How to Learn Piano: Tips and Techniques for Achieving Great Results in 5 Years

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 13 min read

So, you're curious about how long does it take to learn piano? Well, the answer depends on your goals and dedication. This guide will help you set realistic expectations and provide tips on how to achieve great results within five years. Let's dive in!

Setting Realistic Goals

One of the first steps to learning piano is setting goals that are achievable and in line with your aspirations. By doing this, you'll have a clear path to follow, making your piano journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Let's look at how to set short-term and long-term goals.

Short-term Goals

Short-term goals are milestones that give you a sense of achievement and motivation throughout your learning process. Here are some ideas:

Learn to read sheet music: Familiarize yourself with the basics of reading notes, rhythms, and dynamics.
Master scales and arpeggios: Build a strong foundation in music theory by practicing major and minor scales and arpeggios.
Play simple songs: Choose easy piano pieces or arrangements of your favorite tunes to keep you engaged and motivated.

Long-term Goals

Long-term goals are the bigger achievements you want to accomplish in your piano journey. They help you stay focused and committed. Here are some suggestions:

Become proficient in various genres: Explore different styles of music, such as classical, jazz, blues, pop, and rock, to build versatility and expand your repertoire.
Develop advanced techniques: Improve your finger strength, dexterity, pedal technique, and expressive playing to enhance your overall piano skills.
Perform in public: Share your talent by playing for family and friends, participating in recitals, or even sharing your performances on social media platforms.

Remember, the key to answering "how long does it take to learn piano" is about setting realistic goals and working diligently towards them. With dedication and consistent practice, you can achieve great results within five years.

Choosing the Right Piano

Selecting the right piano is essential for a successful learning experience. The instrument you choose can greatly impact your progress and motivation. Let's explore some factors to consider when choosing a piano, such as acoustic vs. digital, best brands, and size and budget.

Acoustic vs. Digital

Deciding between an acoustic and digital piano depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some points to consider:

Acoustic pianos offer a rich, authentic sound and a more natural playing experience. They require regular tuning and maintenance but can last for generations if well-cared for.
Digital pianos are more affordable, portable, and versatile. They don't need tuning and have features like headphones, built-in metronomes, and the ability to connect to computers for music production.

Both options have their pros and cons, so weigh them according to your needs and preferences.

Best Brands

When it comes to piano brands, quality matters. Some well-known and reputable brands include:

Yamaha: Known for their reliable and high-quality acoustic and digital pianos.
Steinway & Sons: Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and premium acoustic pianos.
Casio: Offers a wide range of affordable and feature-rich digital pianos.
Kawai: Produces both acoustic and digital pianos with excellent sound quality and performance.

It's a good idea to try out different brands and models to find the one that suits you the best.

Size and Budget

Consider the space you have available and your budget when choosing a piano. Acoustic pianos come in various sizes, from large grand pianos to smaller upright pianos. Digital pianos are generally more compact and budget-friendly.

Remember, investing in a quality instrument is crucial for your learning experience, but you don't have to break the bank. Look for sales, discounts, or consider buying a used piano in good condition to save money.

By choosing the right piano, you'll be more motivated to practice and enjoy playing, making it easier to achieve your goals and answer the question, "how long does it take to learn piano?"

Finding a Great Piano Teacher

A great piano teacher can make all the difference in your learning journey. They'll guide you, provide valuable feedback, and keep you motivated. Let's look at some options for finding the perfect piano teacher for you, including local teachers, online lessons, and different teaching styles.

Local Teachers

Finding a piano teacher in your area has its advantages, such as in-person lessons and the opportunity to build a personal connection. Here are some tips for finding a local piano teacher:

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local music stores.
Search for teachers online using websites dedicated to connecting students with music instructors.
Visit local music schools or community centers that offer music lessons.

Make sure to meet with potential teachers to discuss their teaching methods and experience before committing to lessons.

Online Lessons

Online piano lessons offer flexibility, convenience, and access to a wide range of teachers. You can learn from the comfort of your home and at your own pace. Here's how to find a suitable online teacher:

Explore online platforms and marketplaces that specialize in connecting students with music teachers.
Check out social media or video-sharing websites for piano instructors offering lessons.
Ask for recommendations from online piano communities and forums.

Before starting online lessons, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a good quality microphone to ensure a smooth learning experience.

Teaching Styles

Different piano teachers have different teaching styles, and it's essential to find one that matches your learning preferences. Some common teaching styles include:

Structured: Teachers who follow a specific curriculum and set clear goals for each lesson.
Flexible: Teachers who adapt to your individual needs and interests, allowing you to explore various genres and techniques.
Encouraging: Teachers who focus on positive reinforcement and fostering a love for music, rather than just technique.

It's important to communicate your goals and expectations with potential teachers to ensure a fruitful partnership. Remember, finding the right teacher can significantly impact how long it takes to learn piano, so choose wisely!

Developing a Practice Routine

Consistent practice is key to learning piano effectively. It's important to develop a routine that works for you while considering time management, practice techniques, and building muscle memory. Let's explore these elements to help you create a practice routine that will keep you on track to achieve great results within five years.

Time Management

Finding the right balance between practice and other daily activities can be challenging. Here are some tips for managing your practice time:

Set aside a specific time each day for practice, ideally when you're most alert and focused.
Start with shorter practice sessions and gradually increase their duration as you become more comfortable.
Break your practice sessions into smaller segments, focusing on specific skills or pieces.
Track your practice time and progress in a journal or app to stay accountable.

Remember, consistency is more important than the length of each practice session, so even a short daily practice can greatly impact how long it takes to learn piano.

Practice Techniques

Effective practice techniques can help you make the most of your practice time. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Start by warming up your fingers with scales, arpeggios, or simple exercises.
Break down complex pieces into smaller sections, focusing on one section at a time.
Practice slowly and deliberately, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.
Use a metronome to help you maintain a steady tempo and improve your sense of rhythm.
Record your practice sessions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Experiment with different practice techniques and find what works best for you, as this will influence how long it takes to learn piano.

Building Muscle Memory

Developing muscle memory is essential for playing piano confidently and fluently. Here's how to build muscle memory through practice:

Repeat challenging sections or passages until they become second nature.
Focus on maintaining proper posture and hand position to ensure efficient movement.
Incorporate exercises designed to improve finger strength, independence, and dexterity.
Visualize the keyboard and mentally practice playing a piece without touching the keys.

Building muscle memory takes time and repetition, but it's a crucial step in achieving great results within five years.

Learning Music Theory

Music theory is the foundation of understanding and creating music. It's essential to learn music theory as you progress on your piano journey. By mastering note reading, scales and arpeggios, and chords and harmony, you'll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of piano pieces and genres. Let's dive into these topics to help you better understand how long it takes to learn piano.

Note Reading

Being able to read sheet music is a crucial skill for any pianist. Here are some note-reading basics to keep in mind:

Learn the lines and spaces of the treble and bass clefs, which represent different pitches on the keyboard.
Practice recognizing note values, such as whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes, which indicate the duration of each note.
Understand key signatures and accidentals, which can alter the pitch of specific notes.
Develop your sight-reading skills by playing through new pieces of music regularly.

As you become more proficient in note reading, you'll find it easier to learn new piano pieces, reducing the overall time it takes to learn piano.

Scales and Arpeggios

Scales and arpeggios are fundamental building blocks of music, helping you understand the structure of different keys. Here's how to approach learning and practicing them:

Begin with major and minor scales, starting with the easier keys like C major and A minor.
Practice scales and arpeggios in different octaves, using correct fingering and hand position.
Gradually increase the speed of your scales and arpeggios, maintaining evenness and accuracy.
Learn different scale types, such as chromatic, pentatonic, and blues scales, to expand your musical vocabulary.

By mastering scales and arpeggios, you'll develop a strong foundation in music theory, which will help you learn piano more efficiently.

Chords and Harmony

Understanding chords and harmony is essential for playing piano pieces with depth and expression. Here are some tips for learning chords and harmony:

Start by learning basic triads, which consist of three notes, in both major and minor keys.
Practice playing chord inversions, which rearrange the notes of a chord, to improve your finger movement and flexibility.
Study chord progressions, which are sequences of chords that create a sense of movement in music.
Experiment with different voicings, or arrangements of chord notes, to explore various harmonic textures and colors.

By developing a solid understanding of chords and harmony, you'll be able to learn piano pieces more quickly and expressively, ultimately shortening the time it takes to learn piano.

Mastering Piano Techniques

While learning music theory is vital, mastering piano techniques is equally important to becoming a skilled pianist. In this section, we'll cover finger strength and dexterity, pedal technique, and dynamics and expression. By honing these skills, you'll be well on your way to achieving great results in your piano journey.

Finger Strength and Dexterity

Developing finger strength and dexterity is crucial for playing the piano with accuracy and ease. Here are some suggestions to help you improve these skills:

Practice finger exercises, such as Hanon or Czerny, to build finger strength and independence.
Focus on using proper fingering and hand position when playing scales, arpeggios, and piano pieces.
Work on playing both legato (smooth and connected) and staccato (short and detached) articulations.
Gradually increase the tempo of your exercises and pieces, ensuring that your fingers remain relaxed and controlled.

As you build your finger strength and dexterity, you'll find it easier to tackle challenging piano pieces, which can reduce the time it takes to learn piano.

Pedal Technique

Mastering the use of the piano's pedals is essential for creating a polished sound. Here are some tips for developing your pedal technique:

Learn the functions of the three pedals: the sustain pedal (right), the soft pedal (left), and the sostenuto pedal (middle).
Practice using the sustain pedal to create a smooth legato sound, making sure to release the pedal when changing chords to avoid blurring the harmony.
Experiment with the soft pedal to create subtle changes in dynamics and tone color.
Study piano pieces with pedal markings, paying close attention to the composer's intentions for pedal usage.

By mastering pedal technique, you'll add depth and nuance to your piano playing, contributing to the overall time it takes to learn piano.

Dynamics and Expression

Playing with dynamics and expression is what brings music to life. To develop these skills, consider the following tips:

Pay attention to dynamic markings in sheet music, such as "p" for soft (piano) and "f" for loud (forte).
Experiment with different levels of dynamics, from very soft (pp) to very loud (ff), to create contrast and interest in your playing.
Practice using crescendos (gradually getting louder) and diminuendos (gradually getting softer) to shape musical phrases.
Listen to recordings of professional pianists to gain inspiration and ideas for incorporating dynamics and expression into your own playing.

As you become more expressive in your piano playing, you'll find greater enjoyment and satisfaction in your practice sessions, ultimately impacting how long it takes to learn piano.

Exploring Different Genres

One of the most exciting aspects of learning piano is the ability to play a wide variety of musical genres. By exploring different styles, you'll not only expand your musical horizons but also develop a well-rounded skill set that can help you progress more quickly. In this section, we'll discuss classical music, jazz and blues, and pop and rock.

Classical Music

Classical music offers a rich repertoire that can help develop your piano technique and musical understanding. Here are some tips for getting started with classical piano:

Begin with easier pieces from composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Schumann, then gradually progress to more challenging works by Chopin, Beethoven, and Liszt.
Study different periods of classical music, including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern, to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of piano composition and performance.
Listen to recordings by renowned classical pianists, such as Lang Lang, Martha Argerich, and Arthur Rubinstein, for inspiration and guidance.

Exploring classical music can help you develop a solid foundation in piano technique and make it easier to estimate how long it takes to learn piano.

Jazz and Blues

Jazz and blues piano styles offer a unique opportunity to develop improvisational skills and explore complex harmonies. To dive into jazz and blues, consider the following:

Learn common jazz and blues chords, such as 7th, 9th, and 13th chords, as well as their inversions.
Practice playing blues scales and jazz modes to familiarize yourself with the building blocks of improvisation.
Study the works of famous jazz and blues pianists, such as Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, and Dr. John, to gain insight into their playing styles and techniques.

By incorporating jazz and blues into your piano practice, you'll not only develop a unique voice on the instrument but also improve your overall understanding of how long does it take to learn piano.

Pop and Rock

Pop and rock piano styles can be both fun and rewarding to learn, offering a more contemporary sound and the opportunity to play your favorite songs. To get started with pop and rock piano, try the following:

Learn to play chord progressions and riffs from popular songs, focusing on developing a strong sense of rhythm and groove.
Practice playing by ear, picking out melodies and chords from recordings of your favorite pop and rock tunes.
Study the playing styles of famous pop and rock pianists, such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Ben Folds, to gain inspiration and ideas for your own playing.

As you explore different genres in your piano journey, you'll develop a diverse skill set that will not only make playing more enjoyable but also help you better understand how long it takes to learn piano.

As you progress in your piano journey, it's important to share your talent with others. Performing and collaborating with other musicians can be incredibly rewarding and help you grow as a pianist. In this section, we'll discuss recitals and concerts, online platforms, and collaboration opportunities.

Recitals and Concerts

Participating in recitals and concerts is a great way to showcase your progress and gain valuable performance experience. Consider the following tips for performing live:

Find local performance opportunities, such as school recitals, community concerts, or open mic nights, to gain experience playing in front of an audience.
Prepare your pieces thoroughly and practice performing them under pressure to build confidence on stage.
Learn to manage performance anxiety by using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, before taking the stage.

Performing regularly can help you overcome stage fright and give you a better idea of how long it takes to learn piano and feel comfortable in a live setting.

Online Platforms

Sharing your piano performances online can help you reach a wider audience and connect with fellow musicians. Here are some suggestions for sharing your talent online:

Record videos of your performances and upload them to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase your skills and gain feedback from viewers.
Join online piano forums and social media groups to share your progress, ask for advice, and learn from other pianists' experiences.
Participate in online piano competitions or challenges to push yourself and receive constructive feedback from judges and fellow musicians.

By sharing your talent online, you'll not only gain valuable feedback but also develop a better understanding of how long it takes to learn piano and become proficient.

Collaboration

Collaborating with other musicians can be an enriching experience that helps you grow as a pianist. To get started with musical collaboration, consider the following:

Join a local band, ensemble, or choir that incorporates piano to gain experience playing with other musicians and learn to adapt to different musical styles.
Participate in jam sessions or songwriting workshops to develop your improvisational and compositional skills.
Connect with other musicians online or in person to collaborate on projects, such as recording covers or creating original music.

Through collaboration, you'll develop a deeper understanding of music and gain insight into how long it takes to learn piano and become a well-rounded musician.

Staying Motivated

As with any long-term endeavor, staying motivated is essential to achieving great results on your piano journey. In this section, we'll explore strategies for maintaining motivation, such as setting milestones, joining piano communities, and celebrating your progress.

Setting Milestones

Setting specific milestones can help you track your progress and stay motivated as you learn piano. Keep in mind the following when setting your milestones:

Establish clear, achievable short-term goals, such as learning a new song or mastering a specific technique.
Set long-term goals that align with your aspirations, like performing in a recital or composing your own music.
Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your milestones as needed to keep your piano journey challenging and engaging.

By setting milestones, you'll have a clearer idea of how long it takes to learn piano and stay driven to reach your goals.

Joining Piano Communities

Connecting with fellow pianists can provide valuable support and encouragement as you learn piano. Consider the following ways to join piano communities:

Participate in local piano clubs or meetups to share your progress, exchange tips, and learn from other pianists' experiences.
Join online piano forums and social media groups to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your own insights.
Attend piano workshops, masterclasses, or conferences to expand your knowledge and network with other pianists and professionals.

Being part of a piano community can help you stay motivated as you learn from others' journeys and gain insight into how long it takes to learn piano.

Celebrating Progress

Recognizing and celebrating your progress is crucial for maintaining motivation. Here are some ideas for celebrating your achievements:

Record videos of your playing to document your progress over time and recognize your improvements.
Share your accomplishments with friends, family, or fellow pianists to receive encouragement and validation.
Reward yourself for reaching milestones or overcoming challenges, such as treating yourself to a concert or purchasing new sheet music.

By celebrating your progress, you'll stay motivated and have a better understanding of how long it takes to learn piano and achieve the results you desire.

If you're looking to take your skills to the next level and truly excel in your field, don't miss the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. This workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies to help you grow and transform from a good performer to a great one.