Myths are everywhere. We hear plenty of them and some get disproven, but they can have a strong effect on the way a person thinks or perceives something. It is always better to bust those myths, so here we will bust some common myths associated with learning the piano.
For the beginners who might have heard some “fake news” about piano learning, here is the truth for you.
Always Start Learning As a Kid
This is the biggest myth told to adults seeking to learn something new. Well, let us bust this for you. Learning the piano has got nothing to do with your age. There are many popular pianists who started learning late, and they play so well. Whether you are a kid or an adult, learning a new art requires patience, motivation, and enthusiasm. Anyone who is willing to learn to play piano late in life can do so. There are plenty of resources to guide you also, so nothing to worry about.
Easy To Teach Yourself
There are many self-taught piano players, but one thing that is common among them is a lack of proper knowledge of music. A teacher with experience will guide you in the right way, which may not be possible when teaching yourself. Knowing how to read music is an important part of playing the piano. So, if you are really interested in learning how to play the piano well, then get a teacher and the right books and get started.
Practice Sessions Should Be Long
It is true that a lot of practice is needed to master the skill of playing the piano. One should put in at least twenty minutes daily in order to get better. However, if you believe that sitting on the piano seat for miserably long hours is the best way to learn, then it is important that this myth is busted. Only professionals or music majors do this. As a beginner, you just need to practice sincerely as much as you can.
You Should Never Write on Music
There is no such rule about this that one needs to follow. Writing on the music with a pencil or even a pen is your choice. If you want to mark the tough parts as a reminder to yourself, then you are free to do so. As a beginner, writing on the music sheet can prove to be helpful in the learning process unless your sheets are vintage.
Never Look Down at Your Hands
It is a known fact that one should not stare at the hands while playing the piano. However, as a beginner, one has to look down at the hands while playing, and it is not wrong. If you are playing something from memory or playing a piece for the first time, then looking at your hands is needed. When you have learned how to play the piano well, then you might not feel the need to look at your hands.
Knowing How to Read Music Comes Before Learning the Piano
Well, this has no truth in it. Nobody learns to read music first. One can start reading music as one learns how to play the piano. You may learn the keys and then follow the letters on paper. But that is not reading music.
Learning how to read music needs some guidance and practice. You learn it as you play, side by side. There are many learners who can play by ear or simply follow the chords. They don’t read music. Reading music is a part of playing the piano better, but not a prerequisite.
Tough Music is For the Ones With Long Fingers
It is true that tough music can be more easily played by people with long fingers. The famous Rachmaninoff is known for his huge hands and some of the most difficult music ever created on the piano. If you try playing any of his creations, you will know why this myth has come into existence. But that doesn’t mean only those with long fingers can play the tough chords. Players with shorter fingers need some practice before they can master such a tough piece of music.
Songs Should Be Learned in Order
There may have been times when you were told to learn the song bit by bit in order. Those who have experienced this know how grueling it can be. The fact is, a song can be learned in any order. One can start with the easier parts. Once that is done, move on to the tough portions and master them slowly. Then try playing the entire piece as a whole in order. The point is, there is no strict rule on how you learn to play a song. It completely depends on the pianist. Learn in whichever order you are comfortable.
Classical Music is a Must
Learning can never happen if you are being compelled to do something you do not like. Many believe that learning classical music is a must for playing the piano well. Classical music is definitely a good way to start as it lays strong foundations. But if you are someone who is not a fan of classical music, you can always experiment with other genres of music. Whatever genre you pick, make sure you have your basics clear.
Daily Practice is Necessary
The more you practice, the better you get at it. Daily practice will definitely improve your hands at the piano. But if you feel like taking a break, you should do it. If you get bored of playing daily and continue doing so, you might lose interest. Practice sessions should make you happy and you should enjoy the process.
Piano Lessons are Serious and Not Fun
This myth should definitely be busted. Many get discouraged from hearing such false things. If you think that piano lessons are scary and serious, then you are mistaken. Learning the piano can be a fun activity. Learning requires lots of concentration and focus, but that doesn’t take away the fun part of the learning session. Getting a professional you’re compatible with will make your sessions enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, even in front of your teacher.
Piano Learning Can Be an Expensive Affair
The piano is an expensive instrument to possess and hiring a teacher may cost you some money. But this expense is quite rewarding. Those who cannot afford a piano teacher can opt for online classes. You can get books for learning too.
You Cannot Learn Piano Without Having an Actual Piano
To learn, you don’t actually need a grand piano. Nowadays, you have multiple options for learning to play the piano. Digital pianos or keyboards are great substitutes for actual pianos. These instruments can imitate the sound of an actual piano and are good enough for learning.
These are some of the myths that you should not believe anymore…
