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Key Sounds UK • April 29, 2020

ALWAYS WANTED TO PLAY THE PIANO

One of the most frequent things myself and fellow music teachers hear from both our acquaintances and our adult’s students is:

‘I always wanted to play the piano when I was younger.’

This blog posts highlights the key things stopping those who desire to learn and some ideas of how to overcome these challenges.

  1. Time

When most people picture themselves learning music, they believe it will take them several hours per day of practice.

The beauty of giving it a go as a beginner is that you start with 10-15 minutes per day – if that! The reason being is because small and regular increments are more powerful when music is loaded with information.

As you progress, you will gradually increase the time of your practice sessions and ensure that they are still productive for your given sessions. Once you get to this stage, you’ll have a much better idea of whether music is or isn’t for you as you’ll be spending much more of your time with your instrument.

  1. Money

Yes and no! Today there are so many resources and instruments which you can buy for a good quality to start out with.

In terms of the instrument itself, some sites we recommend are Gear4Music and Normans. For keyboards, the ones with weighted keys are much more valuable as they will strengthen your fingers faster and both the ‘P’ and ‘B’ range of keyboards and pianos are the most durable too.

There are tonnes of resources and courses you can get started with at a fraction of the cost of hiring a teacher if you are looking to learn online.

A great music theory app: Music Tutor

If you are a beginner feel free to check out our course: https://www.udemy.com/course/piano-for-absolute-beginners/

If you are looking to refresh your music theory knowledge or sit and exam feel free to check out our other course: https://www.udemy.com/course/prepare-for-abrsm-grade-one-and-two-music-theory/

  1. Commitment

‘I’m not great at committing to something.’

Whilst this may be true for the activities you don’t enjoy after a while; this could be something that you do end up enjoying and can even use as a form of expression.

Use this time to start your musical journey and let us know if you have any questions!

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

The post ALWAYS WANTED TO PLAY THE PIANO appeared first on Key Sounds UK.

Online and In-Person Piano Lesson Comparison

By Reshmi Patel • February 17, 2025
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

How to Turn Piano Practice into Productive yet Playful Practice

By Reshmi Patel • February 3, 2025
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

What to Consider When Changing Your Piano Teacher

By Reshmi Patel • January 20, 2025
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far.  Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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