Music has been used as a form of artistic expression for thousands of years. While there have been countless innovations that have changed the way we create and consume music, the piano is a timeless instrument that evokes emotions few others can.
For those learning to play piano, learning piano music theory is essential. Not only will this help improve your playing skills, it will also help you understand the logic behind the notes you play.
We’ve put together a brief guide that can help make the process easier. Let’s explore what you need to keep in mind.
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
This is one of the most important tips to keep in mind, and it’s one you can’t neglect. Without sufficient levels of practice, you won’t be able to master the basics.
A common mistake beginners make is assuming that occasionally taking part in grueling sessions will jumpstart their progress. Many people are unaware that learning occurs when you take a step back from the task and process what you’ve experienced.
Forcing yourself to play new material for hours on end won’t get you very far. Instead, it’s best to play for short sessions every day.
This will help ensure you consistently learn as time passes. A great way to ensure you dedicate a portion of each day is by playing first thing in the morning.
Not only does this get the task out of the way, but you can also spend the rest of the day reflecting on what you’ve learned. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make the progress you want at first.
Some people will improve faster than others, and you might be someone who requires a bit of extra work to reach their goals. The good news is that you’re guaranteed to improve as long as you make the time to play correctly. Soon enough, you’ll look back in awe at the progress you’ve made.
2. Don’t Overreach
During the early stages of your skill development, you won’t have enough of a foundation to learn the complex nuances of piano music theory. Overreaching can easily derail your progress and make it more difficult for you to reach your goals. For example, beginners don’t need to learn complex scales and modes.
Attempting to do so could make them question what they’ve already learned since advanced techniques sometimes involve breaking the rules of piano music theory.
3. Prioritize Accuracy
There’s no point in playing songs if you miss half the notes. Many students are more concerned with playing the song at its base tempo than playing it accurately.
Instead, don’t be afraid to slow things down and ensure you hit every note correctly. Once you master playing the song at slower speeds, you can begin playing faster until you can play it at its original tempo. Otherwise, you’ll be left struggling to play the song and minimize the chance of success.
4. Maintain Good Posture
It’s imperative to never neglect your posture when playing piano. This can lead to numerous complications, such as back, neck, and shoulder problems. The last thing you want is to have to take time off from playing due to having extended periods of poor posture.
Sit upright with your chest out. Slouching is the primary way people develop issues with their posture. You should also take breaks during long sessions.
Sitting in one position for hours on end could compromise your posture. It could also lead to additional health issues, such as circulation problems.
5. Try Various Genres
Don’t lock yourself into playing only one or two genres. You can learn a lot by expanding the type of music you play. This is true even if you think you wouldn’t be interested in trying something new.
For example, let’s assume you are primarily interested in playing classical piano music. After a few months of doing so, you find your progress starting to stagnate.
No matter what you do, you can’t seem to improve your sense of rhythm or the accuracy with which you play the notes. On a whim, you decide to try out playing a blues song. Suddenly, everything clicks and you understand the mistakes you were making when playing classical music.
At the very least, switching genres can help keep you entertained while playing piano. The more fun you have during the process, the more likely you’ll be to stick with it long-term.
6. Find an Amazing Teacher
The best way to learn piano is by taking a piano course from a reputable teacher. They have the tools and resources to ensure you make progress at the rate you desire. When searching for piano lessons in San Antonio, consider the facility’s reputation.
See what other people online have to say about their results. It’s also recommended to look for fake reviews during your search. These are often posted in batches and contain many of the same keywords.
They could be negative or positive, and it’s best to disregard them when making your assessment. What is their pricing structure like? You often get what you pay for, and it’s never recommended to choose the cheapest options.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to spend as much money as possible. Somewhere in the middle of the price range can likely meet your needs without stretching your budget. As long as you do your due diligence, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best San Antonio piano lessons for your goals.
Don’t Neglect Piano Music Theory
This process is difficult for many to learn, and it’s not uncommon for people to want to step away. With enough vigilance, you can quickly take your piano music theory skills to the next level. The info in this guide will help ensure you make the best decision for your needs.
MACSA prides itself on helping the people of San Antonio improve their musical abilities. We employ a diverse team of talented, highly-trained teachers to help our students overcome the challenges they face during the learning process. You’ll learn more about what we have to offer when you get in touch with us today.
