Getting started on the piano as an adult: 4 questions to ask yourself

 

Some people are sometimes apprehensive about starting the piano late in life. Whether you are looking for a new passion or simply dream of playing your favourite melody, anything is possible. The main thing is to set yourself goals to achieve and to manage to balance your family life with your musical practice. From your first notes to your first chords, your progress will be rich in experiences. But what are the right questions to ask yourself in order to learn the piano as an adult?

 

1. Is it possible to learn the piano on your own?

Being sure of your choice

Let's say it straight away: nothing replaces lessons for getting off to a good start on the piano. You benefit from a professional's advice to correct any imperfections that could harm your learning. 

However, before being sure that this instrument is right for you, you can get a first taste of it using imitation or observation techniques, for example. That way you can discover it in complete peace. Unlike other instruments, whose first notes can quickly sound unpleasant, the piano sounds right straight away.

Building good habits

The idea is, first, to be certain of your choice and, second, to avoid wasting time and picking up bad habits. You can start by acquiring good reflexes:

• Using the right fingering
• Practising regularly
• Rehearsing easy pieces
• Paying attention to the rhythm
• Staying focused on your practice
• Working on your posture
• Learning to read chord charts or sheet music

You will very quickly become familiar with the notes and start playing your first melodies. Before going any further 

2. Which instrument should you choose to start the piano as an adult?

Have your first attempts motivated you to carry on learning? Very good! You can now consider buying your first instrument. 

In another article, we explain why choosing a digital piano is a good idea. Its affordable price and its many features make it the ideal instrument to start with, and to fit in with family life and limited space. There are many models that can meet every expectation for an easy start on the piano as an adult.

What is more, if after a while you find that your expectations are not being met, you can easily resell it.

Before starting the piano as an adult, you need to know on what occasions you want to play and how much time you can devote to this project. Even with the best intentions in the world, you can sometimes lack time or energy because of your daily life.

 

3. Why learn to play the piano as an adult?

This question is often ignored, yet it is crucial! The key word is regularity. It is better to play 30 minutes every day than 3 hours 30 in one go during the week. All the more reason to ask yourself about the goals of your learning.

Starting the piano as an adult for pleasure 

Playing the piano can be a source of satisfaction like any other. Without professional prospects, it can remain something the family shares. Your playing as an adult may even make your children want to imitate you. The interface is designed for novice musicians and you will easily be able to rehearse scales or arpeggios while enjoying yourself.

The piano you can take anywhere

If you often travel, an instrument that is easy to transport can be a good idea so that you can play as often as possible. For this purpose, an instrument such as the Medeli SP 201 does the job very well. You can also add the ST430 stand to turn it into a cabinet piano.

Choosing a light, easily movable instrument is therefore a criterion not to be underestimated when you start the piano as an adult. All the more so because, the more easily you can transport it, the more motivated you will be to play it regularly.

It is advisable to fit your learning around your schedule and your family life when working on your scales or arpeggios. That way you preserve the pleasure of playing, which should always remain the priority.

Practise before moving up a range

It is quite likely that after your first lessons or your first melodies, you will feel the need to move up a range to perfect your playing. But is this a stage you wish to move on to, or an end in itself? In any case, it is wiser to ask for advice from a professional to see which brand is most recommended for you.

Indeed, whether it is Crumar, Medeli or Dexibell, each brand has very specific characteristics that you need to know about in order to make your choice with a clear conscience.

You can of course combine all these learning wishes, but try to pinpoint the main reason you want to start the piano as an adult. 

Choosing an entry-level instrument can quickly leave you frustrated if you want to progress fast. Conversely, putting a substantial sum into an instrument you hardly use is probably pointless.

 

4. What criteria should you follow to get off to a good start?

Technique

The advantage of the acoustic piano is the sensation it gives: the vibrations are clearer, the touch is much heavier and the playing more intense. 

But as we said, its drawback is that it is more expensive and bulkier than its digital counterpart. To start the piano, do not launch into this type of purchase.

Indeed, digital pianos have made immense progress in getting close to the feel of an acoustic. Being a beginner does not mean leaving out the pleasure of playing. It is always best to try the instrument when you have the chance.

The keys

In an acoustic piano, a hammer strikes the strings, which start to resonate. Many digital pianos seek to provide a similar feel.

Thus the Medeli DP 260 BK is fitted with a compact graded-action keyboard that simulates this hammer action. This gives you an unrivalled playing experience.  

An adult musician, even a novice, will appreciate the sensitivity and nuance of these features.

Moreover, by getting as close as possible to realistic playing, you keep open the possibility of an easier transition to an acoustic piano. 

 

The number of sounds 

It is important to find out how many sounds the instrument you want offers. As an adult, you may well want to experience several different sounds. Entry-level models can quickly prove limited and leave you somewhat frustrated with your goal. 

A cabinet digital piano, for example, is admittedly more expensive, but it offers more advanced features that become attractive options for varied, high-quality music-making. 

 

There are as many instruments as there are different ways of playing! The best thing is to visit our shop to make your choice or to contact us directly for information. Do not hesitate to visit our supplier's website.