you develop new skills. Of course, you should ensure that you are comfortable when playing, so you may wish to get yourself an Adjustable Artist Piano Bench so that you can be in full control of its height, and so that friends who also play will be able to use the stool when they come round to your place.
- Watching piano tutorials online is another great way in which you can improve your own skills as a pianist. This is due to the fact that you can use these tutorials to assess whether or not you are placing your hands correctly or playing the right notes. It also gives you the chance to play your favourite songs, which could also make playing a lot more fun. The more fun you are having, the longer you’ll be willing to practice.
- Remember that playing an instrument is not only about learning the notes – as learning how to read music will also have a great impact on your ability to play music. As a result, you should study sheet music and online guides that can help you learn to read music. This is a skill that, once acquired, will never leave you.