How I did it:

Music has always been one of my biggest passions (I'd like to be a composer too). I've been experimenting with piano-playing since I was a little boy. My father used to play the piano, so he kind of introduced me to it. However, I didn't play very well, especially not sheet music. I wanted to be able to play like a lot of other pianists I knew personally but I didn't really have the time/money to go to music school.

So I decided to teach it myself (I was about 17 then). The first time I gave up after a while, but after the second time I kept it up - until now! I learned how to read written music first. Then I started practicing some easy songs and later, of course, more advanced pieces. From time to time, I concentrated on some general aspects like technique, posture, expression etc.

After 1-2 years of practice I was good enough to play at the Christian meetings I attend twice a week. This helped me a lot to maintain my motiviation and improve further. I also play on other occasions, often in a small band. Of course, you can never actually say you're "done" with learning the piano. Still, since I reached a point were I play on an acceptable level, have a lot of fun and will definitely not give up practicing again, I think I can say, that I achieved this goal.

Lessons & tips:

Be persistent
Learning the piano really is a long term goal. Often, you will see changes after months/years. Make sure you're ready for this and make it a part of your life.

Make small steps
To put it in exaggerated terms: 5 minutes a day is better then 5 hours (once) a week. This is similar to the point above. Practicing regularly will help you to make steady progress.

Practice in the evening
Our brain often remembers things better, that we learned in the evening. Besides, it has the whole night to process the new input.

Watch and learn
Piano playing is a lot about the right technique. To improve your technique, watch professional pianists and try to imitate their motions. It can also help you to play pieces with more feeling and expression.

Share you progress
If you have the opportunity to show others what you have achieved already, this can add a lot to your motivation. Maybe you can find a way to make music in a group regularly.

Be disciplined, but have fun!
Learning to play the piano means a lot(!) of practice and hence a lot of discipline too. However, if playing the piano (and especially practicing) isn't fun to you, it will be pretty hard to make progress. So make sure you have the right attitude.

Resources:

• Video-tutorials and videos of people playing the piano
• A proper instrument (I have a digital piano with a nice sound)
• Sheet music of some pieces/songs you like

Jun 08, 2012, 10:51AM PDT | 1 comment | 16 cheers