Tag: Pianist

Whether it’s possible to learn to play piano by watching YouTube videos is a question my college piano professor would shudder to even think about.

But it’s a fair question for anyone who struggles with traditional piano lessons.

Carving out time every week to attend lessons is time-consuming. Not to mention the practice time required to avoid guilt or embarrassment due to not practicing at said lessons.

Learning online, at your own pace, and for free seems like a fantastic alternative to traditional lessons.

But is learning to play piano by watching YouTube videos possible?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at this very controversial question.

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

What skills do you need to develop to learn piano?

To answer the question of whether learning piano is possible by watching YouTube videos, let’s start by exploring the skills you need to develop to play the instrument.

Note Identification

Playing a song on the piano requires you to play specific notes in a particular order. And this means you have to know which keys to play.

Whether you’re playing from sheet music or by ear, you need to be able to identify the notes on the keyboard in front of you.

The great news is that you can learn note identification from YouTube videos. There are also apps and books to boost your skills in this area.

YouTube is also the perfect medium to learn chord progressions and improvisational skills.

Technique

Playing the piano has its risks. Proper technique is vital to avoid strains and other injuries from tension and repetitive motions.

Although good technique at the keyboard is essential regardless of your level, it’s crucial for playing advanced classical repertoire.

Luckily, there are many great YouTube videos out there that cover technique for beginner to advanced players.

My favorite YouTube channel is from Dr. Josh Wright. He’s a wealth of information about playing pieces from the piano repertoire.

Another great teacher of effective piano technique is Graham Fitch, a Pianist Magazine contributor. I’ve improved my technique by watching free YouTube videos from both instructors. I highly recommend their channels to anyone who wants pointers.

Dr. Wright and Graham Fitch post helpful videos regardless of whether you’re at a beginner skill level or consider yourself an advanced pianist.

Although many resources for piano technique are available online, the best way to learn this skill is by getting feedback from an experienced piano teacher.

So, if you aspire to play classical piano, it may be best to seek a qualified instructor rather than attempt to teach yourself.

But if you simply want to have fun at the keyboard by playing your favorite song, YouTube can be a great option! I love playing classical piano but have recently gotten interested in playing covers of different songs.

And YouTube tutorials are a great resource for learning covers of country and pop music!

Hand-Eye Coordination

This next one is trickier. It’s not enough to know the notes. You must also play them in the correct order.

It requires a fair amount of hand-eye coordination.

Mastering this skill takes time and practice. It’s not necessarily something that can be learned from watching YouTube.

But seeing videos of someone playing the song you’re learning can help you start to piece things together for yourself.

Many budding pianists struggle when it comes to playing both hands together. And even advanced pianists sometimes have to practice a passage or two with the right hand first before adding the left hand.

It may be time to invest in a few private piano lessons if you’re consistently struggling with getting your hands together and are feeling frustrated.

Sometimes, it only takes a bit of patient guidance to get you back on track.

Perseverance

There’s so much more personal growth to learning a musical instrument than you’d guess. Although playing the piano is rewarding, it’s also tricky sometimes.

You will make mistakes and feel like giving up on piano playing sometimes.

It’s completely normal to feel this way. But the important thing is to commit to never giving up.

Commit to trying your best and being flexible about accomplishing your goals.

If you’re struggling, play something more accessible. Take your learning backward to find a sense of accomplishment to help drive you forward.

There’s a ton of phenomenal personal development content on YouTube. Whether you find inspiration from watching videos of your favorite pianist or from motivational videos, YouTube has it all!

Effective Practice Habits

When it comes to piano, talent only gets you so far. Solid practice habits bridge the gap between talent and goal accomplishment.

And there are online videos devoted to this topic. I have also read several excellent books on the subject of effective practice.

You can find them on Amazon if you’re interested in delving deeper.

And if you’re looking for more inspiration on developing the perfect practice routine, take advantage of my recent post on the topic.

Performance

If your piano goals involve playing in front of other people, you will need a whole different set of skills for performance situations.

It’s important to realize that everyone sometimes gets nervous when playing for others. But you can learn to cope with your nerves and still have a great time playing for others!

YouTube has many great resources available when it comes to overcoming performance anxiety. It can also be a great place to practice playing for others in a non-threatening way.

There is also at least one Facebook group I’m aware of that is dedicated to people with performance anxiety. It’s a positive, non-threatening environment to post videos of yourself to gain experience playing for others.

And you can choose to either record yourself and post or go live in the group.

Either way, you’ll get encouraging feedback from people who fully understand the stress of playing for others.

Music Theory

Some people love it, and some despise it, but learning the basics of music theory will help you progress faster in your piano studies.

Playing a musical instrument is similar to learning another language. And similar to sentence structure, there are rules for how music is put together.

For example, by learning key signatures, you won’t have to spend extra energy remembering to play a C# and F# for a piece written in the key of D.

You’ll be able to see the piece is written in D and automatically know that any C or F needs to be raised by 1/2 step.

Learning music theory can help you when you’re sight-reading and improvising. And it’s crucial if you want to learn to play music by ear.

There are several helpful free videos on YouTube about music theory. You can also find books and apps to help you master this area.

One of my favorite music theory online learning resources is SkillShare, a learning platform where you can also find classes on painting, photography, and personal development.

Click the SkillShare link if you’re interested in trying it out for yourself.

Can you learn to play piano by watching YouTube videos?

Although it may not be a popular opinion among private teachers, learning to play the piano on YouTube is possible.

YouTube offers a vast array of learning options for playing the piano.

Although I grew up taking piano lessons every week, I wish YouTube had been around back then because it would have helped me have more fun with the instrument.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve(mostly) loved the instrument from day one. But a certain freedom comes from playing songs you hear on the radio.

And nothing beats being able to pull up videos about any topic and feeling like you can understand something much deeper than you did before.

Even after years of private lessons and a baccalaureate degree in music, I still have much to learn about playing the piano. And I absolutely love the wealth of information found on YouTube.

Certain aspects of learning are easier than others. As noted above, technique can be trickier because assessing your own playing is challenging.

You can undoubtedly watch videos of others, but getting feedback on your own technique comes best from a piano teacher.

It’s possible to post videos of yourself and ask for feedback. Still, I’ve learned that advice from internet randos isn’t beneficial.

And in some cases, feedback from internet randos can be utterly disheartening.

Learning to play the piano has been such a blessing in my life that I want to encourage others interested in pursuing it.

And YouTube can be a very economical option for learning to play the piano.

What are the best YouTube channels for learning to play piano?

Classical Music

When it comes to playing classical music, I have two favorite channels. Both offer incredible free resources for aspiring classical pianists.

The first is Dr. Josh Wright. I found his free information incredibly valuable and ultimately invested in his paid  ProPractice course.

I continue to see huge benefits from this course and enjoy the Facebook group which accompanies the course. Dr. Wright is reasonably active in the group, and it’s a very positive and uplifting group.

You can read more about my experience with the ProPractice course by clicking here.

The second channel I’ve found helpful is Pianist Magazine. Many videos on the channel feature Graham Fitch, an active and accomplished concert pianist and teacher.

Although I have yet to invest in Fitch’s programs, he has an active email list and various piano teaching programs.

Resources for beginners, improvisation, having fun at the keyboard

The next category is very broad, but it’s challenging to fit this channel into just one topic.

Zach Evans is the man behind the Become a Piano Superhuman channel, offering a ton of value in free resources.

He breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand and is always very encouraging. And he might love the piano as much as I do! 😉

More importantly, his mission is to encourage people to learn this beautiful instrument.

His videos are entertaining, engaging, and highly actionable.

If you’re just getting started with the instrument, start with Zach.

Blues, Jazz, and More

Another channel with a little bit of everything is Piano with Jonny.

Although I’m not as familiar with Jonny as I am with the other three, he also offers a vast array of videos for all playing levels.

Jonny does a bit more with jazz and blues than Zach, so if that’s your interest, he’s a great one to follow.

Similar to the other pianists, Jonny offers his own paid programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to have an actual piano to learn to play piano?

Although I’m all for experimenting with different learning options, including free YouTube videos, I recommend investing in a piano.

It’s easier to make consistent progress with a piano.

I prefer acoustic pianos for their sound and touch. But sometimes, a digital piano is a more realistic option for beginners.

Digital pianos are sometimes cheaper, and they are definitely more portable than many acoustic instruments.

I recently wrote a review of several budget digital pianos perfect for beginning piano students.

There are generally many cheap or free acoustic pianos for sale online. In many cases, these instruments need way more repair than they’re worth.

Find a piano technician in your area if you prefer an acoustic piano. They generally know how to get the best bang for your buck while avoiding the real trainwreck pianos.

And remember that older does NOT always mean better, especially when it comes to pianos!

Do you have to practice every day?

If you want consistent progress in your piano playing, devoting some time daily to practice is best.

When I practice daily, I remember what I worked on the day before much better than when I skipped a day.

Your sessions should be short to start with because your brain is processing so much at once.

And it’s best to stop when you’re itching to keep playing because then you’ll want to keep at it the next day.

Avoid playing to frustration because you won’t want to pick it up again tomorrow.

Make practice a fun and stress-free part of your day, and you’ll soon see your progress skyrocket!

Can you teach yourself to play the piano?

With all the resources available online, teaching yourself the basics of the piano is possible.

This is especially true if your goals are to have fun, learn a new skill, or impress your friends.

But if your goals are to study classical music or pursue piano as a profession, include private lessons as part of your learning process.

Online courses, apps, and YouTube videos can be fantastic supplemental learning modalities when you need to fill in the gaps.

Are there benefits of learning to play the piano?

Yes! Research shows improvements in fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination thanks to learning the piano.

Playing the piano is a complex interaction between the brain and body, which promotes positive changes in the brain. These changes can fight brain aging, anxiety, and depression.

And if you can play music with others, there are also positive social benefits.

Plus, learning a musical instrument feels much more productive than watching Netflix.

Is it too late to learn to play the piano?

It’s always possible to learn a new skill! I know people in their 70s, 80s, and beyond who enjoy learning the instrument.

Even if you had a bad learning experience when you were younger, there is always time to try a different way of learning.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play the piano can be incredibly rewarding. I’ve spoken with so many people who regret never learning to play.

And with all the different ways to learn to play piano, don’t let one of those people be you!

Consider a private teacher or online courses if you’re serious about learning.

YouTube is full of excellent channels for beginners and beyond. There’s so much to learn, and many talented teachers share their knowledge on this incredible platform. So, start taking advantage of it all now!

No matter your goals, I wish you the best of luck in your musical journey!

And for piano tips, tricks, and inspiration, sign up for my email list. Motivational piano-inspired emails go out once a week, and I can’t wait to see the incredible progress you make by staying motivated!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, make sure to check out my previous posts:

• The Best Ways to Learn Piano in 2023
• Why Routines are Better Than Resolutions
• How to Set Realistic Piano Goals and Accomplish Them
• Secrets to Setting Yourself Up for Success in 2023 and Beyond
• The 30 Most Famous Classical Piano Pieces of All Time
• How to Tell When You’re Overwhelmed
• Why You’ll Never Regret Enrolling Your Kids in Piano Lessons
• 5 Simple Reasons You Should be Calling Yourself a Pianist

Whether it’s possible to learn piano without a teacher is hotly debated in piano circles.

Some say you can’t get the same level of instruction or feedback from a book or online tutorial. Others argue that with enough practice and self-discipline, anyone can teach themselves how to play the piano. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and give you some tips on how to start learning the piano on your own!

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of Amazon, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. All photos are courtesy of Canva.

What does playing the piano mean to you?

It may seem like a strange question, but it’s the most logical place to start.

Students of all ages are drawn to the instrument for entirely different reasons. Some students aspire to be able to play any piece of music put in front of them.

Other students want the skills to play their favorite songs by ear. These students may not be particularly concerned with learning the correct technique. They simply want to enjoy the experience of making beautiful music.

Other prospective piano students love learning new things. They are obsessed with classical pieces and may even aspire to become a concert pianist. You may find these students eventually auditioning for several different music schools.

Then some view playing the piano as a way to relax. They don’t want to pressure themselves and enjoy exploring the different sounds the instrument can create.

All of these reasons are perfectly valid! And they will all lead you to different conclusions about whether or not you need a teacher.

It’s important to understand the motivation behind your drive to learn the instrument before we dive into whether it’s possible to learn piano without a teacher.

The “You Must Have a Piano Teacher” Camp

Those who argue for teachers believe that teachers are the key to learning the instrument and developing as a musician. They assert that teachers provide an exclusive and essential service.

This camp believes that, without a teacher, you will never achieve the level of playing you desire.

Members of this group believe a piano teacher can give immediate feedback on your progress and help you identify and correct bad habits.

They also contend that teachers can help instill good practice habits, which is essential for anyone who wants to improve their skills on the instrument.

There are some great points made by this camp! A good piano teacher can provide a wealth of knowledge and support to their students.

And for those who aspire to become a classical pianist, traditional piano lessons are still the best choice, at least in the beginning.

Once you reach a certain level in your piano journey, you can advance your skills with only occasional oversight from a teacher and the help of various online resources.

The subtle techniques required for playing classical are challenging to master unless you have oversight from a good teacher. Without a solid foundation in technique, completely self-taught pianists expose themselves to long-term damage.

And as you start playing more challenging pieces, the risk of injury increases.

The “You Don’t Need a Piano Teacher” Camp

This camp believes that teachers are not essential for learning the piano. They argue that anyone can teach themselves how to play the piano with the right resources and a bit of discipline and motivation.

One of the main arguments made by this group is that teachers often follow a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching. They believe that the path to teaching piano is outdated and isn’t easily adapted to individual learning needs.

This camp also believes you can save money by avoiding traditional piano lessons. They argue that the cost of a private teacher can be prohibitive, especially for those who are just starting out.

This camp also has some valid points! Self-discipline and motivation are essential for anyone who wants to learn the piano independently. And plenty of piano-playing resources are available online, many of which are free.

Is it possible to learn piano without a teacher?

Yes. Many self-taught students are out there improving their piano skills daily without the help of a teacher.

Although I grew up taking piano lessons, I don’t believe traditional piano lessons are a good option for all adult beginner piano students.

I believe that both camps have their benefits and drawbacks. You can succeed on either path if you honor your motivation for learning and stay on course with your goals.

Let’s dive deeper into why you may want to choose one path over the either.

You Might Want a Piano Teacher If:

No one is more vocal about the necessity of having a piano teacher than the teachers themselves!

And as someone who has had years of individual instruction, I can understand their point of view in several different situations.

Shiny Object Syndrome

Are you someone who gets really excited about starting something new but is easily distracted by the next shiny opportunity that crosses your path? If so, you might want to find a piano teacher.

A great teacher can help you stay focused on learning, and with their help, you can stay focused on your goals.

If you’re serious about wanting to learn the instrument, invest at least 6 months into dedicated one-on-one time with a teacher. At the end of the 6 months, you can re-evaluate whether learning the instrument is for you and move forward knowing you gave it your best shot.

Coordination is Challenging

Some people can rub their bellies, pat their heads, and chew gum simultaneously. Others can’t clap a steady beat.

Playing the piano involves coordination between your eyes, brain, and hands. Coordination is something that doesn’t come naturally to some people.

If you fall into this category, don’t give up on your dream of learning! But do know that getting your left hand to work with your right hand may require some oversight from an experienced teacher, especially if you’re a beginner.

Motivation

Do you find yourself starting new projects but quickly stopping progress because you lack the motivation to finish?

Motivation is tricky. Although many people believe motivation inspires action, I think the exact opposite. It’s been my experience that I only feel motivated to do something after I’ve already started taking action.

If I wait to feel motivated, I’ll never do the things on my list.

But finding the right teacher can be a great way to stay motivated to learn piano. This is especially true when you find someone who inspires you to accomplish your goals and challenge your negative assumptions.

You Have No Idea Where to Start

Are you confused and overwhelmed when you think about how to start your piano journey? If so, then you should seek out the help of a teacher.

A great teacher can help you establish a solid musical background and fill in all the gaps that might happen if left to your own devices.

Classical Music is Your Passion

You will want a teacher to help you form a strong foundation if you aspire to play classical music.

Developing the correct technique is crucial for playing this genre without injuring yourself. And it’s challenging to learn the proper technique yourself without any experienced teacher’s feedback.

You’re Not an Independent Learner

Are you someone who thrives on interactions with others? And did you learn better in a group setting than on your own?

If so, finding a teacher might be the best way to learn the piano. Some people learn by reading, others by hearing, and still others by doing.

But if you learn best through feedback and discussion, you should find a teacher, at least in the beginning.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided that finding a piano teacher supports your learning goals, read “How to Find the Right Piano Teacher for You.” This post is a deep dive into what you should consider when searching for a teacher.

It also includes a link to a list of different piano teachers currently offering online lessons. Many teachers have shifted to providing online lessons over the past couple of years, so there’s never been a better time to start playing!

You Can Skip the Piano Teacher If:

It’s also worth noting that even if you start with a teacher, you don’t have to continue lessons forever. There may be times in your life when having a teacher doesn’t work for your schedule or budget.

And that’s ok! As long as you’re enjoying the instrument, it doesn’t really matter.

Although I studied with a teacher throughout my childhood and teenage years, I believe that having a teacher isn’t the best choice for all students.

People come to the piano for various reasons, and not every path to mastery involves a teacher.

You Only Want to Learn a Few Pop Songs

Suppose your motivation to learn piano involves being able to play a few pop songs. In that case, it may not be worth finding a teacher.

There are so many tutorials on YouTube that can give you the information you need for free.

And if you want to learn to play by ear, free apps can help you with that too. My favorite app for ear training is called “Chet,” which helps you learn to play melodies and recognize harmonic intervals.

Its game approach is very addicting!

Beyond the Basics

If you’ve already mastered the basics with a teacher, even if it was years ago, advancing your skills without a teacher might be a good option for you.

You can find many great piano-based courses online tailored to your learning interests.

If classical piano is your passion, then make sure to check out Dr. Josh Wright’s ProPractice course! I first heard of Dr. Wright on a podcast and started following his YouTube channel.

His videos were so helpful that I eventually decided to invest in his course and felt an immediate transformation in my playing.

Although I’d love to incorporate regular lessons into my week, it’s not feasible with my schedule right now. His course has been a lifesaver for me because I can still study pieces on a deeper level but don’t have to feel guilty if I don’t have time to practice every day.

In fact, I recently did the Grade 5 ABRSM exam, and one of my selections is a piece he covers in detail in the ProPractice course. His instruction helped me pass the grade with distinction, and I am so grateful for this course!

If you’d like to find out if the ProPractice course would be a good fit for you, read my complete review of the course.

Independent Self-Starters

Are you someone who would rather be left alone to figure things out? If so, then you can probably skip the teacher.

Figure out your motivation and exact learning goals. Once you nail down your goals, find the most appropriate online program. There are many great apps for learning piano; your learning style would be an excellent fit for almost all of them.

Piano Marvel is one option for learning piano. It offers a guided approach to learning the instrument, so you don’t have to try and figure out where to start.

Although it has a variety of songs at different playing levels, this particular app has a very classical approach to teaching the instrument. You may want to consider a different app if this approach does not appeal to you.

And for my take on the app and whether it might be a good fit for you, read “The Best Unconventional Ways to Learn the Piano.”

You Want to Play for Fun

Formal lessons may not be for you if your only motivation for learning is to have fun. If you never aspire to play for anyone else and simply want to enjoy the process of making music, then you can get by without a teacher.

There are still ways to improve your skills and knowledge if you want to, but it’s not necessary.

You can find plenty of online resources that will give you tips on improving your playing. But for the most part, enjoy exploring the piano on your own, and don’t worry about becoming the next Beethoven.

Composition and Songwriting

If your motivation for learning the instrument comes from a desire to write your own music, then traditional piano lessons may not be the best path.

Many piano teachers focus on teaching the correct body mechanics and technique for playing, skills that are not particularly relevant to composition.

But you will need a solid foundation in music theory. There are many great online resources for learning theory.

SkillShare offers an incredible deep dive class taught by a university professor on music theory. There’s also a website called www.musictheory.net that provides a wealth of information on the topic.

YouTube can be your best friend when it comes to learning the art of songwriting. And you might be surprised to learn that most pop music is based on the same basic chord structure.

Next Steps

Although there are benefits to having a piano teacher, it’s not realistic for everyone. I’ve seen many people put their dreams of playing the piano on hold because they didn’t think it was possible to learn without a teacher.

Don’t let outdated ideas about learning piano stop you! There are so many paid and free resources out there that can help you realize your dreams of learning to play.

There are many online teachers offering lessons on an as-needed basis. And not every teacher expects you to attend weekly lessons.

You could also consider combining online resources and teacher oversight if finances or time are barriers.

For more inspiration and ideas on pursuing your dreams of playing the piano, check out “How to Learn Piano as an Adult.”

The Myth of Talent

It’s also worth noting that musical talent can only get you so far. Many people feel they’re not “musically talented,” which keeps them from learning.

But the truth is that talent only gets you so far. In the long run, effort wins out over raw talent every time. And one of the most crucial factors to making progress is having a solid practice plan.

Consistent and focused practice will help you progress regardless of whether you have a teacher. Although some teachers will help you establish a practice routine, many will not.

And plenty of teachers are still focused on the concept of repetition versus thoughtful and meaningful practice.

The topic of practice is one I find fascinating, and you can read my thoughts on the subject in the following posts:

• Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Piano Practice Routine
• Easy Brain Hacks to Upgrade Your Piano Playing
• 5 Mindset Secrets to Boosting Your Piano Playing Confidence
• How to Instantly Upgrade Your Piano Practice
• Top Piano Practice Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Don’t let the fear that you’re not “musically inclined” stop you from even trying!

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has inspired you to think about what’s motivating you to learn the piano and to figure out whether a piano teacher is essential for learning.

Although I have had several great teachers throughout my life, I can understand why some learners hesitate to reach out to a teacher.

And I feel there are situations where a teacher isn’t necessary.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you stop wondering “what if” and start going after your piano dreams!

If you loved this post, please help me out by sharing it on social media. And don’t miss my other posts on mindset and the piano!

• How to Tell When You’re Overwhelmed
• 5 Simple Tips to Help You Be More Productive
• The ONE Thing: A Case for Narrowing Your Focus
• 5 Powerful Ways to Halt Limiting Beliefs
• An Authentic Review of the Modacity App
• How to Dramatically Improve Your Mental Focus