The future of music

How Hard Is It To Learn The Piano?

August 4, 2023
How hard is it to learn the piano

The piano is one of the most popular instruments among people who want to gain music skills.

But the question they ask themselves first is: how hard is it to learn the piano?

Learning how to play the piano is quite challenging. However, compared to other musical instruments, it’s much easier to learn the basics. If you take lessons and practice regularly for a year, you should be able to read music and play piano at a good level.

However, it’s a great instrument for beginners!

If you’ve never played an instrument before, the piano is a perfect one to start with. Learning the piano will undoubtedly help you build a solid musical background. 

But how hard is it to learn to play the piano, and can anyone do it?

We’ll explain several elements of playing the piano that will clear things up.

Is It Hard to Learn Piano?

If you ask them about piano difficulty, many musicians and teachers will explain it by comparing it to other instruments. Although there are many factors to consider in that case, that’s actually a good way of putting things into perspective.

So, is it easy to learn piano in comparison to other instruments?

One thing that’s easier than with for example playing the trumpet or the violin is playing the right note. It will take you a while until you produce a good tone on some instruments, however on the piano, you just need to press the correct key.

If you press C on the piano, it will immediately sound like C.

You don’t have to think about the embouchure or bowing techniques. There are plenty of other things to think about though.

As the piano usually has 88 keys, there is more than one C note you can play. Therefore, you’ll need to get a good grasp of the piano notation.

It’s possible to learn how to play the piano by ear, but gaining sight-reading skills is probably a better idea. By learning notes, you’ll get a better understanding of the instrument and you’ll be able to play any song you want.

Reading sheet music might be challenging for newcomers as there are many symbols to learn – from time and key signatures to dynamics and more complicated notes.

But over time, your sight-reading skills will improve and you’ll play the piano with more confidence.

The importance of reading piano sheet music

Learning music theory is one of the reasons piano is a great starting point for beginners. As all the notes all there in front of you, you’ll get a pretty good understanding of how everything works.

The piano fingering system is also quite logical.

But having so many keys in front of you can also be tricky, especially when you reach more advanced levels. You’ll need to stretch your fingers a lot to play some chords.

Also, piano music sheets can get complicated because the piano is not a single-note instrument like the saxophone.

There’s a lot going on at the same time. But many piano beginner songs are simplified so you don’t have to worry about that just yet.

Another challenge you’ll come across is the coordination of your hands.

Each hand has its own job: the right hand usually plays the melody, and the left one is following it with bass notes. And you’ll also have to learn how to put them together in the right way.

As you progress, you’ll start to discover all the other nuances of this wonderful instrument. There are complex techniques, pedaling, tricky scales, and so many details that make the piano interesting to play and hard to master.

That said, we can conclude that piano is a very rewarding and convenient instrument for beginners, but it will take a lot of effort, time, and dedication to learn how to play it well.

If you’re still asking yourself how hard is to learn piano, you also need to be aware that it all depends on you.

The right mindset can do wonders. If you’re determined and eager to learn, you’re already on the right track!

Effective ways of learning how to play the piano

The Easiest Way to Learn Piano

Although motivation and persistence are essential in learning how to play the piano, there are several steps that will make the process easier.

As you might assume, having a quality learning source is crucial.

Whether you decide to hire a teacher or learn from online piano lessons, you need to find a program that suits your goals and learning style.

Luckily, there are many different ways to learn the piano nowadays.

If you’re not fond of traditional piano schools, you can learn it from the comfort of your home with online courses or apps. And if you’re on a budget, there are some good free online piano lessons to explore.

Another inevitable step is establishing a regular practice routine. Apart from practicing consistently, you also need to practice the piano effectively.

Also, don’t rush! We know it’s more fun to play familiar tunes than practicing scales, but it’s important to have a step-by-step learning process and improve your skills gradually.

Pick songs that are suitable for your level. There will be plenty of time for complicated and fast pieces once you gain basic piano skills.

But if you’re patient, persistent, and focused, your piano learning process will definitely be smooth! And not to mention fun as well – the piano is a very gratifying instrument that will make you eager to learn more once you get to know it.

The easiest way to learn the piano

How Hard Is It To Learn The Piano – Final Thoughts

The answer to the question ‘how hard is it to learn the piano’ ultimately comes down to your willingness to learn it.

Compared to some other instruments, it’s not hard to learn the basics of the piano. In fact, you can learn your first song quite quickly.

Of course, gaining musical skills is never that simple, and there are some challenges you’ll come across in the process: from learning notes to mastering hand coordination, tempo, and all the techniques.

But what is fun without a good challenge!

With motivation, guidance, and self-discipline, you’ll be able to achieve all your musical goals.

And with the theoretical and practical knowledge of playing the piano, you can learn any other instrument more easily.

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

view profile

how to play bass guitar
Previous Story

How to Play Bass Guitar: Ultimate Guide to Learning Bass Guitar

is cello hard to learn
Next Story

Is Cello Hard To Learn?

Latest from Piano

Can Piano Be Self-Taught?

Can Piano Be Self-Taught?

The journey of learning the piano has traditionally been associated with in-person lessons, music schools, and structured curriculums. But in today’s digital
best keyboards for beginners

10 Best Keyboards for Beginners

If you’re looking for the best keyboards for beginners in 2023, you’re in luck. Keyboards have become the go-to instrument for those