Want to play piano but don’t know where to begin? Start with the basics that actually help you make sound progress: posture, finger names, simple songs, and a short practice plan you can stick to. Skip the overwhelm—small, consistent steps beat random long sessions.
First, sit right. Your bench height should let your forearms be parallel to the floor when your fingers rest on the keys. Keep your back straight but relaxed, shoulders down, and wrists level. Good posture prevents pain and makes your fingers move freely.
Learn the keyboard layout fast. Middle C is your anchor. From there, notice repeating groups of black keys (two then three). Use those groups to find notes quickly. Memorize finger numbers: thumb is 1, index 2, middle 3, ring 4, pinky 5. That numbering keeps your hands organized when you follow beginner sheet music or tutorials.
Start with short, hands-separate practice. Pick a very short melody like "Twinkle Twinkle" or "Happy Birthday." Play the right hand slowly until you feel comfortable, then do the left hand the same way. Only combine hands when each hand can play its part without thinking too hard. This builds coordination without frustration.
Use a metronome. Set a slow tempo you can play perfectly, then add tiny speed increases after several clean repetitions. Even ten minutes with a metronome beats aimless practice. Focus on steady rhythm more than speed—accuracy first, tempo later.
Try a 20-minute daily routine: 5 minutes of warm-up (simple scales or finger patterns), 10 minutes on a song or exercise, and 5 minutes reviewing or finishing with something fun. Short daily sessions help muscle memory more than long, rare sessions. If time is tight, two ten-minute blocks work well too.
Pick the right gear. A full 88-key keyboard is best but a 61-key model is fine for starting. Choose a weighted or semi-weighted keyboard if you can—it builds proper finger strength. Don’t rely on built-in auto-accompaniment; use it sparingly so you learn timing and melody control.
Decide on lessons vs. apps. A teacher gives real-time feedback and corrects bad habits early. Apps and YouTube are cheaper and great for learning songs and basics. Mix both if possible: use lessons for technique and apps for song practice and extra drills.
Finally, pick one song you love and work toward playing it cleanly. Enjoyment keeps you practicing. Record short clips to track progress—seeing improvement is a huge motivator. Play a little every day, stay patient, and you’ll be surprised how fast simple songs turn into real music.
