Piano & Keyboard Lessons

Each piano method has advantages and disadvantages

There are several basic methods piano teachers use. Some instructors focus on reading musical notation while others instructors introduce music reading later or not at all.

Piano by Ear

Playing the piano by ear refers to the process of learning the piano by listening, watching and mimicking what you hear or see. Learning piano by ear is useful in learning jazz, pop and other non-classical styles that require improvisation (making up music on the spot). Some famous jazz pianists, Errol Garner for example, have learned this way and never learned to read music. Learning piano by ear requires a certain amount of natural talent to be able to successfully copy what is heard.

Piano by Letters

Playing piano by letters has become a popular method for learning piano online. The student learns songs by reading a series of letters or numbers instead of relying on traditional music notation. Piano by letters yields quick results and students are usually able to play a song after a few lessons. This method does not teach how to read rhythm so students must rely on their own rhythmic sense. Another major disadvantage of learning by letter is students can only advance to a certain level, depending on their talent.

Traditional Piano Lessons

Traditional piano lessons usually incorporate reading European musical notation from the onset. A successful piano teacher also incorporates aspects of playing piano by ear later in the course of the student's lessons. Some students who find the process of learning musical notation tedious may lose interest and quit piano lessons. Students who have the patience to learn to read music can develop a fine technique and potentially be able to perform at a concert level.

References

• Blue Music Group: Errol Garner
• Play Piano by Numbers or Letters