About Piano Lessons
There is a common belief that playing piano is about talent and it cannot be learned, only refined. The fact is, those who are committed to practicing and building skills can arrive at a level similar to those who appear to have intrinsic talent. The beginning stages of piano lessons may focus on mechanics, but more advanced skills support the mastering of technique.
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Types
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There are two divergent paths in piano lessons: musical theory versus practice. For beginners, most lessons open with instruction in how to read music, hold proper posture, use both hands to create simultaneous melody and harmony and play finger chords. Some piano lessons may focus on a particular genre--such as classical or jazz--while other lessons may give someone the skills to being creating their own compositions or improvising. Lessons function best if they are hands-on and interactive.
Features
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The key features of piano lessons are identifying notes, maintaining rhythm and playing songs. Beginners must learn the names of the musical notes and how to locate them among the piano keys. They must also learn how these notes appear on sheet music. Notations such as the treble clef, whole notes, dotted half notes, rests, sharps, flats, beats, bar lines, quarter notes and eighth notes, among others, must be learned to play music effectively. Likewise, stylistic considerations such as moderato, crescendo, legato, staccato and dynamic markings inform the techniques of the advanced student.
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Identification
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People researching piano lessons may wonder how teachers identify levels of skill. At the elementary level, instructors expect students to be able to master playing the correct notes at a steady beat. They should maintain curved fingers, keep their eyes on the musical notes, be able to look ahead in the music and use a legato touch. At the intermediate level, students should incorporate accents and articulations, as well as playing expressively and using the pedals. At the advanced level, piano teachers look for phrasing, tone control, voicing and style.
Benefits
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Piano lessons include increase musical confidence and creativity. With a little practice, students can play classical, rock, jazz, blues and pop compositions. The piano is an enjoyable instrument on which to learn, because it does not require the musical proficiency and exactitude of wind instruments. Students can also begin to develop an ear for music, noting which tunes sound melodic and which sound discordant. People of all ages can take piano lessons and achieve mastery of skills.
Effects
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The popularity of piano lessons has spawned a new instructional methodology in the technological age: online piano lessons. Go Piano offers free piano instruction through its website (see Resources below). Students can follow a sequence of skills-based drills that help them learn notes, rhythm, patterns and techniques. Others can opt to purchase piano lesson software, such as Adventus' popular Piano Suite Premier. For traditional in-person piano lessons, expect to pay as little as $15 per lesson for 30 to 45 minutes (a typical starting price for children's, group or beginners' lessons) and up to $50 for 45 minutes to an hour of individual instruction.
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