Why Learn to Play the Piano?

Why would one want to learn to play the piano? Some for fun, some to perform, some to play for church, some to start gigging, and for people like me, to learn to play and teach better. As with learning any skill, it takes effort, perseverance, persistence and dedication to master an instrument. Practice unlocks more possibilities than just natural talent.



It is easy to get a sound from the piano unlike some other instruments where playing the first note is a challenge. (Ask me about learning to play the trumpet!) On the other hand, getting a beautiful tone out of the piano takes practice, and good technique. One gets to play bass and treble at the same time. The piano can stand alone, and you probably never need to hire an accompanist (unless you play one of those wacky accompanied sonatas as a courting ritual. Will post more about this when I read up) Most of all, the piano has a wonderful and broad range of literature, and different genres. One would not be limited and there are always pieces to learn at all levels. (Every student wants to play Beethoven's Fur Elise but very few play it well.)



Playing the piano definitely builds hand and eye and feet coordination. There are 88 keys and three pedals, allowing for many possibilities and combinations. If you have a reading disorder, your piano teacher would probably pick that up. Pianists have to read not only horizontally but also vertically. There are many studies on sight-playing (more commonly referred to as sight-reading) and these experiments track eye movements while one reads music at the piano. Since the piano has both treble and bass, one would learn to be proficient in both clefs. Learning the piano will also help with understanding and applying the theory of music, and aural skills.



For the history buffs, the piano contains rich history, both in its invention and development, and of the people who are connected to piano, either as composers or performers.



So here's my two cents (for now)!