Learning to play the piano is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Not only will it lead to a beautiful skill that will fill rooms with music, but it will also improve your brain function and reduce cognitive decline! Of course, to reap as many benefits as possible, it’s important to get it right.
While not everyone can be Martha Argerich, there are some simple beginner mistakes you can avoid to increase your chances of reaching a high skill level. Keep reading for the most common.
Not Being a Visual Learner
If you don’t have a teacher in the room with you, you may resort to looking at sheet music to learn a new song. However, this isn’t the best idea unless you know the chords very well. Instead, it’s better to be a visual learner with piano music notes. With this, you can see precisely where your fingers should be at the right moment, giving you a clear, visual lesson without needing a piano teacher present. This is something you’ll need in the early days.
Forgetting the Metronome
The metronome is a handy piece of equipment that should sit next to your piano (or keyboard). It keeps your speed in check, ensuring you don’t play too quickly or slowly. It’s easy for beginners to sit down at the piano and begin practicing without flicking the metronome on, but this should always be avoided, as it can lead to poor skills that are harder to shake down the line.
Having Bad Posture
One of the techniques experienced piano players know is holding good posture. It’s important, as good posture leads to a better piano playing technique, while the vice versa is true. A correct posture for playing the piano involves sitting with your feet on the ground with a straight back and your shoulders square. It shouldn’t be too forced or uncomfortable.
Not Using the Arms for Weighting
Experienced piano players know to use both their arms and fingers when playing. On the other hand, many beginners only use the weight from their fingers, which should be avoided as it can lead to getting too tired too quickly. Remember that your arms should be providing most of the weight for each key press and play accordingly.
Not Pushing Themselves
If you’ve been a beginner for a long time, ask yourself if you have pushed yourself to learn something new. Mastering the basics is always a sensible idea, but you won’t move forward unless you try something newer and more challenging. After all, people learn the most when faced with challenges.