It used to be that when you wanted to learn the piano, it was common sense to hire a piano teacher. Today however, there are so many resources on and off the Internet about how to play the piano that taking formal lessons almost seems like unnecessary expenditure. There are even excellent kinds of software out there that allow you to learn the piano by yourself. Still, there are many advantages to taking private piano lessons that you won't get when just learning to play alone.
Advantages of Taking Piano Lessons
Sure, the most highly sophisticated software out there can teach you important things like positioning your hands in a rounded way and sitting correctly at the piano but it can't teach you how to shape proper technique. Building piano technique is something only a teacher can help you do as his trained eye can see the relation of a particular student's physiology and psychology and their effect on his piano playing. For instance, he can immediately identify tensions when you're dealing with an arpeggio, and instantly intervene to correct them.
It's also very advantageous to have a piano teacher when learning fingerings. You may end up making things unnecessarily harder for yourself if you try to figure out fingerings on your own. An experienced teacher could teach you many ways by which you can execute a difficult passage in a musical piece, taking into account your physical attributes and current skill.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of taking piano lessons is that you learn to express emotion through your music-making. Remember that music is not just about translating sheet music into something audible. It's primarily about expressing yourself and moving your audience with a meaningful performance. No software can make you deeply appreciate such wisdom-only a teacher can.
More Things to Consider When Playing the Piano
Piano teachers may differ in their requirements but one thing's for sure: they'll require you to have a fully working, full-sized, tuned acoustical piano or an electronic keyboard. If you don't have an acoustic piano, your teacher may encourage you to invest in one because there's no substitute to learning the nuances of this musical instrument.
There's nothing wrong with taking piano lessons at home provided the environment is completely free of distractions. It's your choice whether to schedule regular practices or not, although practicing regularly at fixed times is definitely advisable. But don't worry if you're busy and your schedule doesn't permit such regular practices because you can always work something out with your teacher.
Chances are, you'll be surprised at how fast you can learn to play the piano when guided by an experienced, certified piano teacher. All it takes is passion, hard work and dedication and you should be able to execute excellent pieces of piano music that you never thought you could do. Don't hesitate to start taking lessons because you could be missing the experience of your life. If you love music, that's already a giant step in itself toward becoming a great piano player.
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