Key Sounds UK • April 17, 2023
Mastering the Fundamentals When Learning to Play the Piano
My child is a piano student who has been playing for a few months now and he is really enjoying the classes. The teacher is always able to challenge him so that he understand the material well. How can we ensure that we have fully MASTERED the fundamentals so that we do not rush into the next stage?
As teachers, we are often asked about progress and how long it will take for the student to reach the next milestone. We’ve listed three areas which will help you ensure you’ve mastered the fundamentals.
1. Productive Practice
Go over the areas you are working on in your practical classes and how these connect to the music theory material. The theory is there to support you and enhance your understanding of the musical songs we love to play or would like to play in the future!
We recommend checking off the areas your piano teacher or mentor has highlighted for you to go over. As tempting as it may be to play from start-end of a song!
2. Consistency
Regularly going over the areas you find challenging will allow you to become more familiar with them. This could be as simple as 10 minutes each day on bar three.
3. Ask questions
If you are not sure, give it a go and look through any feedback. If you are still unsure, we recommend you ask your piano teacher or mentor. If the option is available, we encourage you to ask your question midweek, especially if this is stopping you from playing at home for the rest of the week.
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!
“They’ve had a long day… should we still push through practice?” Many parents feel torn between supporting consistency and respecting their child’s energy levels especially during busy school weeks. The truth is: Tiredness doesn’t mean lack of commitment. It often means your child’s brain needs a different approach. Here’s how to handle it without guilt or pressure. It’s reasonable to adjust expectations when: Your child is overwhelmed with school or clubs They’re emotionally exhausted Concentration is unusually low Short, calm practice is far more valuable than long, frustrated sessions. Sometimes: 5 focused minutes beats 20 stressed ones Listening to a piece counts as engagement Talking about the lesson reinforces learning How Teachers Adapt During Busy Periods Good teachers expect fluctuations in energy. During tiring phases, lessons may focus more on: Confidence and comfort Reinforcing known material Gentle technical reminders Enjoyment and connection to music This doesn’t slow progress, it protects it. How Parents Can Communicate This Proactively One of the most helpful things you can say is: “It’s been a heavy week. Please let us know what’s realistic to focus on.” This allows the teacher to: Adjust expectations Support your child emotionally Keep progress aligned without pressure You’re not letting anyone down you’re advocating. What Matters Most Long-Term Children who feel supported (not pushed) are more likely to: Stick with lessons Build confidence Develop a healthy relationship with learning Music is a long journey - not a sprint. A Gentle Reminder for Parents Rest, flexibility, and understanding are not signs you are supporting them. If you’re unsure how to balance tiredness with consistency, we’re always happy to help you find a rhythm that works for your family. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
Many parents tell us the same thing: “I want to support my child’s piano learning but I’m not musical, so I don’t know what to look for.” The truth is, you don’t need to read music or play the piano to be a huge part of your child’s progress. What matters most is how you observe, encourage and communicate, not your musical knowledge. Here are three simple, practical ways to stay involved and confident. 1️. Sit In on Lessons (Even Occasionally) You don’t need to attend every lesson -just sitting in from time to time can make a big difference. When you observe a lesson, you begin to notice: How your child is guided to sit and place their hands How the teacher breaks tasks into small, achievable steps The language and cues your child responds to Sit in for 10-15 minutes once every few weeks. This is to absorb rather than to assess. This helps you support practice at home using the same language the teacher uses. 2. Record a “Before vs After” Video One of the clearest ways to see progress - especially for non-musical parents - is through short videos. How it works: Record your child playing a song or exercise Then record the same song or exercise 5–6 lessons later, or on the day the teacher says it’s “finished” You’re not looking for perfection. Instead, notice small but meaningful changes: Confidence: Do they sit more comfortably and start playing more willingly? Hand position: Do they find their starting position more quickly? Flow: Are there fewer pauses or gaps in the music? Even tiny improvements are signs of progress - especially at this stage of learning Keep the video private. This isn’t for comparison with others - it’s simply a reminder of how far your child has come. 3. Set Simple Checkpoint Goals With the Teacher Progress doesn’t always mean “moving up a level”. For younger learners, it often shows up in skills and habits. Setting small checkpoint goals helps you know what to look out for at home. Examples of helpful checkpoint goals: “Starting the piece without help” “Finding hand position independently” “Playing through without stopping” “Feeling confident playing for someone else” Ask the teacher: “What’s one thing we should notice improving over the next few lessons?” This gives you clarity and keeps expectations realistic. A Reassuring Note for Parents At ages 6–8, piano progress is often gradual and subtle and that’s exactly how it should be. Confidence, comfort at the keyboard, and smoother transitions are just as important as notes and rhythms. By observing, recording small milestones, and staying aligned with the teacher, you’re already playing a vital role in your child’s musical journey even if you’ve never played a note yourself. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
When your child is learning the piano, mistakes can feel frustrating - for both of you. But here’s the reassuring truth: mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning. They show that your child is listening more carefully, paying attention, and trying to improve. Instead of viewing these little slip-ups as something to avoid, we can help children learn how to use them to become stronger musicians. Here are some gentle, encouraging ways to support your child when mistakes happen at the piano. 1. Remind Them That Mistakes Mean They’re Making Progress When a child starts to notice their own mistakes, it’s actually a sign of growth. They’re developing awareness and sensitivity - essential skills for becoming a confident pianist. Try reassuring them: “You noticed that - that means you're improving.” “Mistakes help us learn what to fix.” This shifts their mindset from frustration to curiosity. 2. Encourage Kindness Toward Themselves Children can be surprisingly tough on themselves. A tricky passage or repeated error can make them feel discouraged. A simple reminder goes a long way: “It’s okay. Learning takes time.” “Let’s take a breath and try again slowly.” When children feel safe to make mistakes, their confidence blossoms. 3. Show Them How to Turn Mistakes Into Something Creative A delightful part of learning the piano is discovering that mistakes don’t have to stop the music. If your child hits a wrong note, they can: Turn it into a little musical idea Repeat it as part of a rhythm Add a fun pattern or variation Teaching them to improvise through slip-ups helps them stay relaxed and playful - a skill that even advanced musicians rely on. 4. Focus on the Small Area That Needs Attention Instead of replaying the whole piece from the beginning, help your child zoom in on the exact spot where they keep slipping. A simple practice routine: Slow it right down Repeat the small section a 5 times in a row correctly Speed up only when the above has been completed This targeted practice builds confidence far faster than starting over each time. 5. Create a Little “Challenge List” Together Most kids love lists! Make a small note of the bars or patterns they find difficult. It turns frustration into a fun challenge to solve. Examples: “Left hand jump - bar 12” “Right-hand fingering in line 3” Look at the list for 2–3 minutes at the start of practice, then celebrate when they cross an item off. 6. Celebrate Every Win - Especially the Small Ones Did they fix one bar? Play a tricky rhythm correctly once? Make fewer mistakes than yesterday? Cheer for these! Progress is made in tiny steps, and when those steps are noticed, children naturally stay more motivated and positive. Finally, mistakes aren’t something to fear, they're stepping stones. When your child feels supported, encouraged, and free to experiment, they grow into resilient, confident learners. Your gentle reassurance helps them build not just piano skills, but lifelong problem-solving skills too. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
