Learning Piano as an Adult
Starting a new instrument can be intimidating and overwhelming. Some people set very high expectations for themselves and psych themselves out before reaching their full potential.
Whether you have some experience playing other musical instruments or you are a complete beginner, there are many resources that you can use to help you have a successful and fun experience learning the piano.
Learning a musical instrument offers significant benefits, boosting brain function (memory, coordination, problem-solving), improving academics (math, reading), enhancing mental health (stress relief, self-esteem), and developing crucial life skills like discipline, perseverance, and social connection. It strengthens brain connectivity, sharpens listening skills, and fosters creativity, making it a powerful activity for all ages.
There are a few approaches you can take depending on your comfort level and accessibility. Here are some options to help you get started.
Why Learning Piano as An Adult is Different
Adults often learn differently from children. Many adults prefer to understand the “why” behind music theory and technique and often progress well with structured learning and consistent practice routines.
You are never too old to start! Progress may feel slower at first, but understanding the theory is more important than rushing through chords to learn a song.
3 Ways Adults Can Learn Piano
1. In-Person Piano Lessons
It is very helpful to have someone experienced and skilled with the instrument to guide you through the first steps when approaching something you have never done before.
Some people really benefit from having a weekly regimen with a teacher or instructor, someone to keep them focused and committed to showing up for themselves each week.
Between your lessons, you are expected to spend time practicing on your own at home, and your teacher will review what you worked on during the week and help you create a routine that suits your schedule.
Long and McQuade offers piano lessons at many of its store locations and has professional musicians with real-world experience to teach.
Long and McQuade also offers group lessons, recitals & summer programs for its students throughout the year, which are a great way to gain performance experience while making new friends!
You can contact your nearest Long & McQuade store or call their center for more information.
2. Online Piano Lessons
Online lessons are a great middle ground between fully independent learning and traditional in-person instruction.
The benefit of online lessons is that you get to learn from professional, educated instructors from Long & McQuade while being in the comfort of your own home using your own instruments.
This is a great option for students with busy schedules, those who live in remote areas farther from a lesson center, and those who prefer to learn in their own environment.
3. At Home Learning With Books
If you are unable to go to in-person lessons or just prefer to do things on your own, there are many books that are designed to help adults learn the piano.
Adult piano books are more sophisticated and faster-paced than children's books. Some offer DVDs you can play on your TV with a guide to follow, and others have audio files you can download as a reference for the song you are trying to learn.
Recommended Adult Piano Method Books
Alfred’s Basic Adult All-In-One Course Book 1
Alfred’s All-In-One piano course book is a great choice for adult beginners. It will teach you everything you need from piano technique to music theory.
Starting with simple independent hand pieces and progressing to playing hands together. It is filled with classic songs you will recognize and pick up quickly.
Shop Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Book
Adult Piano Adventure All-In-One Lesson Book 1
This comprehensive, "All-In-One" book includes lessons, solos, technique, and theory in a single volume for adults wanting to learn piano. Book 1 presents the fundamentals of music notation, chord playing, and musical form.
Shop Faber’s Piano Adventures Lesson Book
Buying or Renting Piano Options
You can buy a piano to get started at home, or you can rent one if you are not 100% sure if a piano is for you.
Long and McQuade offers both buying and rental options, making it easier and more affordable to get started. Below are a few beginner piano recommendations that can make the shopping process easier.
Casio CT-S1 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Casio’s small and lightweight piano is a great option if you just want to learn some basics on piano and don’t have the room for a full-sized keyboard. It has 61 keys and fun sounds, making it portable and sleek for use in smaller rooms or on the go to your lesson center.
You can buy one for just $299 or rent one for $19 a month.
Shop Casio CT-S1 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Yamaha P225 88-Key Portable Digital Piano
Yamaha has established itself in the piano world as a long-lasting, reliable keyboard brand. They have a beautiful, bright sound and nice, weighted keys that feel close to that of an acoustic piano. The P225 digital piano can last you years and will stay with you from your first scale all the way up to playing a classical sonata.
The full 88-note keyboard costs $999 or can be rented for $58 per month.
Shop Yamaha P225 88-Key Portable Digital Piano
Roland FP-10 Portable Digital Piano with Speakers
Roland is another great option for digital pianos. Their heavy-weight keys feel very close to a real acoustic piano, and the tone produces a dark and full piano sound. The FP-10 includes onboard speakers for loud playback or the ability to pair with headphones for quiet listening. The FP10 is simplistic and easy to use.
The FP10 can be purchased for $849 or rented for $54 a month.
Shop FP-10 Portable Digital Piano with Speakers
Yamaha DGX670 88-Key Digital Piano
The DGX is fully loaded with hundreds of sounds and features to help you play like a pro.
The DGX670 includes accompaniment “styles,” allowing you to play along with a full band that follows your playing. You can explore pop, rock, jazz, world music, and more, and even record audio or video directly.
For just $1199, you have a full band at your fingertips.
Shop Yamaha DGX670 88-Key Digital Piano
Setting Realistic Expectations
A realistic starting routine should include about 30 minutes of play per day to help build muscle memory. Focus on consistency over long sessions that just get frustrating when you’re learning.
Remember that learning to play the piano happens in stages. First, you start with learning notes and hand coordination. Then you begin learning simple songs. As you develop your skills, you can expand your expression and dynamic playing, and ultimately broaden your repertoire through advanced techniques.
Learning piano should not stress you out (after the initial learning phase)! Take it slow, enjoy the process. There are many levels of playing and styles. Find something that brings you joy and just go with it.
