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!

January 23, 2026
“We’ve been doing lessons for a while… but how do I know if it’s actually working?” This is one of the most common and completely valid questions parents ask themselves, especially if they’re not musical. Progress in piano doesn’t always look or sound obvious in the early stages. Unlike some activities, results aren’t instant and that can feel worrying when you’re investing time, money, and emotional energy into your child’s learning. The reassuring news? Most healthy musical progress happens quietly before it becomes obvious. Here’s what to realistically expect over time and when not to worry. What Progress Often Looks Like around 3-6 Months(if they began as a beginner) At this stage, progress is mostly about settling in. You might notice: Your child feels more comfortable sitting at the piano They recognise lesson routines They’re starting to listen more carefully, even if notes aren’t perfect What’s normal here: Hesitation Needing reminders and support This isn’t slow progress, it's foundation-building. What Progress Often Looks Like at 7-12 Months This is when progress becomes clearer to most parents. You may notice: Greater independence Less hesitation when playing Improved posture and focus Pride in what they can play Not every child is ready for grades at this stage and that’s perfectly fine.Your child is learning how to learn and that skill takes time. Strong foundations now often lead to faster, more confident progress later. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
January 16, 2026
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January 12, 2026
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