Zuzana's advice on...
Q1. How long will it take me to learn the piano?
A: if you want to play well, you will need to commit to lessons for at least a few years. Be prepared – the first six months can be a real test, but rewarding too.
Our promise: If you persist you will enjoy your first simple tunes six months from commencing your lessons.
Q2. Do I need a piano?
A: Yes, you do, and a good one will help your playing. If your place is space-limited, or you are concerned about your living arrangements, you may consider a digital piano. This will allow you to turn the volume down or use headphones – a great way to start. An acoustic piano should be tuned at least once a year.
Our promise: If you get a good instrument it will make your learning more enjoyable and successful.
Q3. Do I need to be talented?
A: You don’t need to be concerned about how much talent you have at the preliminary stage. You need three things for successful learning: Loving the idea, Patience and Discipline. Learning the piano means practice and repetition, repeating one pattern until you get it. Then comes the reward!
Our promise: Your discipline will count more than talent. Big talents who make small efforts are common. Don’t be afraid if you aren’t in the club of “the gifted”. The joy is you being able to play yourself!
Q4. Do I need big hands and long fingers?
A: No, and especially not when you are an adult student. You can have small hands and short fingers.
Our promise: There are exercises to help your fingers with flexibility, able to stretch and hit the keys precisely.
Q5. Am I too old to start learning the piano?
A: No, it’s never too late. You can learn at any stage of life. Of course, an adult learning process will be different to a child’s one. An adult might – as adults do – question information from your teacher with comments such as “why?” and “really, is that right?”, and your teacher might explain more. (On the other hand an adult will be more self-conscious playing in front of your teacher and family!)
Our promise: If the piano is on your bucket list of things “I must do ”, just do it! It’s worth it.
More to promise…
There is no such a thing as a short cut in becoming a good pianist. The same rule applies to everyone. Even Billy Joel and Lang Lang had to practise hard.
If you persevere with your learning, you will enjoy one of the most satisfying skills and life experiences there is. It will reward you for a lifetime. And if you’ re an older student learning the piano is greatly beneficial for stimulating the brain.
