In order to be a good pianist, it's vital to learn a few basic skills that will form the basis of your playing. Mastering piano is certailny not an easy thing to do, but it's definitely not as hard as most people assume. Especially, if you do things correctly from the start. In this article we'll take a look at a set of basic skills that every pianist should have.
The first thing you need to learn is the piano keyboard layout. This, of course, goes without saying. You must know where the notes on a keyboard are, if you want to play them. This may seem a bit confusing for beginners, but it's actually quite simple. The classic piano keyboard has 88 key (52 white and 36 black), but don't worry, you don't have to remember where each and every one is. The keys are organized in a simple 12-note repeating pattern which is all you need to learn.
Another important thing is posture. It's crucial to learn correct posture at the beginning and not form any bad habits that can be hard to correct at a later stage. Posture can have a big effect on your playing. You should sit straight with shoulders relaxed and feet flat on the ground. Keep your fingers arched as if you are holding an apple. Don't slouch.
Next important skill is reading music. Trust me, it's not as hard as it looks and it's definitely worth learning it. You sure can play piano without this skill, just as you can speak a language without being able to read. But reading music opens up many new possibilities and with little practice it can soon become your second nature. Just like regular reading is.
It's also essential that you establish good practice habits. If possible, make time for practice every day. Make it a routine and practice in an organized way. Whatever you do, don't forget to have fun.
