By Ivan Makuza
Around the year 1700, in Florence, Italy, an instrument maker named Bartolomeo Cristofori changed music history. Employed by the powerful Medici family, Cristofori spent years refining keyboard instruments. His breakthrough came with an invention he called the gravicembalo col piano e forte – literally, “harpsichord with soft and loud.” Unlike earlier keyboards, Cristofori’s design used small hammers that struck the strings and then quickly bounced away, allowing musicians to control volume through touch.
For those just starting out, understanding what to expect can make the journey feel less overwhelming and more meaningful. Drawing from real experience, the following steps break down how learning the piano begins and what truly matters along the way.
Enter the musical world first
Learning piano starts before you even touch the keys. Growing up around music – singing in a children’s choir and being surrounded by singers – naturally places you in a musical world. Before learning piano, it’s important to fully get yourself into that world. Piano is not just another skill; it is a completely new world you are entering – the world of music.
Start small and learn little by little
In the first few weeks, learning piano does not have to feel difficult. The basics can be learned gradually, especially with guidance from someone more experienced. Learning happens best when you take small steps, allowing the basics to build naturally over time
Expect it to feel boring at first
When you first start learning piano, it is not as exciting as it looks or sounds when someone else is playing. Learning can feel boring in the beginning, but this stage is normal. Consistency matters more than talent and staying committed through this phase is key.
Be surprised by improvement as you learn more
As you continue learning, you may be surprised by how good the piano can sound once you know more. This improvement becomes motivating and encourages you to keep going.
Prepare for deeper challenges
While knowing the basics can be easy, piano quickly becomes a vast skill. Going deeper into music theory and understanding how chords are built can be really challenging. Learning music theory is often the most difficult moment in the journey, but it is an important part of growth.
Learn by doing
One of the fastest ways to improve is learning by doing. When you learn something new, applying it directly to songs helps the skills blend seamlessly into your normal playing. This practical approach strengthens understanding and confidence.
Develop skills beyond music
Learning piano teaches more than just how to play notes. It also develops multitasking skills, as both hands and the mind must work together at the same time.
Connect with the right people
Connecting with the right people can make the biggest difference for a beginner. Surround yourself with people who encourage your journey, challenge you to try new things, and give feedback on what to improve.
Understand the time commitment
Learning the basics of piano can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on consistency and learning ability. However, learning piano truly takes a lifetime. There is no point where you know everything, because music continues to grow and new styles are invented every day.
Know why it’s worth the effort
What makes learning piano worth the effort is how good it sounds when you are able to play any song that comes to mind. Piano is a lifelong learning stream, and the learning never truly stops.
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