The piano is one of the most sophisticated musical instruments. No wonder it ranks among the hardest musical instruments to play.
But while becoming a master pianist isn’t a walk in the park, there are various strategies you can implement to expedite the learning process. One such method is by avoiding the common piano learning mistakes.
In this article, we highlight some of the rookie maneuvers to avoid even as you plan on enrolling in a piano class.
1. Picking the Wrong Platform
Previously, the only way to learn to play the piano was to enroll in a physical piano class. Not anymore. Technological advancements have made it incredibly easy to master this musical instrument right from the comfort of your home.
All you need is a suitable platform. Unfortunately, that’s where many beginners miss the mark.
Picking the wrong piano learning software can prolong the whole process of learning the musical instrument. That’s especially true if the chosen tool lacks realistic features that mimic a physical piano. So, when learning how to play the piano, choose the platform that aligns with your needs and preferences.
2. Choosing the Wrong Piano
It might happen that you’re opposed to the idea of learning the piano online. In that case, your only option would be to enroll in a physical class. That means buying your own piano or choosing from a list of preselected ones.
However, all pianos aren’t made equal. As such, it’s imperative to choose an instrument that checks the boxes in terms of mechanical design and music quality.
Start by picking a piano that’s perfectly matched to your experience level. Experts also recommend choosing a piano with balanced sound and resonance. This may require relying on the counsel of a more professional pianist.
Also, check that the keys are highly responsive and consistent. Avoid pianos whose keys take longer to respond or those that emit inconsistent sounds.
Lastly, pick a piano made from high-quality, durable material. The outer case should be preferably made of maple or mahogany, while the plates should feature cast iron. The traditional ivory or ebony would do for the keys.
3. Ignoring Hand Positioning and Sitting Posture
Not paying due attention to hand positioning is a common rookie mistake when learning to play the piano. It’s a challenge for all learners, irrespective of their dominant hands.
A good thumb rule is to curve your hands and relax your fingers. Be sure to also keep your wrists steady yet flexible enough. This will prevent you from applying undue pressure to the keys, possibly causing musical discordance or damage to the keys.
When it comes to sitting position, endeavor to maintain an upright posture with your back straight and feet flat on the pedal or ground. Any other posture may cause discomfort, affecting your performance.
You can make provision for ergonomic furniture if need be. An adjustable chair and table might go a long way in helping you achieve your desired sitting posture.
4. Mixing Up Hands and Fingers
Even after getting their hand positioning right, many beginner pianists will not understand what each hand or finger should handle.
You’ll realize that each piano has two lines of music for your two sets of hands. Do not confuse these with the clefs, which determine which octave you’re playing. In the same breath, do not confuse notes for keys.
Notes are what appear on your page. They usually assume one form. On the contrary, keys appear on your piano and can take different forms.
Speed is another critical aspect to consider here. The excitement of flaunting your credentials might have you playing the piano rather fast. But as you shall find, most songs are composed slow and need to be played that way. You might want to invest in a metronome to keep your fingers in check if you’re struggling to control their pace.
5.Ignoring the Scales
Scale denotes a series of notes arranged by pitch. They differ from keys, which refer to the gravitational center that a piece of music keeps getting back to.
As with most musical instruments, the scale in a piano may be ascending or descending based on whether the pitch increases or reduces.
Many beginners consider scales as rather boring and monotonous. Therefore, they bypass them and jump right into music composition. Another grievous mistake.
According to experts, you can improve your piano learning experience significantly by practicing scales. Although they may seem tedious and daunting, scales can improve finger agility, speed, and precision.
Remember to also start your piano training in C major. While most songs are not in C, C major remains a foundational scale for anyone looking to hone their piano playing skills.
Summary
Becoming a seasoned piano player is a gradual process that requires constant practice and patience. Indeed, it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to join the league of renowned pianists like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Ludwig van Beethoven.
However, avoiding the above-listed mistakes can help you master one of the world’s most dynamic musical instruments much faster.