More effective practice tips for the beginners

Follow the same procedure with each new piece:

1. Clap and count the rhythm.
2. Play and count loud.
3. Remember, the numbers under or above the notes represent the fingers numbers, not the count.
4. Do not try to play the whole piece through over and over
5. Practice small sections: two-three measures a few times, then one row a few times until comfortable. Do the same with the next row. You’ll find that in the beginning the patterns repeat a lot.
6. Isolate the problems spots: practice those more rather than always starting over. Then integrate the sections back together.
7. Take breaks every 10 minutes if you can’t concentrate more.
8. Make sure you practice slowly and count at the same speed. Don’t speed up sections that seem easier.
9. As you get more advanced, remember to practice each hand separate until you can handle it.
10. You don’t need to practice all pieces (or books) every day if you don’t have time. Cycle through them during the week.
11. It is also helpful if you keep reviewing past material. You’ll realize how much easier it seems.

These recommendations will help you make progress without even feeling the work!

1. As a beginner you should allocate 10-15 minutes per day at least 4 days a week.
2. The most important thing in learning how to play an instrument is consistency and knowing how to be efficient, especially if you don’t have much time.
3. A short practice session every day (or most every day) goes a lot further than the same  amount all in one day a week.
4. Keep hands and fingers relaxed when you play. Keep fingers curved and play on the finger pads.
5. Make sure your arm and wrist is also relaxed. Imagine you play with feathers not with sticks.
6. If your hands get tired quickly, take a break. It may mean that you are too tight.
7. Learning how to read the music notes is very important, because you’ll become  independent in learning any new music piece. It is like learning how to read.
8. Try to keep your eyes on the music while you play on the keys.
9. In the beginning your hands will be in one position, so you don’t need to jump over keys.

You can achieve more and learn faster if you practice smart and follow these beginner’s piano practice tips:

1. Read the notes aloud to yourself. If you don’t know what it is, either go up or down from the note that you know to the books that show you all the notes on the staff for each hand. Here’s an example.
2. Look at the time signature to see how many beats you have in the measures. If the rhythm is more difficult for you, clap and count first.
3. Play each hand separate. Repeat small sections and make sure you play the notes you have just said in step 1. Count loud as you play.
4. Play hands together, ONLY after you are comfortable playing separate hands. Keep counting loud. Repeat small sections.
5. After you practice small sections or the more difficult places first, then you can practice playing the piece from beginning to end. If there are still places where you still stumble, take those separate and together until they become easy for you.