Reshmi Patel • February 22, 2021
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting to Learn to Play the Piano
When we learn the piano it can be fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to remember that there are a tonne of challenges. Therefore, it’s important for students to know what to expect.
The good news is, there are multiple ways we can prepare ourselves for these challenges and take the necessary steps to overcome them!
1. Consistency
A consistent practice routine is more productive than sessions you do ‘once in a while’ – short term sprints and tricks don’t last very long.
Three ways you can remain consistent with your practice routine are:
1) Practice the same time on the same days you have set out e.g. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30-8am.
2) If you are finding a practice session difficult keep it short and sweet – 5 mins to check the box on the difficult days are fine!
3) Find someone to hold you accountable – this can be a friend, family member, colleague or teacher.
2. Various learning methods
To improve in your piano playing isn’t solely about piano practice.
Here are three ways you can improve are by exploring different learning methods, here are some examples:
1) Play a music theory activities available online that is suited to your level.
2) Attend a virtual or live concert.
3) Speak to a musician who is more experienced than you are – this could be your teacher, friend or family member.
3. Visualisation
During challenging experiences at the piano we can feel frustrated. One way to overcome this mentally is through the power of visualisation.
Visualisation is really quite simple. First, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and imagine — in as vivid detail as you can at the process and the final result of your desired act.
To gain the most out of visualisation try to:
· Pick the right time and place
Somewhere you can switch off and focus deeply. This should also be somewhere with as few distractions as possible.
· Focus on your breathing
Before you begin try to ensure you maintain a regular breathing pattern and release any tension in your body.
· Regain control of your attention
Focus on one thing. Whether that’s your instrument or hand position. Begin to picture this in your mind. You can then add more images as and when you feel comfortable.
· Use all of your senses
Although the term ‘visualisation’ implies using our visual senses, according to leading performance psychologists: ‘you should be so immersed in a mental image that it seems as if it is actually happening.’ For this reason, we recommend using as many senses as possible.
Remember that when you are trying out these systems to write them out and look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.
To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey:
https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf. For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.
The Christmas holidays bring a wonderful mix of excitement, travel, downtime, and disrupted routines. That’s why many families find piano practice looks a little different this time of year and that’s completely okay. Here are practical, flexible ideas to help your child enjoy music over the break without stress. 1. Recognise That Holiday Routines Are Different Between visitors, late nights, and festive events, practice may not happen the same way it does during the school term. The aim is simply to keep music present, not perfect. If you’re travelling or unsure how much practice to aim for, please feel free to message us we can offer personalised suggestions. 2. Set Realistic, Flexible Goals Instead of a strict schedule, try giving the break a gentle musical focus. Examples families often use: ● A few shorter practice moments throughout the week ● Focusing on one special piece over the holiday ● Following the full practice plan from their teacher, if appropriate ● Simply maintaining familiarity with current pieces There’s no single “right” amount do what works for your family and follow your teacher’s guidance. 3. Make Piano Festive and Fun The holidays are the perfect time to turn music into a joyful part of your celebrations. Fun ideas: ● Learn a festive piece together ● Play duets with siblings or grandparents ● Record a short video to send to relatives ● Create a “musical advent calendar” with tiny daily challenges ● Hold a cosy at-home Christmas mini-recital If you'd like suggestions for holiday-appropriate pieces at your child’s level, just ask us. We love helping with this! 4. Practice Options for Busy Days or Travel If you’re away from the piano, there are still ways to keep musical skills fresh. Try these: ● Rhythm clapping games ● Listening to pieces they’re learning ● Mental practice for older students ● App-based note-reading or rhythm games ● Bringing a small keyboard if it's convenient Let us know your holiday plans and we can tailor some light-touch ideas for your child. 5. Returning to Routine in January Jumping straight back into full practice might feel tough and that’s normal. Support a smooth transition by: ● Starting with shorter sessions ● Revisiting pieces learned before the break ● Setting a fresh, exciting goal for the new term ● Talking about what they enjoyed musically over the holidays At the first lesson back, we’ll happily help rebuild momentum and create a refreshed practice plan. Final Reminder: We’re Here for You Christmas should feel joyful, not pressured. If you’re ever unsure about how to handle practice, what repertoire to choose, or how to keep things fun, you’re welcome to reach out to us at any point. We love supporting your child’s musical journey - in lessons, between lessons, and throughout every season of the year.
As parents, it’s natural to wonder if your child is truly enjoying their piano lessons and moving in the right direction. The signs can be subtle, but once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to support their musical journey with confidence. 1. Signs Your Child Is Enjoying Their Piano Lessons Children show enthusiasm in many small but meaningful ways: ● They sit at the piano without being reminded. ● They talk about their teacher, lessons, or favourite pieces. ● They hum or sing their music around the house. ● They experiment, “noodle,” or make up their own tunes. These are strong indicators that they feel good about their musical space. If you’re unsure or notice enjoyment fluctuating, feel free to contact us. We can always help reignite interest or refresh their lessons. 2. Signs of Healthy Musical Progress Progress doesn’t always look dramatic often, it’s steady and gradual. Look for: ● Pieces sounding smoother week by week ● Increased accuracy and confidence ● The ability to spot and fix mistakes ● More use of musical expression (dynamics, phrasing, emotion) Some families like to record a piece once a month to see growth. It's a lovely keepsake and a big motivator. But this is just one example; your child’s teacher may have a different method suited to their learning style. 3. When You Might Need to Look a Little Closer Not every dip indicates a problem but some patterns can be worth exploring: ● Reluctance to practise over a long period ● Boredom that lingers, not just for a week ● Frustration with pieces that seems overwhelming ● Wanting to skip lessons repeatedly These signs usually just mean a small adjustment is needed: a new piece, a different practice strategy, or a shift in pace. If you notice these happening, please reach out. We can help troubleshoot quickly, and often the solution is simple. 4. Ways to Support Enjoyment at Home Your role at home is powerful and small actions make a big difference. Try: ● Praising effort (“I love how you kept trying”), not just results ● Asking them to play a favourite section ● Keeping practice relaxed and predictable ● Making a positive space around the piano (no tension or pressure) If you ever need personalised practice ideas, we’re always happy to help. 5. Stay Connected With Us We want your child to thrive and feel proud of their progress. You can always: ● Ask questions during lessons ● Send us a message between lessons ● Request guidance on practice expectations ● Check in if something doesn’t seem quite right We’re on your team let us know how we can support your child’s musical journey.
Children don’t just grow physically - their attention span, emotional awareness, and confidence evolve too. As they move through different ages and stages, their piano learning naturally shifts. Understanding these changes helps you support their musical journey in a way that feels positive and achievable for everyone. Developmental Stages Young children (5-7 years) They learn through play, repetition, and imagination. Short bursts of focus are completely normal, and their progress often shows up in tiny steps that suddenly click all at once. Older children (8-11 years) They begin to take pride in independence and want to understand why things work. They can handle longer pieces and more complex rhythms. Pre-teens & teens This stage can be full of emotions, self-criticism, and identity-building. Music can become an expressive outlet and sometimes a place where perfectionism shows up. How you can help ● Adjust practice expectations as your child matures. ● Celebrate growth over speed. ● Be patient with the natural ups and downs. And remember: If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for their age, feel free to reach out to us we’re always happy to guide you. 2. Balancing Piano With Academic Pressures Schoolwork grows heavier as children get older, and it’s normal for motivation to shift during busy periods. Practice may not look the same during exam weeks and that’s completely okay. Supportive strategies: ● Keep practice short and focused when schedules are tight. ● Create a weekly routine that includes music, even in small doses. ● Let your teacher know when school gets especially intense. We can always adjust lesson content, repertoire, or expectations when we know what your child is juggling. You’re welcome to reach out anytime. 3. Supporting Emotional Ups and Downs Piano challenges students in ways that build resilience but frustration sometimes comes with the process. What helps: ● Validate their feelings (“That part is tricky!”). ● Celebrate their small wins children thrive on noticing their own progress. ● Introduce a “proud moment of the week” ritual. If emotional blocks persist, message us or mention it in lessons. Sometimes one small adjustment from the teacher can make a big difference. 4. Keeping Piano Fun and Personally Meaningful Children stay engaged when they connect with their music. Try adding: ● A piece they choose each term ● Music from films, games, or artists they love ● Creative tasks like composing or improvising ● Duets with siblings or parents If you’re ever unsure what repertoire would excite your child, ask us if we're happy to personalise suggestions. 5. Stay Connected With Your Teacher Piano progress is a partnership. As your child grows, their needs change and we’re here to support every stage. You can: ● Check in with us once a term ● Reach out between lessons with small questions ● Let us know about school stress, emotions, or changes at home We’re always here to help your child flourish at the piano.
