Learning to play the Piano

There are so many ways to learn music.  Playing the piano is just one of the numerous approaches.  I am going to assume that you are either thinking about playing the piano either for yourself or for a family member or a friend.  Although few people realise this, everyone is musical.  Music is inherent to being human.  Just think about breathing in and out, or walking, running and even just sitting still, listening to your own heartbeat.  All of these things involve rhythm and pulse, and this is just one of the starting points.

Learning any instrument can be daunting.  Not everyone is lucky enough to come from a musical background or family.  This does not mean that learning to play the piano is not for you or your family and friends.  Playing the piano, at any age, is possible, if you  can set aside regular time for lessons and practice sessions.  If you have time to watch television on a regular basis, play computer games or read, then you can fit in learning to play the piano.  Do not assume you have to rush out and buy something to play on, which costs hundreds of pounds.  Do ask around, sometimes it is possible to borrow a keyboard for the first few months, whilst you decide if playing the piano is for you.  Renting is also a practical option at the beginning.  There are several companies which offer rent to buy schemes, at very affordable rates.

The key ingredients to learning to play the piano, is access to a keyboard, electronic or acoustic piano; time to learn and practise; and most crucially, wanting to learn.  Think about a horse being led to water, unless that horse wants to drink, it will not put its head down and take water from a stream.

Everyone is different.  Some people seem to pick up everything and anything with little or no effort.  Others have to work hard to achieve their aims and ambitions.  People with physical and intellectual impairments can often really struggle to even get the chance to play an instrument.  Everyone should have the chance to have a go and play an instrument.  The piano is a very good choice for anyone who wants to give it a go, no matter which background they come from, and which ability group they fall into.