What is the Key to Playing the Piano?


© Jana Cole

What is really at the bottom of piano playing? Is it learning how to finger well? Is it learning how to read music well? Is it cultivating a good sense of rhythm? Is it having a good teacher? Is it learning to play by ear? Is it learning to manipulate chords? Is it owning a really good piano? Is it inheriting piano playing genes? Is it practicing 4 hours per day? Is it..... what is it?

Have you ever heard the idea that if you know the why, the how becomes clear? Well, that's the key to playing the piano well: knowing why you are playing the piano. When you know why you want to play, then you will know what to play, and the question of how learn to play is much easier to solve.

If you do not know why you are playing the piano, then that is something that you should take some time to think about. Without a clear motivation, you may have a difficult time studying the piano long enough to get proficient at it.

There are many good reasons to play the piano. For, instance, there is much research that confirms that playing music is good for the mind. Also, piano playing is a wonderful cultural activity. However, I think the greatest reason to play music is to bring enjoyment to others. I also believe that this reason is most likely to maintain the necessary motivation to continue learning and growing musically.

Playing for your family can be one of the most joyous ways you can spend your time. Children are usually fascinated by musical instruments and music making. It is a great way to build a bond. Holidays are enriched by the music making of family members.

If you study with a teacher, you can play in recitals for a friendly, appreciative audience. If you organize a group of friends to play informally and perform occasionally, not only will you bring enjoyment to many people, you will make friends as well.

These days, playing an instrument is not as common as it was a generation or two ago. Certain competitors have won the time of young people and pushed instrument lessons far down the priority list. Piano lessons have been replaced, sadly, by computer games and web surfing. Music programs have been cut as educational budgets are trimmed. So, in this day and age, your music making is that much more precious and wonderful.

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