How to Learn Piano Playing Without Knowing How to Read Music

Practice with music or a friend to learn the piano.

Learning to play the piano can take years to master. Pianists spend a considerable amount of time learning to read music. However, many people want to play simply for fun, and investing years learning to read music is not on everybody's list of things to do. Basic piano songs can indeed be learned without the ability to read music, although they require a practice commitment. This playing style is based on memorization and must be maintained to have a lasting impact.

Things You'll Need

• Friend who plays piano
• CD player

Instructions

Friend

1. Ask a friend who plays piano to teach you a specific song that you'd like to learn.

2. Watch them play the song once the entire way through.

3. Watch the melody (right hand) play slowly. Copy and practice the individual notes.

4. Watch the left hand play slowly. Copy and practice the notes.

5. Combine the notes on both hands.

Learn by Ear

1. Listen to a song you want to learn on a CD player.

2. Stop and repeat individual sections of the song.

3. Play corresponding piano notes along with the song until you find the melody. The melody is the part of the song you sing. Learn small sections to make the process easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Break down the melody and harmony into small sections. Less memorization is easier. Learn small sections of the song and combine them as they're mastered.

References

• "The Piano Handbook"; Carl Humphries; 2002