Ten essential tips when starting to learn to play the piano

If you’d like to learn to play the piano, it can sometimes be daunting to know where to start. Perhaps you played at school and you want to bring the joy of music learning back into your life. Or perhaps it’s something that has always been on your bucket list. There’s no time like the present. 

We have come up with ten essential tips that will help you to make great progress as you start to learn piano. 

For many, the biggest motivation in wanting to learn to play piano is a desire to play for family and friends. Perhaps traditional music lessons can feel a bit onerous and costly.  It can sometimes feel like it will take a long time to be able to get good enough to master your preferred party piece. Starting by playing songs you know (and love) is certainly a great way to feel motivated from the outset. 

1. Play songs you know

It’s always a good idea to start by learning songs that you are familiar with. It can be much easier to learn a song on the piano when you already have an idea of how the song should sound like in your head. The LUMI Library has hundreds of songs to choose from so you’ll be sure to find something that works for you.

2. Play a song arrangement at the right level

Let’s not go crazy though. If you’re just starting out, don’t expect to go the full Elton John in week one. It’s probably sensible to find a simplified song arrangement that makes it easy to learn on the piano. LUMI has song arrangements to suit all levels, including quick play versions of many favourites to get you started.

3. Invest in a light up piano keyboard

Many learners find that a light up piano keyboard can be a great way to get started. It can help you to find the right notes and if you’re keen to learn sheet music, it’s a great way to start to memorise the notes. LUMI offers a unique integrated experience between the light up keys and the LUMI Music app providing you with all the tools you need to start learning piano today. Interactive lessons make the best use of LUMI’s light up keys and allow you to quickly improve based on feedback in the app. 

4. Learn your way

We all like to learn in different ways.  For some, reading sheet music may feel like an essential step to learning piano. For others, you may want to learn to play songs by ear. In the LUMI app, you can explore different learning styles and you will soon get a sense of what works for you.  

5. Practice little and often

As with any new skill, it makes sense to practice regularly so that you can consolidate your piano learning skills. Block a time in your calendar for a regular daily practice - as little as ten minutes is enough. Work on your core technical skills as well as the songs that you are learning. You will soon see an improvement with regular practice. This will create a virtuous circle and you will feel more and more motivated to practise piano.

6. Start by warming up

It may feel like you want to jump straight in and play your song but it’s always a good idea to warm up your hands with some simple exercises.  

7. Set yourself a goal

Humans are motivated by seeing progress. If you set yourself a piano playing goal, it will give you something to work towards and you’ll feel a greater sense of motivation when you achieve your goal. 

8. Think about a portability

You may want to consider investing in a portable piano keyboard so that you can keep up with the practice wherever you are. Some learners like to take their piano on holiday, or to use it when they go away on a business trip. LUMI is the perfect size to slip into your hand luggage so you can learn piano on the go.

9. Watch your posture

It’s important to establish good habits when learning any new skill. Playing piano is a very physical activity. You want to start off with good technique as this will set you up for success. This means ensuring you have the right finger, wrist and arm position. No flat fingers or sloppy wrists here! You’ll also want to make sure that your posture is good and that you’re sitting up nice and straight.  In the LUMI app, our introductory lessons help you get set up with excellent positioning and posture from the outset. 

10. Have fun and enjoy the benefits

Let’s face it we all learn better when we’re enjoying ourselves. And it’s a bit of a positive loop because once those endorphins are flying, you’ll just want to keep playing more and more. Learning piano can also be a very calming and meditative experience. It’s great to be able to carve out some me-time in the day and to find a space where you can focus on your own self-improvement.