Some thoughts from my piano learning experience:
- The Classical foundation is still one of the best, if not the best, groundwork you can start your musical journey on. It’s no wonder that some of the best keyboard players in the past, like Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman, came from Classical backgrounds. I wouldn’t lie and say that the Classical training is easy, far from it. It actually reminded me of a military camp when I went through all those years of lessons. But when you come out on the other side, you become more disciplined, more aware of detail, more insightful in your music. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go for the Classical training.
- You have to practice in order to become a good pianist. Or in other words, no pain, no gain. Or garbage in, garbage out. And I don’t mean hours and hours of practice, it’s actually the quality, not quantity, that counts. For most beginners, 30 minutes a day should be sufficient.
- When you do practice, become involved. A little guidance from a teacher is good, but many students tend to rely too much on the teacher. Remember that the teacher can only help you during the lesson. You’re at home the rest of the week, and you have to teach yourself. Don’t play the piano at home as if you were a robot or zombie, that is worse than not playing at all!
- After stating #3 above, I must say that I do make myself available to my students outside of their piano lesson hours. If they have problems or queries, they are free to contact me by phone, e-mail, and instant messaging.
- Never ever give up!
