Q. I have decided to learn piano from an online course. I had some experience with piano lessons years ago when I was in middle school, but had to stop lessons. Now, 15 years later I want to start up again. My interest is in classical music with some pop style.
Because of my work and college schedule my time is limited and I also want to work at my own pace, so I am interested in trying an online piano course. I have been doing some searches on the Internet, but I am not sure what I should buy.
Can you advise me on how to find the best online piano course that would suit me?
Thanks.
Trying to Decide, via email
A. I hope you don't think I'm trying to avoid giving you a straightforward answer. But what is your background--did you just take lessons for a couple of years when you were about 12 or 13? That is the impression I got--and if so, you probably have forgotten much of what you learned since it has been a few years since your last lesson.
Think about the reason why you want to start again and why you stopped the lessons. Was it because you were overwhelmed with school activities and homework? If so, things may not be so different now because you mentioned you are working and going back to school. So you will be just as busy or even busier than you were when you were in middle school. In fact, things may be more hectic for you now.
Can you budget your time wisely? Are you able to set up a schedule where you can allow yourself the time to do the lessons without interruption? Also, you didn't mention if you have family responsibilities because that is another added distraction to your goal to learn piano. I'm not trying to discourage you, but think about ways you can set up a regular routine.
Finally, are you truly motivated to overcome distractions and responsibilities so you can at least start learning piano? If you are, then you make the commitment to learn.
As for which course to choose, that is the fun part. There are piano course review sites such as this one, or others listed on Google. Most courses, such as Pianoforall is a great and thorough course for beginning adult piano players. Most of these courses have a limited return policy, so make sure you read the fine print. The guarantee will allow you enough time to explore a course and decide which is the right one for you. Don't procrastinate and wait a few weeks to start--open up the first lesson and begin right away. Obviously, you will know if you found the best online piano course if you are actually learning from it.
Child Beginning Piano
Q. My child is going to begin piano lessons in the middle of August. I wanted to give him a head start with beginning the lessons in August as school starts near the end of the month. He is 7 years old and wants to learn how to play piano as he is impressed by his older cousin's ability to play just about anything. What do you suggest to make the lessons a good learning experience? Should I get some piano tutorials online or find a good piano teacher instead? And how do I keep him motivated?
M. Evans, email
A. If possible at this impressionable stage of his life, try to locate a good piano teacher experienced with teaching young children. I think that getting some piano tutorials online is fine for supplementing piano lessons after a young student begins private lessons---but a new student needs the personal guidance of a professional teacher in order to progress more quickly. Adults often ask me how to teach yourself to play piano, and I would be glad to recommend several fine piano tutorials online. But for children as beginners I highly recommend a teacher in the beginning (for as long as possible).
You can be supportive during practice time, and if possible, help him if he has any questions regarding his lessons when the teacher is not around. Heap some praise for the new assignments he is learning---children crave praise and approval. And what better way for him to stay motivated if you, the parent stays interested in his progress and each new weekly assignment. Don't focus too much on the older cousin who is probably advanced. Instead emphasize the fact that the cousin had to start from the beginning too, and improved and advanced over time (which could means months, and yes even several years).
You can plan monthly informal family recitals for him to perform some of your and his favorite pieces that he has mastered. This is always a great way for a student to prepare himself for performing for a real recital with other students with his teacher. Holidays are also a good time to play with family get togethers where he can eventually learn holiday or popular songs or pieces that people enjoy hearing.
Even if you are busy with your own schedule, be sure to make time for your child's piano practice. At first, at the beginning stage, it is often good to sit and observe the practice. Make the practice time be pleasant and be encouraging---not overly perfectionistic or overbearing. This will encourage him to try to excel and motivate him. As he gets more advanced and confident in his ability, you will not need to sit and supervise the practice as much. Besides, a parent can often learn some piano while sitting and observing the child's practice.
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