2024 The Ultimate Piano Self-Teaching Guide and Tips for Beginners
Do you want to learn to play the piano on your own and play beautifully without a teacher?
I am a composition student majoring in classical composition and have been playing the piano for over 20 years. In the process, I met many piano players. Among them, there were several musicians who taught themselves to play the piano. When we think of learning to play the piano, the first thing that comes to mind is piano lessons. You must have a teacher to give piano lessons, but it is an instrument that can be challenging enough to learn on your own. The cost of piano lessons can feel burdensome and expensive, so if you are up for the challenge of trying to teach yourself, it is a good idea to try learning the piano yourself.
Even if you cannot play difficult songs in a short period of time by teaching yourself to play the piano, you can play great songs with beginner-level sheet music. The piano is a great friend when you want to listen to beautiful music to your family, friends, and lover, or when you want to change your mood yourself. It can be for you.
It’s good to learn an acoustic piano, but if the price is burdensome or you want to practice quietly at home with headphones connected, we recommend a digital piano.
The piano is one of the most common musical instruments in the world, and many people have a hobby of playing the piano.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the topic of today’s article: the ultimate way to teach yourself piano. 🎹 💕
Table of Contents
Is it possible to learn piano on your own?
Yes. it’s possible. Until long ago, learning to play the piano required a teacher, but these days, with the advent of many textbooks and piano lesson apps, there are many people who learn to play the piano on their own as a hobby. However, there are a few things you need to learn piano on your own.
Self-motivation and time investment
Self-teaching piano requires self-motivation and consistent practice. Even without lessons, you need to set goals and practice consistently to find a learning method that suits you.
Use of materials
You can learn using online materials, tutorial videos, piano textbooks, piano lesson apps, etc. You can increase your learning effectiveness by finding and utilizing a variety of information.
Technical knowledge
An understanding of basic music theory and piano playing techniques is required. It is helpful to understand and practice simple music theory, scales, chords, tempo, etc.
Self-assessment and feedback
If you are not taking lessons, self-assessment and feedback are important. It is helpful to listen to recordings, analyze your own performance, or communicate with other performers in online communities to receive feedback.
Choosing study songs
It is important to choose appropriate study songs. If you choose a song that is too difficult, you may struggle, so it is best to start with a song that suits your level.
Attention and Patience
The piano is an instrument that requires attention and patience. Even if you encounter difficulties, you must overcome them through consistent effort and patience.
Above I have listed the elements for self-teaching piano. The piano is a universal instrument that is widely played around the world, and anyone can become a great player if they are willing to learn the piano.
Importantly, when you are a beginner, you may lose interest if you encounter difficulties during piano practice, so motivation for continuous practice is most important.
Pros Of Self-Taught Piano Lessons
It’s good to start by learning how to play the piano from someone, but there are many advantages to learning to play the piano on your own.
Flexible Learning Schedule
Self-teaching piano gives you the flexibility to study on your own schedule. You can practice at your own convenience without a lesson schedule or appointment with a tutor.
Self-directed learning
Self-teaching piano allows for self-directed learning, where you can decide your own pace and method of learning. You can study and develop according to your own learning style.
Economics
Self-teaching piano is a way to save on lesson costs. You can learn to play the piano without having to pay for a tutor or academy.
Opportunity for creativity and self-expression
Through self-education, you can discover your own style and expression. You can be creative and form your own playing style in a free learning environment.
Strengthen self-management skills
Self-teaching piano requires self-directed learning and schedule management. This can improve self-management skills not only in learning but also in everyday life.
Motivation to learn
Setting and achieving your goals can increase your motivation. You can maintain your motivation to learn by feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Self-teaching the piano can be most effective if you combine proper planning and self-directed effort.
Learn How to Teach Yourself Piano at Home 🏠
Learning to play the piano on your own requires a lot of effort because you are doing it on your own without a teacher watching you. Still, since it’s a hobby, if you enjoy practicing, you can practice consistently without losing interest and play the song you want.
1. Start with easy music.
When you first start learning the piano, it is important to keep learning and not lose interest. Therefore, it is a good idea to start practicing with easy music and gradually expand the genre to more difficult music, eventually reaching the music you want.
2. Use textbooks appropriate for your level.
When learning piano on your own, you should use textbooks of a level appropriate for you. Sometimes, people buy piano textbooks that are difficult for them just because they contain songs they like. However, since our goal is to improve my current piano skills, there is no need to waste money by buying difficult textbooks.
3. Create a piano practice routine.
If you want to practice piano consistently, you need a routine. Just like fitness training, you need to practice the piano consistently to make your fingers flexible. In order to play the song you want in a short period of time, you need to practice diligently through a piano practice routine.
4. Study music notation and basic music theory.
To play the piano more effectively, you need to know how to read piano music. Additionally, you must know basic music theory to play the piano accurately. Memorizing some basic music theory will be helpful when reading piano scores.
5. It is a good idea to check your current situation by video recording or recording.
Those of you who are reading this right now are probably trying to teach themselves how to play the piano. Since you are trying to learn piano without a teacher, it is helpful to record and record your current situation to check whether you are playing with the correct posture.
After recording your piano performance, you can check and correct things such as sitting posture, speed, hand position, and finger shape
So, what are some piano textbooks for self-study? Textbooks for self-studying the piano also use general textbooks for beginners, just like regular piano textbooks.
It is a good idea to first learn how to read sheet music and the names of the keynotes. In order to be able to play the songs you want later, you need to study not only the piano but also the theoretical content.
The list of piano textbooks for self-study that I have selected is as follows. 🎹 🍀
The 5 Best Piano Books for Beginners (Adult / Kids)
1. Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)
Undine's Recommendation
Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique
- You don't need to have a music background to learn.
- Easy for beginners to learn.
- It's easy to read and the instructions are clear.
- You can use the pedal and Apple Pencil at the same time.
- The price is somewhat expensive.
🎵 This book is a piano textbook for adults who have never learned to play the piano. There are many touching songs in this book, and it is great to use when you are tired of practicing songs written for children. This book is recommended as an adult piano textbook because it contains interesting songs for adults who are just starting to play the piano.
2. Your Golden Ears: First Piano Lessons for Adult Beginners
Undine's Recommendation
Your Golden Ears: First Piano Lessons for Adult Beginners
- Learners of all ages can learn.
- Integrating music theory and composer anecdotes adds depth to learning.
- Suitable for anyone who wants to learn the basics of piano.
- A blend of practical practice and insightful theory.
- If you're not a complete beginner, the book may feel easy.
🎵 Like the book above, this book is also for complete beginners who are just starting to play the piano. You can learn about 120 piano lessons and the core of music performance. I recommend this book to those who want to learn piano but don’t know where to start.
3. Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Piano Course : Lesson, Theory, Technic
Undine's Recommendation
Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Piano Course : Lesson, Theory, Technic
- You can learn theory and practice with a unified approach.
- Practice problems are ready.
- The guidance on finger positions is helpful.
- This is the best basic book for beginners.
- There is a price difference between the spiral version and other versions.
🎵 This book is a piano book for beginners. It provides all the information necessary to understand the keyboard, finger placement, etc., and since most of the songs are familiar, it is easy to play them accurately. This book contains all the information necessary to learn piano and is an essential book for beginning pianists.
4. Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1 (Book/Online Audio)
Undine's Recommendation
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1 (Book/Online Audio)
- There are many online videos that can be easily accessed through qr codes.
- It progresses at a pace that is easy for beginners to learn.
- There are both LH and RH next to the numbers in the book.
- Clear and concise explanation.
- This book does not immediately introduce the metronome to each piece.
🎵 This book is a book that allows even people with no piano experience to learn piano at a comfortable pace. Many self-taught piano students practice by reading this book, and practicing with online videos allows them to practice without any other reference materials.
5. Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Bk 1)
Undine's Recommendation
5. Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Bk 1)
- There are various sheets with increasing levels towards the end.
- This is a simple book that is very helpful for beginners.
- The content is friendly, but it is not for children.
- Includes useful scales and note progressions.
- Some sections are skipped too quickly.
🎵 This book is also for piano beginners. It’s nicely explained where your hands should be, so you can practice knowing exactly what you’re learning.
Piano Learning Roadmap for piano beginners
A piano learning roadmap can be structured as follows.
1. Acquire basic music theory
Learn basic music theory such as scales, chords, and rhythm.
2. Understanding the basic principles of the piano
Understand the basic principles of the piano, including the keyboard, keyboard, and finger placement.
3. Practice basic skills
Practice basic piano playing skills, such as finger movements and key pressing.
4. Song selection and practice
Select a song of appropriate difficulty to practice and improve your playing skills.
5. Music understanding and interpretation
Understand the structure and musical expression of a song and reflect it in performance.
6. Self-evaluation and feedback
Record and analyze your own performance to find areas for improvement and improvement.
7. Continuous learning and practice
Continue to improve your playing skills through consistent learning and practice.
By following these steps, you can create your own piano learning roadmap. After establishing basic understanding and skills at each stage, it is recommended to gradually increase the level of difficulty.
Advice For How To Teach Yourself Piano
The piano is the most familiar and common musical instrument around the world. So sometimes I think like this. ‘Can’t I just buy a piano and play by myself at home?’ These thoughts.
Of course, the piano is an instrument that I can practice and play by myself at home. First of all, ultimately, the piano is an instrument that plays music, so it is a hobby activity that has a positive effect on human emotions. Therefore, I can play with satisfaction on my own without having to pay expensive lesson fees.
The most important thing in self-teaching piano is how much time I can invest in piano practice and how consistently I can practice. The best way to do this is to make a plan and create your own piano practice routine. You can also gain a sense of accomplishment and gain motivation by playing the songs you practiced to your family and friends.
YouTube video for self-taught piano learners
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Teach Yourself Piano
How can I learn piano pieces by myself?
There are many ways to teach yourself piano music. First, select a song of appropriate difficulty and practice, then learn the skills and music theory needed to understand and play the score. Practice dividing the song into small sections, repeating each section until you play it perfectly. Additionally, you can master the songs through slow practice and exercises that improve finger independence.
How can I learn piano fast by myself?
It is possible to learn piano quickly, but this may vary depending on individual ability and time invested. It is important to practice consistently and maintain concentration for effective learning. Additionally, it can be helpful to use appropriate study materials, set goals, and make a plan accordingly. To make rapid progress in learning, it is important to practice often and challenge yourself to push yourself beyond your limits.
Where to start with learning piano?
Learning piano usually begins with basic music theory, understanding piano basics, finding learning materials/resources, practicing basic techniques, selecting and practicing simple songs, and maintaining a regular practice schedule.
Can you self-study piano?
Yes, you can teach yourself to play the piano. Many people have been able to teach themselves how to play the piano and play to a high level. However, there are some important factors to consider. These include self-motivation and time investment, resource utilization, technical knowledge, self-assessment and feedback, study song selection, and attention and patience.
What is the 80 20 rule for piano practice?
The 80/20 rule for piano practice suggests that focusing on the most important or challenging parts of a piece (the 20%) can yield 80% of the results in terms of improvement. It emphasizes efficient and targeted practice to maximize progress.
How many hours a day did Chopin practice?
Chopin reportedly practiced for several hours a day, sometimes up to eight hours or more, especially during intense periods of composition or preparation for performances. However, the exact amount of time he spent practicing varies in historical accounts.
Is practicing piano 1 hour a day enough?
Practicing piano for one hour a day can be beneficial, especially for beginners or those with limited time. Consistent daily practice allows for gradual improvement over time. However, more advanced pianists may benefit from longer practice sessions to tackle complex repertoire and refine technical skills.
What is the 1 3 5 rule piano?
The 1-3-5 rule for piano refers to the finger numbers assigned to the first, third, and fifth fingers of each hand, respectively. It is commonly used in exercises and scales to establish proper finger placement and develop hand coordination and strength.
How do pianists read two lines at the same time?
Pianists read two lines of music simultaneously by training their eyes to scan both staves (treble and bass) simultaneously while also mentally integrating the information from both hands. This skill is developed through practice and familiarity with music notation.
How much is too much piano practice?
Too much piano practice varies for each individual and depends on factors such as skill level, physical endurance, and overall well-being. Over-practicing can lead to fatigue, injury, and burnout. It’s essential to listen to your body, take breaks, and maintain a balanced practice routine to avoid excessive strain.
What is the modern method of learning piano?
Modern methods of learning piano incorporate a variety of teaching techniques, including traditional methods, skills-based learning, and personalized training.
How many hours a day should you practice piano?
Piano practice time varies depending on your skills and goals, but beginners should start with 30 minutes to 1 hour a day and gradually increase as their skills improve.
Who is the best self-taught pianist?
Determining the “best” self-taught pianist is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and criteria. However, some notable self-taught pianists include Sir Elton John, Dr. John, and Scott Joplin.
Is self-taught piano better?
Whether self-taught piano is better depends on the individual’s learning style, dedication, and resources. Some people thrive with self-directed learning, enjoying the freedom to explore their interests at their own pace. Others may benefit from the structure, guidance, and feedback provided by formal piano lessons.
Can you be a good self-taught pianist?
Yes, it is possible to become a good self-taught pianist with dedication, practice, and access to quality learning resources. Many successful pianists have honed their skills through self-directed learning, using a combination of books, online tutorials, videos, and other educational materials to develop their technique and musicality. However, it’s essential to remain disciplined, seek feedback, and continually challenge yourself to improve.
What is the string piano technique?
The string piano technique involves using the fingers to pluck or strum the strings inside a piano, creating unique timbres and effects.
What are the characteristics of Best Piano Teaching Books?
The best piano textbooks provide comprehensive content for a variety of levels and include effective practice materials and examples. We also use visual materials and pictures to provide clear explanations and use structures and language that are easily accessible to learners to help them learn.
2024 The Ultimate Piano Self-Teaching Guide and Tips for Beginners – Summary
I hope you found today’s article on how to teach yourself piano without a teacher for beginners useful.
If you learn to play the piano on your own without a teacher, you have the advantage of being able to practice at your convenience and not having to pay a lot of money. Many beginner pianists around the world are playing the piano on their own without a teacher and have fun uploading it to YouTube or playing the songs they want to play. I hope that those of you who read this will be able to play beautifully by using the textbook and practice routine that suits you. 💕 🎹
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Undine
Hello. I am Undine, the owner of the My Undine blog. I majored in classical composition and am currently working as a freelance composer and giving piano lessons. I hope you get various information through this blog. 💙