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How long does it take to learn the piano?

I just started taking lessons from someone who knows a lot about music theory, although he's not a great pianist himself. I don't really think this matters a whole lot.

Anyway, I'm not sure how long it'll take me...I basically just want to learn how to play songs while I'm singing.

I can't really read sheet music very well. It takes me a while to figure out all the notes and everything. I can play by ear, but for the most part, only the melody.

I don't have like a basic piano book or anything, but I do have a book of Disney and Broadway songs. I always at least try to play the melody correctly, but so far, since I know most of the songs, I play it by ear.

How long do you think it will take me to learn? I'm pretty motivated, by the way!

Thanks :)

25 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    1) If you want to learn music fast, you need to memorize the notes. There are different ways to do this. For treble clef, I memorized the lines as "Every Good Boy Does Fine". The spaces in between I memorized as "Face up". The lines on base clef are "Good Boys Do Fine Always". The spaces in between are called "All Cows Eat Grass". For the notes that are beyond the two clefs, you will have to count down or up. It also helps to have a pencil handy to jot down notes.

    2) I've been playing for about 13years. One of my friends has been playing for two years, and she's really good. Another one of my friends has been playing for five, and he's awesome. Learning rates vary from person to person. Some people can pick up a piece of music they've never seen before and play it right off the bat. Still, others have to sit down and study the music for months on end, writing each and every note in. Whatever your learning style is, don't get discouraged! Stick with it and have fun. Enjoy playing the piano. I find that songs I love take me a few days to learn, whereas ones I dislike take me more like a month.

    3) Take the time to make sure you understand your music (e.g. the timing and dynamics. Look out for accents!)

    4) Stick with it, and practice as much as you can.

    If you already know the song by ear, forget that. :) Learn it with the music and then you can variate from the music a little and add your own twist. Think of a piece of music (*Besides* the ones your piano teacher assigns you) like a recipie: Play with it a little, and variate, but don't lose the big picture.

    Oh! One more thing: If you have time, learn a few simple slow songs that you can sit and think to. It's so nice to have a song that gives you some thinking time. ;)

    I hope this helps! Good luck with your music and have fun. Stick with it. I think it's really sad when I meet people who got discouraged with their music, instruments and teachers, and quit. I think that they miss out on a lot of enjoyment that they could've had if they hadn't quit.

    Good luck!

    Source(s): My Grandma was a church pianist and my mom is my church's pianist. I've been playing for roughly 13 years. These are just tips that I've picked up over the years that help a lot.
  • 4 years ago

    Piano Learn 1

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    2

    Source(s): Get Better Playing Piano http://netint.info/LearnPianoAndKeyboards
  • 5 years ago

    How long it takes to learn the piano is different for each person. Some people learn faster than others. Some want to play difficult songs while others just want to play songs while singing. Reading sheet music helps obviously but not a requirement. Those piano books are hard to learn the piano from. At least you can play by ear.

    A really way to learn piano is this video course that teaches you simple tricks and methods to learn the piano in a short amount of time. I like it because it's efficient and effective. If you're motivated, with the right course, it won't take very long at all. Best course: https://tr.im/learnthepiano

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  • 4 years ago

    Piano

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Many people who want to learn to play the piano are put off by the idea of spending long, boring hours learning music notes. If you are serious about learning to play the piano, the first thing you will need to do is put those negative thoughts behind and start with an open mind. Read here https://tinyurl.im/aHKK1 It does take time and yes, you have to learn the music notes, but it does not have to be boring, and it certainly does not have to take forever before you learn to play on your own. Follow these seven steps carefully, and you’ll be playing your first songs independently in a very short time.

  • 5 years ago

    How to Learn the Piano

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/Rle7S

    that is a really good question, but really, it depends. If you just want to play a simple piece and learn the basics, maybe half a year or so but mastering it takes quite a while. If you are over 12 i wouldn't suggest playing the piano because the older you grow, the harder it will be. for skills, i would say a fast and flexible hand and long fingers (it helps you reach the keys, especially in scales.) Also keep in mind that you have to cut your nails often so if you are the sort that adores nails and manicure, i wouldn't take up piano. :)

  • 7 years ago

    First you learn your notes on bass and treble. Learn the time signature too. Know the basics then begin your practice. Take a piece of music,learn the right hand part and then the bass each by themselves When this is accomplished put your hands togher on the keyboard and begin very slowly. Learn it this way. If you still cant do it go back to practice hands separately for a while again. Put them together and practice. You eventually become confident with the piece until one day as you play it you notice your brain begins memorizing parts of it. Oh, but you cannot look at your hands, look elsewhere as u play and tune in...As you are playing you also must count your time, or tempo. When you are proficient at one piece then you begin another and your begin again as you did the alredy learned piece at first.

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  • 5 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    How long does it take to learn the piano?

    I just started taking lessons from someone who knows a lot about music theory, although he's not a great pianist himself. I don't really think this matters a whole lot. Anyway, I'm not sure how long it'll take me...I basically just want to learn how to play songs while I'm singing. I can't really...

    Source(s): long learn piano: https://shorturl.im/b7jt4
  • 7 years ago

    I'm 60 years old and started taking piano lessons 4 years ago. I've gone through several piano song books and am now at the advanced intermediate level. I love it and prove you are never to old to learn piano. (Although the 5-8 yr olds on YouTube blow me away!!)

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