Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding activities you can do. The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments because it can create an incredible atmosphere in just about any setting. It is also practical for just about any type of music genre.
But is piano hard to learn? The simple truth is, yes, the piano can be difficult to master. But many helpful tools can assist you with learning to read notes and play piano.
In this guide, we explore the difficulty level of learning the piano, and how long it takes to learn. We also discuss a couple of methods that can help you learn faster.
Is Piano Hard to Learn?
Beginners often ask if it is difficult to learn to play the piano. The honest answer is that yes, learning to play the piano can be difficult. It is considered one of the most challenging musical instruments to thoroughly grasp, but learning to play the piano is also one of the most rewarding hobbies you can do.
The piano is challenging to learn because you need to know how to read notes and translate the notes to the keys.
You also need to use both hands on the keys while reading and translating notes and the note sequence for your left and right hand.
You also need to follow proper techniques when learning to play the piano. Improper techniques can result in hand injuries or could make it very hard for you to master challenging music sheets.
While the piano is difficult to learn, some musicians do believe that it is not the hardest instrument to master.
Many believe that instruments like the violin, french horn, organ, bagpipes, and accordion are much more challenging to master.
How Long Does it Take to Learn the Piano?
The time it takes to learn the piano depends on the skill level you desire. For professional or classical performers like concert pianists, it can take 10 – 15 years of consistent practice every day with a teacher to perfect their playing skills.
Those who want to play the piano for recreational purposes can typically achieve results in 3 – 5 years of regular practice if they get lessons from a professional teacher.
There are, however, rare situations where musical prodigies develop exceptional piano skills in less time. Alberto Cartuccia Cingolani is an Italian piano prodigy who could perform complex compositions by Mozart at the age of five.
Professional pianist Derek Amato is an American composer who is considered an anomaly for instantly developing exceptional piano skills after sustaining a head injury in 2006.
How Long it Takes the Average Person to Play the Piano
If you are not a piano prodigy and don’t have any previous musical experience then it is going to take some time to master the piano. Various factors can affect how quickly you can learn. Here is a quick look at a basic learning process for an average person to learn to play the piano.
In the First Six Months
The first months of piano lessons are usually focused on setting a strong foundation. During this time, you will:
- learn to read notes
- identify keys
- sit in a proper posture position
- position your hands properly
Beginners will also learn to play a couple of simple songs or simple melodies during the first six months.
If you are serious about piano lessons and practice a lot, you could learn to read notes at simple sight.
In the First Year
The average player who practices consistently should be able to play simple musical sheets by the end of the first year.
By this time, you could know all the notes and will likely be able to read notes by quick sight. You should also have some independence and can try different types of sheet music since you can now read notes.
In the Second Year
If you keep practicing for at least 30 minutes per day for two years, you should have moderate to intermediate piano playing skills at the end of your second year. You should be able to play simplified versions of classical songs by musical masters.
Some players can also develop enough skill at this point to start playing by ear.
Also, reading music and playing by ear are two completely different skills.
Based on my experience, if you want to play the piano by ear you have to get comfortable to play without score.
In the Third Year
After continuous daily practice with the piano for about three years, you will likely achieve the level of playing that you envisioned before getting started.
You should start enjoying playing the piano immensely and be able to entertain friends and family during informal occasions. Also, you should be able to play your favorite songs or perhaps even some pop songs.
Factors That Determine How Hard or Easy it is to Learn the Piano
Each person is unique and has situations that may affect their ability to learn to play the piano. Several factors can determine how quickly you learn, what skill level you can achieve, and how difficult you might find the piano.
Here is a quick look at the top factors that can impact your ability to learn to play the piano.
1. Musical Instrument Type
A proper musical instrument can make a world of difference in your ability to learn to play. It is also important to have an instrument of your own. Weekly lessons from your teacher are not enough to practice, plus you have to practice at home to be ready for your lessons.
A proper 88-key piano is a minimum requirement for learning to play. You can choose to invest in a digital piano that has features like weighted touch-sensitive keys and sustain pedal.
However, most musicians feel that acoustic pianos are preferable.
With an acoustic upright piano, you will have a designated area to practice every day. You will get better sound quality for classical music.
2. Musical Background
People with no musical background will find it more difficult to learn the piano compared to those who grow up in a musical family or who were taught some form of music from a young age.
Just about anyone can learn to play the piano. Even adults with no previous musical experience can learn to read music and master the basics.
Those who do have some musical background will, however, find it much easier and quicker to learn.
3. Willingness to Practice
Learning to play the piano requires a lot of practice. If you can’t make the time to practice every day, or at least four days a week, then you will likely be wasting your money on music lessons.
Most musicians recommend practicing for 30 minutes every day. If you cannot commit to half an hour of practice every day then you are not very likely to progress very quickly.
4. Your Expectations
Expectations that are too high are often the main reason prospective pianists give up. As a beginner, you need to be realistic about your progress.
The chances of learning to play a major melody by Mozart or Beethoven within a week or two are very slim.
As a beginner, it is best to start with simple songs and one-handed songs or melodies that you can practice independently. Over time, you will learn to combine songs and melodies and develop complex playing skills.
Beginners are advised to first master basic songs before moving on to the next level. The best way to do this is by starting with a beginner’s piano book and practicing until you have mastered these tunes before moving on to a more advanced book.
Different Ways to Learn to Play the Piano
The best way to learn to play the piano is with the help of a teacher. In-person lessons with a teacher offer the most benefits because your tutor will be able to help you develop good playing habits such as proper sitting posture and proper finger movement.
They can also assist you with specific issues in your playing style and technique.
It is, however, possible for you to learn to play the piano even if you do not have a piano teacher available.
Here is a quick look at alternative ways to learn to play the piano when you cannot enroll in private lessons.
1. Live Online Lessons
Live online lessons are the best alternative method for learning to play the piano. With live online lessons, you and a tutor use an online software platform like Skype or Zoom to do the lesson.
Instead of having a teacher by your side, your teacher will log onto the online platform and monitor and instruct you over video conferencing.
With this method, you will need to get your lessons at scheduled intervals and practice what you have learned when the meeting is over.
2. Enroll in Online Piano Courses
Online piano courses are another good alternative for those who live busy lifestyles. With this method, you can enroll in an online course and gain access to a series of digital piano lessons.
These types of lessons are usually pre-recorded, however, which means you won’t be able to ask any specific questions.
Online piano courses are beneficial because you can rewind and replay the course materials as often as you need. You can go back to previous lessons if you missed anything, and enjoy training at any time of the day.
3. Follow Training Videos and Tutorials
Those who are on a tight budget can also develop moderate playing skills by following piano training videos or tutorials on platforms like YouTube. This method can be practical for those who want to learn to play for personal entertainment.
The problem with learning using YouTube videos is that the learning experience can be very fragmented. It can be challenging to choose the next video to watch if you don’t have awareness of the piano level you are at.
Also, if you’re interested in playing professionally, this isn’t an ideal method. That’s because an instructor won’t be there to assist or advise you on specific playing techniques or guide you when you are making mistakes.
4. Use a Piano-Learning App
Piano learning apps like Simply Piano are an option for recreational playing, especially if you want to develop piano skills affordably and quickly.
With apps like Simply Piano, you can check out piano courses or learn to play simple songs through the app.
These apps also include additional content like 5-minute workouts for developing hand dexterity so your fingers can move smoothly and you can avoid hand injuries.
There are quite a few different types of piano apps available. Apps like Piano Maestro, Skoove, and Yousician can all be good options for complete beginners who want to learn to play all on their own.
Final Thoughts
So, is piano hard to learn?
Yes, playing the piano is complex but almost anyone can achieve good piano skills if they practice consistently. It is always wise to use a professional teacher if you want to learn to play, but there are also great alternative methods to learn even when you cannot afford a teacher.
I hope that this guide was helpful and that it gave you a realistic view of how long it takes to play the piano.
If you want to know more about this musical instrument or are looking for a quality piano to invest in then you have a look at some of the other guides on Improve Piano.
With our guides, you can find lots of helpful tips and advice on pianos and playing techniques.