How to Learn Piano in 7 Easy Steps

Have you ever sat in front of a piano, placed your hands on the cool, crisp keys, and wondered, how do I learn to play this? If sitting in front of any instrument let alone a baby grand intimidates you, you’ve come to the right place.

Learning how to play piano doesn’t need to be a long, boring, or arduous process. In fact, the process of how to learn piano should be fun, exciting, and even inspiring. Before you know it you’ll be plunking away at your next family gathering. 

Let’s get into all the things you’ll need to know on how to learn piano. 

How to Choose a Piano or Keyboard

The obvious first step in learning how to play piano is to get a piano. There are a lot of different types of pianos and a quick Google search can be overwhelming. Choosing the right type of piano depends on your space, budget, and goals. Let’s look at the three most common types of pianos.

Digital keyboards

These are compact and budget-friendly, making them a great choice for beginners or those short on space. They often have various features like pre-recorded sounds and lightweight design.

Digital pianos

Digital pianos offer a more authentic playing experience, closely mimicking the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. They’re ideal for learners seeking a realistic touch without the high cost or maintenance.

Acoustic pianos

The classic choice, acoustic pianos deliver unmatched sound quality and dynamics. They come in upright and grand styles but require more space and regular tuning.

Piano Learning Methods

There are a lot of ways to learn the piano. Before we jump into the steps that will get you started on your path to piano mastery, it’s good to be aware of the different methodologies for learning to play piano. 

• Private Lessons: Traditional one-on-one lessons offer personalized feedback and structured learning.
• Online Courses & Apps: Flexible and accessible, these allow you to learn at your own pace with interactive lessons.
• Self-Teaching: Using books, tutorials, or videos, this method offers complete freedom but requires discipline.

How to Learn Piano in 7 Steps

Alright, you’ve got an idea of the types of pianos and the types of learning methods. It’s time to get to the actual steps for how to learn piano. Ready? Let’s jump in. 

Step #1: Learn piano keys and notes.

All those songs you’re excited to play are comprised of notes and keys. Music notes, just like the alphabet, are building blocks of music. Start by learning the notes from A to G and their placement on the grand staff. 

Locate Middle C, the central note on the piano, and use it as your reference point. Understand the Treble Clef (higher notes played with the right hand) and the Bass Clef (lower notes played with the left hand). 

Practice matching these notes to the keys on your keyboard to get comfortable. As you get more comfortable, try these practice exercises to keep growing your piano skills.

Step #2: Learn how to read sheet music.

Once you’ve situated yourself with the notes and keys on a piano you can learn how to read sheet music. Learn the musical staff which consists of five lines and four spaces, each representing a different pitch. 

The Treble Clef and Bass Clef tell you which notes to play with each hand. Familiarize yourself with note names, rhythms, and symbols. Practice by identifying notes and their corresponding keys on the piano to get comfortable reading melodies.

Step #3: Learn how to keep time and rhythm.

Every note has a different value. Learning these values helps you keep time and rhythm in a song. Some basic note values are: whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes, which determine how long each note is held. 

Use a metronome to help keep a steady beat as you practice. Counting out loud or tapping your foot can also help maintain the tempo. Practicing clapping rhythms or playing simple songs with different note values will strengthen your sense of timing

Step #4: Learn how to use the piano pedals.

Pianos typically have two pedals, a damper pedal (on the right) and a soft pedal (on the left). The damper pedal sustains notes, creating a richer sound. The soft pedal softens tones, producing a gentler effect. 

Lastly, the sostenuto pedal (middle pedal, and only on some pianos) selectively sustains specific notes. As you practice, experiment with pressing these pedals smoothly for added control.

Step #5: Learn how to create dynamics.

Dynamics means changing the volume as you play. You’ll see terms like piano (p) for soft and forte (f) for loud. Adding mezzo (m) creates medium levels, like mezzo-piano (mp) for moderately soft. 

For more dramatic effect you’ll see pp (very soft) or ff (very loud). Crescendo symbols (<) mean gradually getting louder, while decrescendo (>) indicates softening. These markings are your guide, but your interpretation makes the piece unique. 

Step #6: Set goals for mastery.

Once you’ve dabbled in the basics (learning keys, learning notes, learning how to read sheet music, and learning how to create dynamics and use pedals) you’re ready to set some realistic goals for your learning. 

Start with short-term targets like learning a simple song or improving your finger technique. Then, map out bigger milestones—like playing a full piece or performing at a recital. Break these larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to keep you motivated. 

Step #7: Work with a piano teacher.

The best thing you can do to learn piano is sign up for piano lessons! A piano teacher will kickstart your progress—and keep your progress on track—better than you will be able to on your own.

Look for studios that make piano learning fun, care deeply about personalizing lessons, and provide performance and goal setting opportunities. Piano lessons are an incredible investment and will have you playing like a pro—and reaping mental benefits—from your first lesson!

How to Learn Piano: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I teach myself to play the piano?

To teach yourself piano, start with basics like learning to read sheet music, understanding keys and notes, and practicing finger placement. Use online tutorials, apps, or better yet, book a piano lesson!  Be patient and consistent in your practice, breaking down songs and techniques into manageable chunks. 

What is the best way to learn piano as a beginner?

Start with basic piano theory and simple exercises. Focus on learning to read sheet music, proper hand positioning, and basic songs. Consistent practice, patience, and breaking down larger pieces into smaller sections can help build your skills over time. 

How long does it realistically take to learn piano?

The time it takes to learn piano varies by individual and depends on practice frequency. Generally, it may take a few months to play basic songs and up to 1–2 years to become proficient. For mastery, it could take many years of consistent practice.

Learn How to Play Piano with Chambers Music Studio

Let’s get your inner pianist in front of the keys! At Chambers Music Studio, we offer personalized piano lessons tailored to your pace and goals. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your skills, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait to make beautiful music—enroll in piano lessons today!