Classical piano lessons a classic ambition


In a generic sense, “classical” music refers to all Art music – Western music from 15th to 20th centuries. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin were just a few of the many great composers of that time. Their compositions may have inspired you to play the piano at some point of your life. Seriously when you listen to Minuet in G or the ever popular Fur Elise or Canon in D, you may feel an inclination to take up classical piano lessons.

I know many of you perhaps have started piano lessons but gave up along the way when things got a little harder. It can be an overwhelming experience sometimes to have to play the piano while taking note of the key signature, dynamic markings or just merely keeping in time.  Well for those of you who have encountered this, don’t despair - there is hope. First of all you have to get yourself the right teacher. He/she will have to tailor a suitable step by step music program just for you according to your pace and requirement.  Coupled with the usage of suitable piano books, you should be on your way to playing the pieces you enjoy.

The next Mozart

A story to inspire you. This is little Emily Bear who is only 6 years old. She is already enrolled in The Juilliard School as a child prodigy. Was a special guest player at the White House and composes her own pieces. Pay particular attention to her fingers on the piano. Although her hands are small, her fingers are highly trained to reach out to keys which are far off. Consider this, Emily has only been taking piano lessons for four years! What else can she be besides a prodigy?

Another prodigy

Aimi Kobayashi is a classical pianist from Ube, Yamaguichi Prefecture in Japan. She started piano lesson at the age of three and by seven she was already playing with an orchestra. This video was captured when she was 11 years old. Aimi is sponsored by AADGT (The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented) a New York based non-profit organization.

You may think that it is impossible to play like these two prodigies here. Yes, I must admit they are indeed very good but everyone is different. Most importantly you must possess the desire to want to play the piano. Then with your piano teacher’s help, try to cultivate and nurture that musical spirit in you. Coupled with some quality time spent on practising, you should find little or no difficulty in mastering your piece.

The way to learn classical piano lessons

There is no escape from learning the foundation of music if you are serious about playing classical pieces. You need to discuss with your piano teacher what ultimately you would like to achieve with your classical piano lessons. Your piano teacher will be the best judge to decide on the best method for your piano lesson.

  1. Piano theory is important and this will lead to sight-reading. As you improve sight-reading your playing will be smoother till a time when you can memorize your piece and play from memory.
  2. Understanding major and minor keys. How they relate and what are the basic forms for compositions.
  3. Scales for finger practice. It is important that you can come to a point where your fingers are able to 'dance' on the keyboard. Start with the right fingering methods or it will take time for you to correct your mistakes.
  4. Learn the right technique for practice. This will enable pleasurable practising and maximize the time you spend at it.
  5. When playing your favorite classical piece, just keep playing a variety of them and soon enough you will find a composer that you enjoy more than others. From here you will master your favorite pieces to entertain yourself or friends. Soon without you realizing it you have become a classical pianist.

If you should discover classical piano lessons is not for you, move over and try jazz piano lessons or keyboard lessons. The important thing is to play a style that you enjoy.

Many of my students have gone on to learn piano playing seriously after piano lessons with me where initially they were only interested to take up as a hobby or for extra credits for school. Getting the right teacher will inspire you to greater heights in your musical experience. Find your comfort zone whether it is classical piano lessons, jazz piano lessons or just simply to tinkle around with popular songs. This is the single most important factor in learning to play the piano.

 

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