Getting Started: Essentials

Let’s talk about the items you must purchase before starting your piano journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, having the right tools can make all the difference in your learning experience. So, let’s get started!

Piano: The most obvious item on the list is the piano itself. You can either purchase an acoustic piano or a digital piano. When deciding which type of piano to buy, consider factors such as your budget, space, and the level of portability you need. If you’re just starting out, a digital piano may be the best option for you.

Metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for helping you keep time when playing the piano. It’s also useful for practicing difficult pieces of music and keeping a steady tempo. There are many different types of metronomes available, from traditional mechanical metronomes to digital ones that you can download to your phone. In a flash, you can just search “Metronome” on Google to get the free online metronome.

Staff Paper Notebook: For writing down musical compositions or keeping track of your progress, you’ll need a staff paper notebook. This is a notebook that has blank music sheets for you to write on. Having a physical copy of your compositions can also be helpful when practicing and remembering what you’ve learned.

Piano Behind the Key Note Chart Overlay: This handy tool is a transparent overlay that you place on the keys of your piano. It shows you the names of the notes behind each key, making it easier to understand the relationship between the notes and the keys.

Piano Method Books: There are many different piano method books available, and choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. I recommend the John Thompson piano method, the Hanon book for the Virtuous Pianist and the John Brimhall Music Theory Complete.

Optional Items:

Headphones: If you live in a shared space or you don’t want to disturb others while practicing, investing in a good pair of headphones can be a game-changer. It also allows you to focus on your playing and hear everything more clearly.

Pedals: This only applies if you’re learning with a digital piano or controller. While pedals are not essential for beginners, they add a layer of expression to your playing. The most commonly used pedals on traditional acoustic pianos are the sustain pedal, which adds length to the notes you play, and the soft pedal, which makes the notes softer and gentler.

Outro: And there you have it, the items you must purchase before learning to play the piano. Remember, having the right tools can make a big difference in your learning experience, so invest in them wisely.