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Gam Patel • March 28, 2022
Improvisation for Piano Students
The Current Piano Teaching Industry
How many traditional piano students today can sit down and feel confident about creating their own piece of music? How many traditional piano students today can sit down and fell confident about playing a song they love without sheet music? Today there are very few students who have built in the core musical skills which creates a truly fulfilled, confident and accomplished piano player.
Our role as piano teachers and students for the future generation is to create students who are able to understand patterns through using their five senses.
We’ve mentioned how frustrating this may be particular for those who have been trained purely to read sheet music, however it can be hugely rewarding to sit down at your piano and be able to play a song you love. All of these areas are connected to patterns which we can learn and evolve to both learn songs we are familiar with and create our own pieces of music.
How Piano Students Can Start Improvising
- Start by learning a Major Scale such as C Major, G Major or F Major and find a song which derives from this scale. This limits your options on which keys you can play.
- For those who are familiar with all of the Major and Minor Scales there is a pattern to connect them together. Chord One (Major), Four (Major), Five (Major) and Six (Minor) can compliment a piece within the tonic or root of this scale.
- For those who know a particular genre of music or composer well, think about which patterns, keys and melodies they use often and then try to use these patterns yourself.
- Try a song you know well.
- Listen to the song you wish to learn regularly, ideally on the same instrument.
Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to 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!
Many people hesitate to learn piano due to common myths that discourage them. Let’s debunk these misconceptions and show why anyone can succeed at playing piano. 1. "You Need to Start as a Child to Be Good" While starting young has advantages, adults can learn just as effectively with consistent practice and the right approach. Many adult beginners achieve great results by setting structured goals. 2. "You Must Have Natural Talent to Play Well" Talent helps, but piano playing is a skill that improves with practice. Even professional musicians rely more on dedication than raw talent. 3. "Learning to Read Music Is Too Hard" Reading sheet music may seem daunting at first, but it’s like learning a new language. With step-by-step guidance and regular practice, anyone can master it. 4. "You Need an Expensive Piano to Learn Properly" A high-end piano is nice, but not necessary. A simple digital keyboard with weighted keys is enough to build skills and technique. 5. "Practicing for Hours Every Day Is Required to Improve" Quality matters more than quantity. Short, focused practice sessions (20–30 minutes) with proper technique yield better results than mindless repetition. By breaking these myths, more people can confidently start their piano journey and enjoy the process! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
Learning to play the piano is an exciting journey, and many students choose to follow a structured grading system, such as ABRSM, RCM, or Trinity College exams. These exams provide a clear roadmap for progress, but are they the right choice for every pianist? Let’s explore the pros and cons of graded piano exams to help you decide. Pros of Graded Piano Exams 1. Structured Learning Path – Grading systems provide a clear syllabus, ensuring students develop technique, sight-reading, and theory in a progressive manner. 2. Motivation and Goals – Exams give students specific targets to work towards, which can boost motivation and a sense of achievement. 3. Recognition and Credentials – Successfully passing exams provides certificates that can be useful for academic applications or music-related careers. 4. Feedback from Experts – Examiners offer constructive criticism and professional feedback to help students improve. 5. Skill Development – Preparing for exams builds discipline, performance confidence, and time management skills. Cons of Graded Piano Exams 1. Pressure and Stress – The exam environment can be stressful, which may discourage some students from enjoying the learning process. 2. Limited Repertoire – Grading systems focus on set pieces, potentially limiting exposure to a wider variety of music styles. 3. Focus on Technicality Over Creativity – Exams emphasize technique and accuracy, sometimes at the expense of creativity and personal interpretation. 4. Not Suitable for Every Learner – Some students may thrive with a more flexible, self-paced approach rather than a rigid grading structure. 5. Cost and Time Commitment – Preparing for and taking exams can be expensive and time-consuming, which may not suit every student’s lifestyle or budget. Grading systems offer a valuable framework for structured learning and skill development, but they are not the only path to mastering the piano. Some students benefit from the discipline and motivation that exams provide, while others thrive with a more flexible, exploration-based approach. Ultimately, the best path depends on the individual’s goals, learning style, and personal enjoyment of music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
Parental involvement can significantly enhance a child's learning experience, particularly when it comes to music education. If your child is taking piano lessons, whether through home visits or at a teacher’s house, attending their lessons can have a positive impact on their progress. Here are some key benefits of sitting in on your child’s piano lessons. 1. Encourages Consistency in Practice When parents observe lessons, they gain a better understanding of what their child is learning. This enables them to reinforce concepts and techniques during practice sessions at home, leading to more effective learning and progress. 2. Strengthens Parent-Child Bond Sharing in the learning experience helps build a stronger connection between parent and child. It allows parents to show interest in their child’s musical journey, which can boost the child’s enthusiasm and motivation to improve. 3. Provides Support and Encouragement Children thrive on positive reinforcement. When parents are present, they can offer immediate praise and encouragement, making the learning process more enjoyable and fostering a sense of achievement. 4. Enhances Communication with the Teacher By attending lessons, parents can directly communicate with the teacher about their child’s progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. This creates a collaborative learning environment and ensures that both the teacher and parent are aligned in their approach. 5. Helps Create a Comfortable Learning Environment For children who receive lessons at home, having a parent nearby can provide a sense of security and comfort, especially for younger students. Similarly, if lessons take place at the teacher’s house, a parent's presence can help the child feel more at ease in an unfamiliar setting. Whether your child is learning piano through home visits or at a teacher’s house, sitting in on their lessons can be incredibly beneficial. From reinforcing practice habits to strengthening your relationship with your child, your presence can make a significant difference in their musical journey. By being actively involved, you can support and inspire them to reach their full potential while making music a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
