There are all kinds of creative techniques when it comes to learning the piano, one of which, endorsed by award-winning pianist, Andrew Garrido, is to create a keyboard out of paper, place it on top of a table and practice on there.
This is certainly a cost-effective technique and shows great commitment to learning the piano, yet it is true that nothing can compare to playing on a real piano.
Andrew Garrido
© BBC
Whether you want to start out on a digital piano or prefer to get a second-hand acoustic piano, we have a wide selection available to suit your budget and to help get you started.
We can also help advise you on learning the piano, having an extensive network of professional piano teachers to recommend, and with our fingers on the pulse of the latest technology and apps available to assist you as you begin your piano learning journey.
The Rise of Online Learning
Even before COVID-19 there were projections that the online education sector would reach over £250 billion by 2025.
This may have increased significantly since lockdown began, as people have been using their time at home to sign up for all kinds of online courses, and even the older generations are now familiar with Zoom.
As well as this, the forced closure of schools all over the world has meant that many parents have had to adapt to home-schooling, making the most of technology – both online resources and video conferencing services.
We are all learning to adapt to this new way of life and its important to focus on some of the positives that have come from all this change.
The Benefits of Blended Learning
The idea of blended learning – utilising technology within teaching – is not new.
In the world of languages, blended learning has proved successful; using language apps alongside online or face-to-face tutorials has helped to accelerate the process of students speaking new languages.
The same could work for learning piano.
With the rise of interactive apps that can coach you through your journey in learning the instrument, children and adults who are already immersed in technology in their day-to-day lives anyway, may find this approach an easy and fun way to assist in learning the piano.
The benefit of blending technology with the human touch is that the apps allows the student to learn at their own pace, personalise their learning journey and access lessons anytime, while having a teacher provides support, feedback and useful insights and tips.
Technology allows people to learn on at any time, fitting in short bursts of learning between other commitments, without being restricted to only booked lessons once or twice a week.
It also means you can get creative, personalise your own learning track and pick music that you really love to play.
Four Apps to Learn the Piano
If you have been thinking about learning the piano but think you don’t have the time to invest or the talent to succeed then read on as we uncover four apps you can explore to get you started on your piano learning journey.
1. Flowkey
This is free when you purchase certain Yamaha piano products and it’s very simple to navigate.
Flowkey tracks your progress allowing you to choose where to start. Lessons begin with basic concepts like hand positioning then transition progressively to more complicated concepts.
If you are more experienced, you can skip the basics.
2. Simply Piano
Simply Piano was chosen as one of the best iPhone apps in 2015 as a fun and fast way to learn to play the piano.
This app features course modules, dividing Simply Piano into different courses to suit differing tastes and abilities, including pop chords, essentials and blues. New courses are added all the time to keep it fresh.
3. Skoove
Skoove is compatible with PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone and all pianos and keyboards.
Offering a free 7-day trial and live feedback Skoove is marketed to both beginner and advanced pianists and has an extensive library of popular hits.
This app also has a feature where you can improvise and learn to compose your own melodies.
4. Yousician
Founded in 2010 in Finland, Yousician is considered the fastest-growing music education company in the world.
The platform provides piano, guitar, bass, ukulele and voice lessons.
The piano lessons were introduced in 2015 and the syllabus for learning piano is split into three categories; Pop, Classical, and Knowledge, and these are arranged into different levels and preferences.
Play and Enjoy
Whether you are just thinking about starting to learn the piano or have been learning a while and are after a fun way to learn new songs, why not give these apps a go?
Remember that to make the most progress when learning the piano, it is recommended to combine the use of these apps with tutorials from a professional teacher.
This could be via video conferencing software or in person making the use of protective screens and other PPE to stay safe.
To find out more about cleaning your piano and keeping safe browse our products and solutions.
If you are having lessons via Zoom and have any trouble with the audio, then check out our video on adjusting your audio settings so that you can make sure you get the most out of your tutorial time.
Learning the piano is an excellent way to stimulate the mind and get creative, so why not get started today! Get in touch.
