Three Essential Ingredients for Mastering the Piano

During the time of the creating and launching my online piano course, my social media feed was (and still) flooded with ads for online piano courses promising miraculous results: “Play piano in two weeks!” or “Learn to read music in three months like a pro!” As a piano teacher with years of experience, I can’t help but question the validity of such claims.

Learning the piano is not about shortcuts or one-size-fits-all tricks. It’s about embracing the process. So, I’d like to share the three fundamental elements you truly need to master the piano: time, the ability to listen, and desire.

1. Time (and Patience with Time)

Learning the piano is a journey that requires commitment over time. When I meet potential students, especially adult beginners, I often tell them, “Give me at least three years, and this will make a difference in your life. Give me five years, and we’re talking about true proficiency.”

Regular, consistent practice is key. However, it’s not about achieving a certain milestone in a fixed period. Instead, it’s about developing a lifelong practice.

I used to dislike the word “practice” because of its negative connotations. Students often associate it with guilt: “Did you practice?” But I’ve come to appreciate the word. Practice isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about engaging with the piano as a companion and enjoying the process. Patience with yourself and your progress is vital. Take your time and embrace the art of playing the piano. It cannot be rushed.

2. The Ability to Listen

Listening is a skill that develops your musicality and your ability to improve as a pianist. It has two dimensions:

Listening to Music

If you can’t distinguish or compare sounds, learning music becomes significantly harder. Cultivate this skill by listening to a variety of music. Pay attention to details like melody, harmony, and rhythm.

Listening to Your Playing

When playing, it’s easy to get consumed by the mechanics: “Which finger goes where? What’s the next note?” Many students stop listening to their own playing because they’re overwhelmed. Once you’ve grasped the basics, focus on listening to the dynamics, melody, and phrasing. If you’re learning on your own, recording or videotaping yourself can help you critique and improve.

Equally important is listening to directions. Whether you’re learning from a teacher, a YouTube tutorial, or a book, pay attention to repeated advice. Repetition often signals something crucial that takes time to internalize.

3. Desire

Desire is the fuel that drives your piano journey. Without it, even the most talented individuals may falter. I’ve seen this firsthand with my students. Some faced significant challenges, such as neurodiversity or learning difficulties, yet their passion for the piano kept them going.

One student stands out in my memory. Despite immense difficulties with hand-eye coordination and reading music, she stayed with me for eight years. Her progress was slower than others, but her unwavering love for music allowed her to overcome these challenges. 

If you have the desire, you’ll find a way to succeed. Protect and nurture your passion for the piano. It’s never too late to start or return to playing.

Moving Forward

There’s no magic pill or secret trick to mastering the piano. Instead, these three elements—time, the ability to listen, and desire—lay the foundation for a fulfilling journey with music.

I hope these insights inspire you to keep playing and growing as a musician. Here’s to a fulfilling new year!