How to learn piano by yourself free: Cheat Sheet

Learning to play the piano can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn or you’re looking to enhance your musical skills, learning piano by yourself is an achievable goal.

In this article, I will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to learn piano by yourself free, from buying a piano to setting SMART goals and staying motivated.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Buy a Piano

The first step in learning piano by yourself is to acquire a piano. While it may seem obvious, having access to a piano is essential for practice and progress. There are various options available, depending on your budget and space constraints.

If you have the means, investing in an acoustic piano is ideal as it provides an authentic playing experience. However, if that’s not feasible, a digital piano or keyboard can also be a great alternative. Look for one that has weighted keys to replicate the feel of a traditional piano.

Step 2: Choose a Learning Method and/or Piano Style

Once you have your piano, it’s time to choose a learning method or piano style that suits you. There are numerous resources available online that cater to different learning preferences. Some popular methods include traditional sheet music, online tutorials, video lessons, or even learning by ear.

Consider your personal learning style and goals when selecting a method. If you’re interested in a specific genre, such as classical or jazz, focus on resources that specialize in that style.

Step 3: Sit Down and Get Acquainted

Now that you have your piano and learning materials, it’s time to sit down and get acquainted with the instrument. Familiarize yourself with the piano’s layout, including the black and white keys, pedals, and different octaves.

Spend some time exploring the sound and range of the piano by playing individual keys and simple melodies. This initial familiarity will help build a foundation for future learning.

Step 4: Learn Basic Scale Patterns

Learning basic scale patterns is essential for developing finger dexterity and understanding musical structure. Start by mastering the C major scale, as it forms the basis for many other scales and chords. Practice playing the scale ascending and descending, gradually increasing your speed and accuracy.

Once you feel comfortable with the C major scale, explore other scales such as G major, D major, and A major. This will expand your repertoire and improve your overall piano skills.

Step 5: Learn How to Read Sheet Music

Reading sheet music is a fundamental skill for any pianist. It allows you to play a wide range of music and communicate with other musicians. Start by learning the basics of music notation, including the staff, notes, and key signatures. Practice identifying and playing simple melodies from sheet music.

As you progress, challenge yourself with more complex pieces. There are numerous online resources and tutorials available that can help you improve your sight-reading skills.

Step 6: Train Your Ears!

Training your ears is crucial for developing your musicality and playing by ear. Start by listening to different genres and styles of music, paying attention to melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Try to replicate what you hear on the piano.

Gradually, you’ll become more attuned to different musical elements and be able to play songs by ear. This skill will not only enhance your playing but also improve your overall understanding and appreciation of music.

Step 7: Develop Your Hand Independence

Hand independence is a key aspect of piano playing. It allows you to play different rhythms and melodies simultaneously. To develop this skill, practice playing simple exercises that involve different patterns in each hand. Start with basic exercises like playing scales in one hand while playing simple chords in the other.

As you progress, challenge yourself with more complex pieces that require greater hand coordination. Consistent practice and patience are essential for developing hand independence.

Step 8: Expect to Not Want to Practice

Learning any skill requires dedication and perseverance, and learning piano is no exception. There may be times when you don’t feel motivated to practice or encounter difficulties along the way. It’s important to remember that these moments are normal and part of the learning process.

Stay committed to your goals and find ways to stay motivated. Set aside regular practice sessions, find inspiration from other pianists, or reward yourself for reaching milestones. Remember, progress takes time, and each practice session brings you closer to your musical aspirations.

Step 9: Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Setting goals is essential for tracking your progress and staying motivated. Use the SMART goal-setting framework to create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.

For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “I want to be a better pianist,” set a SMART goal like “I will learn to play my favorite song within three months by practicing for one hour every day.” Break down larger goals into smaller milestones, and celebrate each achievement along the way.

Step 10: Remember Your “Why”

Lastly, always remember your “why” for learning piano. Whether it’s a lifelong passion, a desire to express yourself creatively, or a way to connect with others through music, understanding your motivation will help you stay committed.

Write down your reasons for learning piano and revisit them whenever you feel discouraged. Your “why” will serve as a constant reminder of the joy and fulfillment that playing the piano brings.

In conclusion, learning piano by yourself for free is an achievable goal with the right mindset and approach. Start by acquiring a piano, choose a learning method or piano style that suits you, and get acquainted with the instrument. Learn basic scale patterns, how to read sheet music, and train your ears.

Develop hand independence, expect challenges along the way, and set SMART goals to track your progress. Finally, always remember your “why” and let your passion for music drive your journey. So, what are you waiting for? Start your piano learning adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn piano on my phone?

In today’s digital age, it is no surprise that we can do almost everything on our smartphones, from ordering food to managing our finances. But can we really learn to play the piano on our phones? The short answer is yes, but with some limitations.

There are various piano learning apps available on both iOS and Android platforms that claim to teach you how to play the piano from scratch. These apps typically provide interactive lessons, tutorials, and even virtual keyboards to practice on. While they can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get started, they should not replace traditional piano lessons completely.

What is the best way to learn piano at home?

Learning to play the piano at home can be a rewarding and convenient experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pianist, there are several effective methods to enhance your piano skills within the comfort of your own home.

Online Piano Lessons: With the advancement of technology, online piano lessons have become increasingly popular. Many reputable websites and music schools offer comprehensive online courses that cater to different skill levels. These lessons typically include instructional videos, sheet music, and interactive exercises to help you progress at your own pace.
Piano Books and Sheet Music: Another effective way to learn piano at home is through self-study using piano books and sheet music. There is a wide range of instructional books available, from beginner guides to advanced technique books. By following the step-by-step instructions and practicing regularly, you can gradually improve your piano skills.
Practice and Repertoire: Consistent practice is key to mastering the piano. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your piano skills. Start with simple exercises, scales, and finger exercises to warm up and gradually move on to more challenging pieces. Building a diverse repertoire of songs will not only improve your playing ability but also keep you motivated and engaged.

Remember, learning to play the piano is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and regular practice. While it is possible to learn piano at home, it is always beneficial to seek guidance from a professional piano teacher to ensure you are on the right track and to receive personalized feedback.

How do you read piano notes?

Reading piano notes is essential for any aspiring pianist. While it may seem daunting at first, with some practice and understanding of the musical staff, you will be able to read piano notes fluently.

The musical staff consists of five horizontal lines and four spaces. Each line and space represents a different note on the piano. The lines, from bottom to top, represent the notes E, G, B, D, and F (remembered using the mnemonic “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge”). The spaces, from bottom to top, represent the notes F, A, C, and E (remembered using the mnemonic “Face”).

To determine the pitch of a note, you need to identify its position on the staff and any additional symbols, such as sharps (#) or flats (b). Sharps raise the pitch of a note by half a step, while flats lower the pitch by half a step. These symbols appear to the left of the note and are placed on the corresponding line or space.

It is important to note that the location of the notes on the staff corresponds to their position on the piano keyboard. By practicing regularly and familiarizing yourself with the notes on the staff, you will gradually become proficient in reading piano notes.

What is the easiest way to memorize piano notes?

Memorizing piano notes can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. However, with some effective techniques and consistent practice, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Mnemonics: Mnemonic devices are a great way to remember the order of the notes on the piano. As mentioned earlier, the lines of the musical staff can be remembered using the phrase “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge” (E, G, B, D, F). Similarly, the spaces can be remembered with the word “Face” (F, A, C, E). By associating these phrases with the corresponding notes, you can quickly recall their positions on the staff.
Flashcards: Creating flashcards with the notes on one side and their corresponding positions on the other can help reinforce your memory. Practice flipping through the flashcards and naming the notes and their positions on the staff. As you become more proficient, you can gradually increase the difficulty by adding sharps or flats to the flashcards.
Repetition and Practice: Consistent practice is crucial for memorizing piano notes. Dedicate regular practice sessions to reviewing and playing the notes on the piano. Start with simple exercises and gradually progress to more complex pieces. The more you expose yourself to the notes, the easier it will be to memorize them.
Visualization Techniques: Visualizing the piano keyboard and associating the notes with their respective positions on the staff can aid in memorization. Close your eyes and imagine playing the piano while mentally identifying the notes on the staff. This technique can help reinforce the connection between the visual representation of the notes and their corresponding positions on the keyboard.

Remember, memorizing piano notes takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With consistent effort, you will gradually build a strong foundation of note recognition and become more confident in your piano playing.

How do you memorize piano sounds?

Memorizing piano sounds is an important skill for any pianist, as it allows you to play music by ear and replicate melodies without relying on sheet music. While it may seem challenging, there are effective strategies to help you memorize piano sounds.

Active Listening: Actively listening to various piano pieces is crucial for memorizing piano sounds. Choose a piece you want to memorize and listen to it attentively multiple times. Pay close attention to the melody, rhythm, and dynamics. Try to identify recurring patterns or motifs within the piece.
Break it Down: Breaking down the piece into smaller sections can make memorization more manageable. Start by learning one section at a time, focusing on the melody and rhythm. Practice playing that section repeatedly until you can play it without referring to sheet music or listening to the original recording. Once you have mastered one section, move on to the next and gradually combine them.
Visualize and Sing: Visualizing the piano keys while singing or humming the melody can aid in memorization. As you sing or hum, imagine yourself playing the corresponding keys on the piano. This technique engages multiple senses, making the memorization process more effective.
Practice with Variation: Once you have memorized a piece, practice playing it in different keys or with slight variations. This helps solidify your understanding of the piece and makes it easier to recall in different contexts. Experiment with tempo changes, dynamics, and even improvisation to deepen your connection with the music.

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Ulrich Y.

Ulrich Y. is a piano virtuoso, piano teacher, and an author at Pianofrenzy, an organization that is specialized in all things piano related; and rated globally as the #1 Measure of all things piano related.