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If you are still on the fence about learning how to play the piano, then this article should help you get started. Did you know playing the piano is beneficial to your mental health? If that doesn’t motivate you to get started, then perhaps the following reasons will!

It is a good stress reliever

Every time you glide your fingers over the keys, some pent-up stress will flow out of your body! The therapeutic chords will help you release some anxiety and depression that you may be having.

It can help improve your concentration

You have to stay sharp as you play the piano. You have to use both your hands, read the music sheet, and listen to the notes you are playing. You also have to work the pedals! All this pulls at your concentration, which ultimately improves it and helps you improve your multitasking away from the piano!

It can help improve your coordination

You need to work your hands independently to produce good piano music. You also need to be able to read from your music sheet as you play. As a result, you get to improve your hand-eye coordination.

It can help to enhance your creativity

It is no walk in the park to pick up a music sheet that was inspired years ago and bring it to life. You need to be creative in the process as you strive to interpret the music. This in turn will help enhance the artistic side of your brain.

It can help improve your memory

You have to visualize the chords and memorize your music as you play the piano. This in turn helps enhance your spatial cognitive development and helps you retain information better! If you are a student, this is a special bonus as studies show that you get to retain at least 20% more information than your peers who don’t play an instrument!

It can help you embrace negative criticism

Each time you strike the wrong chord or press the wrong key, you will be corrected by your teacher. With time, the criticisms that you get will help you positively accept feedback. This will help you embrace constructive criticism in different aspects of your life (work, home, school, or in relationships).

It can help boost your confidence

If you are one of those shy people that shudder at the thought of public speaking then playing the piano can help boost your confidence. No matter how good or bad you are at playing, each time you play for friends or family, your self-esteem will be improved.

It is fun and satisfying

Whether you are goofing around with the keys or you are practicing for a particular performance, playing the piano is fun and can be very satisfying! Imagine tackling a “difficult” piece and nailing it, now that will be an ego booster!

Conclusion

Playing the piano is a lot more than gliding your hands over the keys. It can have physical, social, and emotional benefits as mentioned above!…

Playing an instrument takes practice unless you are among the blessed few with magical hands and blessed ears that take to their instrument of choice like a duck to the water. If you are new to playing the piano, then you will appreciate the tips below for becoming a better player.

Tips to becoming a better pianist

1. Find the right music

You will enjoy playing the piano if you love the music you get to practice on! Go for something you enjoy which will inspire you to continue playing. Don’t forget to challenge yourself down the road with music you don’t like, but which will enhance your skills!

• Don’t play for the sake of playing, have a goal in mind!

Before you sit behind your piano, you should have a clear goal in mind. For example, you can set the goal of playing a particular song well by a given day. This will inspire you to practice the song and ultimately improve your piano-playing skills! Remember though, the goal you set should be achievable so that you don’t set yourself up for failure before you even start!

• Don’t forget to position your hand

This is very important if you want any chance to improve your playing skills. You will not play well if your hands are not properly positioned! Ideally, you should play with your hands separately. For example, start with your right hand and gradually allow your left to join. Practicing with your hands separately at the start will help improve your hand coordination down the road.

• Don’t look at your hands

You can steal an occasional glance at your hands but, avoid looking at your hands as you play, as you may mess things up when you look away. Embrace your surrounding and look at your sheet.

• Go easy on the keys

Just because you apply too much pressure on the piano keys doesn’t mean they will respond the way you want them to! Be gentle with them and let your fingers work their magic!

• Use your ears

The more you practice the more you get to train your ears. This will help you embrace the piano and create beautiful music! Train your ears to listen to every key you press as this will help you embrace your style or at least follow the master’s style.

• Practice the simple chords

It may get boring in the earlier days, but carving out the time to practice simple chords will help you improve your playing skills! Play at a steady pace and focus on the tempo and rhythm. It is important to maintain a given rhythm if you are to improve.

• Forget about speed, go for accuracy

You may be tempted to up your speed as you play, but, if your accuracy is lacking then you may want to slow your speed! Pay attention to the keys you hit, ensure that they are accurate and with time, speed will become second nature!

• Go visual with the chords

The best way to do this is to divide your music piece into sections. Then, visualize chords from each section separately and practice till you get it right!

1. Practice, practice, practice

As mentioned before, practice makes perfect. Take time out to practice the piano as much as you can and with time, you will get a good grasp of the notes, chords, and improve your playing technique! A good 15 minutes spent practicing the fundamentals will go a long way to improving your retaining power.…