4 Myths about Learning Piano

When it comes to learning piano there can be a number of myths floating around out there that might catch your ear. You can’t learn piano as an adult, you must have a specific finger length, long practice sessions are ideal for learning…and the list could go on! These myths can be powerful and can easily be thought of as truths and facts.

However, we here at PianoCommuters are here to bust those myths and give you the facts so you can make an informed decision on learning piano. There are so many myths out there unfortunately, however today we’re going to tackle 4 of the most common ones we hear about.

Okay, ready to bust some piano learning myths? Here we go!

Myth #1 – You have to learn piano as a child

This is 100% not true. While it is common that children are enrolled in piano lessons, we also teach adults and have many adult learners who love to play piano. There is evidence out there that outlines it can be easier to learn an instrument when you are young given you learn and develop the skills during key neurological development years. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t learn at any age and everyone’s piano playing journey is individual.

For some folks learning piano as a teen or adult works well for them, they’re passionate and dedicated to piano lessons which can help with them to learn faster. We encourage everyone of all ages to become a piano player if this interests you! We can help you start learning with our kids lessons and adult lessons to help you no matter what your age.

Myth #2 – You are never allowed to write on music

The idea of writing on piano sheet music can make some piano teachers cringe – however this is not a fact for individuals learning piano. There are some piano teachers out there that feel very passionately about writing on sheet music, however we hear at PianoCommuters want to help you learn! Part of that is sometimes our students need to write out on the music to help them better understand the music while they’re learning.

We do also caution our students from becoming dependent on this, as this can overtime become a crutch to learning to read music. If you’re wanting to progress your music reading skills overtime, you should require less and less notes on your music. You can work with your piano teacher at PianoCommuters to find the best system for your learning, and helping you understand reading piano music as a beginner.

Myth #3 – You shouldn’t look at your hands while playing piano

It’s totally okay to look at your hands while you play piano and is actually considered normal! We do encourage folks to not depend on looking at your hands the entire time you play, you should be focusing on the sheet music in front of you as your skills develop. While learning and in your piano lessons it’s common for us to see students focused on their hands and ensuring they’re hitting the right keys and learning motions and movements of increasing their skills and range. As learners get more comfortable with their skills, we find they often stop looking at their hands and focus more on the sheet music. Getting more familiar with the piano and where each key will help with decreasing looking at your hands.

Myth #4 – You must have long fingers to play piano

You must have long fingers to play piano is commonly said, however it is in no way true! There is no specific finger size or length that is required to play the piano. We will note that often those with larger hands outline that they can find it easier to play more challenging pieces given they can extend and reach keys easier, however you can play piano and different levels of piano music difficulty with any hand size.

Children are the most common piano learners, and they’re hands are tiny. They learn and overtime master how to reach each key and learn the movements associated with moving between different positions. With piano learning progression learners will get more comfortable with the keys and playing piano with their hand and finger size.

Heard any other piano myths that you’d love for us to address or for us to bust for you! Let us know by clicking here!