So you've made the decision to finally start piano lessons! The lingering thoughts of thinking you're too old to start or don't have the ear for music are out of your head. You are ready to commit! Where do you go from here and what are the first steps to getting started?
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- Type of lesson
Do you want online lessons or in-person lessons? There are pros and cons for each option. Online lessons offer convenience of taking lessons within your own home without traveling time. You also get to play and practice on your own piano/keyboard. However, do you prefer the in-person instruction with the physical hands on learning? Depending on the instructor, you can have the weekly benefit of playing on a nicer instrument such as a baby grand piano or even grand piano. The time away from your home into a different environment can sometimes help students focus more in the lesson.
- Finding a Teacher
There are many websites nowadays catered towards finding piano lessons. Here are a few:
- thumbtack.com
- lessons.com
- Lessonrating.com
- yelp.com
Or simply a Google search for piano teachers in your area. I recommend reading reviews of teachers and checking on their website to see if they offer a trial lesson before you commit. Keeping in mind, this is someone you will be seeing on a continuous basis. You want to have comfort and ease in interacting with this teacher going forward.
- You found a teacher, now what?
Read over your new teacher's studio policy. I repeat... read over the studio policy! Every teacher has his/her own approach to their studio policy. The main points to consider are the cancellation policy and method of payment. Adults can get busy with their own work schedule and life obligations. Things come up and you want to make sure how cancellations work so you are not surprised. Methods of payment can include online payments through apps like Zelle or Venmo, or sometimes cash is preferred. In any case, please read thoroughly through the whole studio policy. As a teacher myself, I find many students roughly skim through the policy and when something comes up, they are are caught off guard or there is a miscommunication. Let's avoid the headache!
- Keyboard or Piano search
Usually before reaching out to a teacher, a student should have at least an 88 key digital keyboard at home before starting the first lesson. If not, no worries! Your teacher can help you select the proper instrument or you can go on a search for your new instrument. Budget can range from $300-$1000.
Here are some great places to find a keyboard:
- Facebook Marketplace (used)
-sweetwater.com
-guitarcenter.com
-Amazon.com
-local piano store (used or new)
Specific requirements for a keyboard:
-88 keys
-preferably fully weighted keys
-comes with a pedal or has the option to add a pedal/s
My recommendations for keyboards:
Online used options can also be found here
Having a proper piano bench is not required but recommended. If you purchase a keyboard without a stand, a stand is preferred as opposed to propping it on a table. These can easily be purchased through Amazon.com.
- Final Thoughts
Just remember that you've made a big first step to starting lessons! Once you've past the first lesson, keep in the mind that learning music is a lifelong journey. I hope you can enjoy the process of learning a new instrument and definitely don't compare yourself to others. Embrace your own unique experience!
Happy practicing!
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