Learning the piano keyboard can seem intimidating, especially if you’re a beginner. But with constant practice and self-discipline, you can become adept at this musical instrument sooner than you had imagined.
Read below for expert techniques on how to master the piano keyboard fast.
1. Start With the Right Instrument
The first and arguably the most important step for learning the piano keyboard is to have the right instrument.
There are plenty of factors to consider, including the keyboard size and technology. You could opt for a digital keyboard for remote accessibility or consider acoustic pianos for better sound quality.
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Fortunately, there’s no shortage of online stores where you can shop for high-quality piano keyboards. Simply search the keyword ‘piano keyboard near me’ for recommendations on piano retailers in your general locale.
2. Warm Up Before Each Piano Lesson
Playing the piano keyboard may not seem like an energy-demanding exercise to many beginners.
However, each moment spent in a piano class can trigger different types of pain, including backache and wrist pain. Not to mention the associated mental fatigue.
So, it’s prudent to warm up before each piano class. Focus on workouts that improve finger flexibility and mental concentration, such as yoga and aerobics.
3. Know the Keys
The number of keys on a piano keyboard depends on size. Most standard keyboards have 88 keys. Some smaller models have as few as 35 keys, while larger ones may come with up to 99 keys.
Whichever piano you choose, you’ll realize that the keyboard features a pattern of white and black keys. The white keys produce standard notes, whereas the black keys represent half-step intervals, denoting the sharpness or flatness of their corresponding white notes.
You’ll also observe that white keys outnumber their black counterparts. In a standard 88-key piano, 52 keys are white, while 36 are black.
4. Learn the Notes
Keys and notes are among the most commonly confused music terminologies. However, while some people use the two words interchangeably, they have quite distinct meanings.
The fundamental difference between keys and notes is that keys are the white and black buttons on a piano keyboard, while notes are the resultant sounds of pressing the keys.
Notes on a piano are named after the first seven letters of the English alphabet, which repeat in a sequence as you move up the keyboard. The notes theoretically start from C and move to G before repeating from A to G.
Most pianos have 12 notes. These include C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, plus their corresponding five flats and sharps.
5. Understand Chords and Octaves
Chords are harmonic sounds produced by playing two or more notes simultaneously. Most chords start from three notes. They’re named after their first notes, also called the root note.
A standard piano can produce up to 27 chords, sometimes more, depending on your experience.
On the other hand, octaves are sounds produced by playing eight white keys and the black keys within their set simultaneously.
A collection of 8 white and black keys intertwined between them makes up 12 notes. So, you can alternatively produce a chord by playing 12 different notes.
6. Mind Your Posture
Posture can significantly impact your success as a piano student.
Experts recommend a relaxed gait, with your weight concentrated on your buttocks. Keep your back straight at all times to minimize the risks of backache.
Remember to also relax your arms and shoulders while keeping your feet flat on the ground.
Picking the right piano bench can make a big difference in improving your body posture. Insist on a bench properly aligned with your chair to avoid slouching.
7. Practice Proper Fingering
There’s no overstating the significance of proper fingering when learning the piano. Remember that your fingers are your biggest asset when interacting with a piano keyboard.
One key fingering technique is to begin practicing with each hand at a time. This allows you to develop finger independence, which will be critical as you become adept at the instrument.
To relieve wrist fatigue, you must match the shorter fingers with the longer keys and vice versa. Your shorter fingers are the thumb and pinky, while the three middle ones constitute the longer fingers.
Experts also recommend forming your fingers into an arc while playing the piano keyboard. Assume that you’re holding a fragile ball that you don’t want to squash.
Lastly, assign each hand its respective side of the keyboard.
8. Have the Requisite Accessories
There are several piano accessories you can invest in to accelerate your learning experience.
First, you’ll need a proper stand to support the keyboard while in use. X-stands are an excellent pick for their light and portable design.
You’ll also require a cover to cushion the keyboard from dust and UV damage, as well as a lamp to illuminate the keys while playing in the park.
But perhaps the most functional piano accessory is a metronome. A metronome is designed to produce a steady pulse, helping you to develop a sense of timing and tempo. This can make a huge difference when navigating difficult passages.
Metronome pulses are measured in beats per minute (BPM). The device can play beats ranging from 35 to 250 BPM.
The Bottom Line
The fastest way to learn the piano keyboard is to take it slow. Cultivate patience throughout your piano classes, mastering each step comprehensively before proceeding to the next.
