How to Easily Keep Up With Your Piano Practice

Learning how to play any instrument takes dedication and practice – two things that are so much easier when you also have a passion and interest in the subject itself. Even if you like music, however, and enjoy playing, it can be far too easy to get into bad habits with your piano playing. 

This isn’t because you aren’t interested in playing the piano in and of itself, more often than not, but rather what you’re playing. That’s why, if you find yourself struggling to keep up with good habits, you’ll want to start using these top tips and tricks: 

Practice Songs You Actually Enjoy 

The most important part of playing the piano is enjoying the music. If you aren’t connecting with the tunes in the songbook and lessons, then it’s time to look elsewhere. There are so many easy piano songs for beginners that help you learn how to play your favorite songs. 

Sticking with music you like isn’t just a great way to keep up with your practice, but it’s also how you can learn how to play better, even without a teacher. This is because you should know how the song is supposed to sound. You can compare that mental sound in your head with what you’re hearing when you play, which can help you adjust and improve as you practice. 

Do Finger Exercises Regularly 

Before you play your sheet music, however, you will want to warm your hands up. Performing regular exercises works to help establish essential piano playing skills, helps you become more confident in where the keys are, and can also help improve finger dexterity. Before you start playing, then, it’s a good idea to run through these exercises and scales: 

  1. Hanon Exercises: Hanon exercises help you establish good independent finger dexterity. The goal here is to help you improve the speed and precision of your piano playing. There are three levels, making them a great fit for all players. 
  2. Scales: Practice scales to help you learn the layout of the piano keys themselves. This is an easy way to become familiar with the location of keys so you can, eventually, play without looking. 
  3. Czerny Exercises: Czerny is another set of simple piano-playing exercises to help you improve the precision and dexterity of your fingers up to speed.
  4. Trill Exercises: Trill is a type of note on the piano, but it doesn’t always come naturally or easily. You’ll need to practice regularly to get it right. 

Practice Before or Immediately After Your Regular Routine

One of the last big ways you’re likely struggling with maintaining your practice is because you make the mistake of trying to relax first. That’s why it’s a good idea to tie your practice periods to another set part of your routine. This could be immediately after you get home from work or school, for example, and before you can relax. Alternatively, you can start your day with practice, and fit it in before you head out the door. Either way, practicing during these times works to help you stay productive, and is an easy way to build good habits. 

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