What is the best age to start learning how to play piano or keyboard?
Five years old is about the youngest age you want to start a child on piano or keyboard. Adults can start at any age! Piano-keyboard is arguably the easiest instrument for anyone to start learning music on. Physically it is very easy and visually it is all right there in front of you. A simple pattern of black keys and white keys that even a five year old can make sense of!
Do I have to learn to read music to play piano?
No, you don't but a good teacher can make it fun and most students do learn to read music while studying piano. We offer a number of different piano teaching methods and styles including traditional sight reading, playing without learning to read music, chord-based methods, improvisation, songwriting & theory. Our piano teachers will help you decide which is best for you based on your own personal goals.
How long will it take to learn piano?
Most students can play a basic song or two after their very first lesson! It can take a lifetime to master the piano but you can learn to play some really fun songs in no time at all! Set your own goals and have fun as you learn. Kids love Disney and movie theme songs. For adults, it's all up to you!
How long are piano lessons and how often do I attend class?
Most students take weekly half-hour, private lessons with the same teacher each week. One hour piano lessons are also available but generally are only necessary for advanced level students. A lesson will start with a brief review of what you have been working on over the previous week followed by new songs, techniques, etc. for you to work on at home until you see your teacher the next time. A professional piano-keyboard teacher can give you more than enough to work on to keep you busy for the entire week!
Should I purchase a piano or a digital keyboard?
Most students have digital keyboards these days. They are very inexpensive and easy to maintain when compared to a traditional piano. If you have a piano, consider yourself lucky and enjoy learning to play that beautiful instrument! If you have or will be purchasing a digital keyboard, rejoice as you will be saving a lot of money, can move it from room to room easily and will never have to worry about paying a professional piano tuner to come to your house. Also, late at night you can wear headphones!
What kind of keyboard should I purchase?
Please see our Keyboard Buyer's Guide. It has a lot of advice on instruments you can purchase or rent that will be excellent for you to start with.