Piano & Keyboard Made Easy

1. Anyone can learn to play piano with the right approach

I am not an inherently 'talented' person. I am however a persistent and stubborn one who is not afraid of hard work or looking foolish.

Talent is overrated. The ability to play piano is not reserved for the gifted few, but accessible to anyone willing to put in consistent effort. Many people give up learning an instrument because they believe they lack natural talent. However, persistence and practice are far more important than innate ability.

Start at any age. The author began his musical journey at age 40, proving it's never too late to start. By focusing on simplified methods and consistent practice, even those without prior musical experience can make significant progress. The key is to approach learning with patience, persistence, and a willingness to make mistakes along the way.

2. Simplify music theory to make learning easier

Music is nothing but patterns. Simple number patterns like the ones we learned in primary (elementary) school.

Patterns, not complexity. Traditional music education often overwhelms beginners with complex theory and notation. By focusing on simple patterns and numerical relationships, learners can grasp the fundamental structure of music more easily. This approach demystifies concepts that might otherwise seem daunting.

Practical application. Instead of memorizing countless scales and chords, learn the underlying patterns that govern them. For example:

• Major scale pattern: 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1
• Major chord pattern: 4, 3
• Minor chord pattern: 3, 4

By understanding these patterns, you can quickly apply them to any key, drastically reducing the amount of information you need to memorize.

3. Master the basics: Notes, scales, and chords

Learn one pattern and you learn 12 scales.

Efficient learning. By focusing on patterns rather than individual notes, you can quickly learn to play in any key. This approach allows for rapid progress and a deeper understanding of music structure.

Key concepts to master:

• The 7 natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
• The 5 black keys (sharps and flats)
• Major and minor scale patterns
• Major and minor chord patterns

Practice these elements regularly, starting slowly and gradually increasing speed. Remember, accuracy is more important than speed initially. As you become comfortable with these basics, you'll find that more complex pieces become much easier to learn and play.

4. The power of the 1-4-5 chord progression

If you get this concept then you open the door to being able to play most western music from the last hundred years.

Universal musical framework. The 1-4-5 chord progression is the backbone of countless popular songs across various genres. By mastering this simple pattern, you unlock the ability to play and understand a vast repertoire of music.

How to use the 1-4-5 progression:

1. Choose a key (e.g., C)
2. Identify the 1st (C), 4th (F), and 5th (G) chords
3. Play these chords in various orders to create different songs
4. Add the relative minor (Am in the key of C) for more variety

This progression forms the basis for blues, rock, pop, and many other styles. Practice playing songs using this pattern, and you'll quickly develop an intuitive understanding of musical structure.

5. Practice effectively for rapid improvement

Make sure you are building good habits – not poor habits.

Quality over quantity. Effective practice is about building good habits and avoiding reinforcement of mistakes. It's better to practice for short periods consistently than to have long, infrequent sessions.

Tips for effective practice:

• Set up your instrument in an easily accessible place
• Practice at least 5 minutes every day
• If you make a mistake, slow down and repeat the section correctly
• Focus on challenging areas rather than playing what you already know well
• Use a metronome to improve timing
• Record yourself to identify areas for improvement

Remember, progress may seem slow at times, but consistent practice will lead to significant improvement over time.

6. Explore improvisation and songwriting

One of the most pleasurable things I have ever done is writing a song.

Creative expression. Improvisation and songwriting allow you to apply your musical knowledge creatively. These skills not only enhance your enjoyment of playing but also deepen your understanding of music theory.

Steps to start improvising and writing songs:

1. Choose a simple chord progression (e.g., 1-4-5)
2. Experiment with playing different scales over the chords
3. Try creating simple melodies using notes from the scale
4. Add lyrics to your melodies if desired
5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – it's part of the creative process

Remember, there are no strict rules in improvisation and songwriting. Allow yourself to explore and discover your unique musical voice.

7. Overcome self-doubt and sing with confidence

There are very few people who can't sing.

Singing is natural. Many people believe they can't sing due to past criticism or self-doubt. However, singing is a natural human ability that can be developed with practice and confidence.

Tips for improving your singing:

• Start by singing in private to build confidence
• Practice regularly, even if just for a few minutes a day
• Record yourself to track improvement
• Join a choir for group support and practice
• Focus on breath control and posture
• Remember that many successful singers don't have conventionally "perfect" voices

Singing can enhance your overall musical experience and is beneficial for physical and mental health. Don't let fear hold you back from exploring this aspect of music.

8. Embrace modern electronic keyboards for versatility

Modern keyboards are incredible. Even the cheapest children's keyboards usually have hundreds of different rhythms and hundreds of different tones.

Endless possibilities. Electronic keyboards offer a wide range of sounds, rhythms, and features that can enhance your learning and playing experience. They provide an affordable and versatile alternative to traditional acoustic pianos.

Benefits of electronic keyboards:

• Multiple instrument sounds and effects
• Built-in rhythms for accompaniment
• Recording and playback features
• Headphone compatibility for silent practice
• Portable and space-efficient
• Often more affordable than acoustic pianos
• Some models offer interactive learning features

While acoustic pianos have their charm, modern electronic keyboards can be an excellent tool for beginners and experienced players alike, offering a wealth of features to explore and enhance your musical journey.

Last updated: July 28, 2024