What Do You Need to Know to Master the Piano?

A cornerstone of many vocal ensembles, the piano is one of the world’s most popular instruments. If you’d like to truly master it, here are a few practical tips you can start using right away.

Set realistic goals

Learning piano as an adult often takes longer because of personal and professional responsibilities, so it’s essential to set realistic goals from the start. First, identify what you want to learn—for instance, the specific musical style that inspires you. Then, based on your availability, create a schedule you can actually stick to in order to reach your goals.

Take piano lessons

To give yourself the best chance of mastering the piano within a reasonable timeframe, consider taking piano lessons at a specialized school. This can help you progress much faster than relying on online tutorials alone, because you’ll work directly with professionals who can tailor instruction to your level and needs. You’ll also be able to ask questions and get clear answers on anything that’s confusing. That said, choose your school carefully. With so many music-training options available, it’s worth seeking out teachers with the experience and expertise to provide high-quality instruction.

Study your lessons

No matter what type of training you choose, the first key to success is studying what you’re taught. Even if you enroll in the best music school in the world, you won’t reach your goals on time if you’re not consistent and dedicated. You also need to learn each lesson thoroughly to avoid piling up concepts you haven’t mastered. If you’re not sure what study method to use, don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for guidance.

Practice

Mastering the piano can’t be purely theoretical—otherwise, learning would be pointless, since the goal is to be able to play. To get there, do the exercises assigned by your instructors, and feel free to look for additional practice ideas online. If you run into difficulties, bring them up with your teachers. For the best results, vary your practice: music theory (like solfège) improves your note-reading skills, while playing exercises build finger agility and control on the keyboard.

Listen to music

Listening to music regularly trains your ear to recognize notes more easily. Try to set aside time each day for this habit, and you’ll find it becomes easier to read and work through pieces.

Interested in learning guitar instead? If so, you’ll need to decide whether to choose an online or in-person teacher. That decision can have a big impact on your progress.