How I learned to play piano 🎹

I’m not an expert or master musician but because of the popularity of the page I get a lot of music related questions. Most often the questions relate to how I learned how to play and if I could offer tips on how to get better. Video tutorials are AWESOME and often free 😁 but still in my personal opinion nothing beats having a personal teacher/instructor.

[@MusiqExpress]

That’s true everyone who plays well, don’t necessarily teach well.

[@KirbyDTrim]

Agreed!

[@theerealatm]

I never had a lesson so I'd be a terrible teacher. I wouldn't know any key fundamentals.

[@girlmusician24]

Yep 👍🏾 so true.

[@Claudiaaa.7]

Very true

[@EbonyRivers1]

Facts. I’ve played since a child, been minister of music, played for groups, but I don’t teach. Teaching not my gift or passion.

[@blackberry4life482]

My pastor would say that all the time. "You have to invest in yourself." Get yourself the right tools to raise you up. Runners need proper running shoes, football players need cleats and pads. Be it a book, a copier, a drill set; whatever you need to make you better and more efficient, invest in you.

[@victoriav9836]

Blackberry4life the best advice this year

[@nieceysemien7135]

That's good right there!

[@djbministry]

Gotta have good equipment, it's OK if the instrument helps you to sound better...

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

That good right there

[@pkeyzofficial5154]

Some of y’all are so lucky to even have someone to learn from☹️ where I’m from, your eyes and ears are your best friend.

[@teemoore3876]

Kevon, I appreciate how you catch a "quickening" in the midst of providing Godly Wisdom! You're still preaching! #IFeltThat

[@valerietillman7131]

Amen! 😂🤣🥰

[@IAmKevonCarter]

Tee Moore 😀

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

Really good piano lesson

[@Eloquentlyjay]

It’s true even for gifted people... when I was younger I actually taught myself to play (of course I didn’t Know how to read notes but back then they had A,B,C etc on the keys so I would write them down and try to creat my own songs) and then my mom put me into piano lessons bc she how much I liked it and when I took those lessons it really brought out the talent and I was able to improve it .

[@Jnwboss]

I feel like I’m in that same spot. I play by ear but I’m not great with chords. I wanted to take lessons in college the problem is that class is for music majors only. So I’m trying to think about what I can do

[@sharondalewis1620]

That quick word on players/coaches--HEY! LOL

[@LonzCantiLife]

i was one of the many that DM'd and asked about how to get my playing to the next level.. Kevon suggested lessons, best decision i've ever made, especially being self taught for 2 years... the lessons just reinforce and add so much more to it.. promise

[@IAmKevonCarter]

Lonz Canti awesome

[@msgottalottaego]

Errythang shiny ain't gold... that is to say that although I'm grateful for the free information that is readily available on the internet, you have to do your due diligence and vet the information before you jump in headfirst. Some things are worth payment as well. Like those Jordan's that I see people line up for @ 6AM. Now I'm not that girl, but I have no problem paying for things I deem important and useful. If there's a will, you'll make a way. Thank you for that good word this evening....👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@ladys8615]

I took piano lessons when I was a kid but school got in the way. Now that I am older, I wanted to be good at it, so I gifted myself a piano keyboard. Been practicing a lot lately. I hope I get good at this! Thanks for the wisdom :)

[@fainamorozov8818]

“Invest in your musicians!” These words are golden!!!

[@nef003]

That’s right !!! I learned to play trumpet in 2 months for basic scales. 2 octaves. 6 months later 3 octaves and in now play in church. But how? I practice almost 8 hours a day!! I even bring my trumpet to bed with me!!! 4 months ago; my wife would laugh at me, now she doesn’t - maybe a bit. and still learning -!!

[@TheSeeking2know]

Inspiring! Keep going up!

[@sharonz2992]

The 8 hours a day finished me. Reason, I can totally relate, people laughed when I was playing the keyboard, now it's getting better

[@cjohns1005]

8 hours a day? What time u go to work?

[@Thegiftedone95]

Fred Hammond voice: "Come on somebody, Come on somebody!" 😂 3:10

[@BettyAlexandriaPride]

😂

[@Emma4dfuture]

Ooooooh As I look back over all the years that I made it through 😂

[@Dtruthseek]

Thanks so much for posting this, Mr. Martin. My friend is a musical prodigy and though took a few lessons and even music college doesn't really believe in lessons. I was trying to do it on my own and it was pretty hard. But you know what, I am not him! And now I find out I can still go to heaven as well!

[@BIX-18827DCM]

😂😄

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

Some people private lessons

[@christie3738ify]

So wonderful and gracious I appreciate you and PREACH 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jamesbunton902]

I needed this message. I’ve never had a mentor so the struggle is real.

[@mahoganired8608]

So on point with investing in ourselves and our musicians

[@mrs.g.9854]

🙌🏽🙌🏽...sounds like music you listen to while roasting chestnuts on an open 🔥...😊😊

[@ralphmilleriii9957]

Great advice!👍🏽 My 17 year old daughter has been taking piano lessons for almost 9 years. Once she began to take it serious (practicing without being told to) we got her a keyboard. A year and a half ago, we invested in a nice used upright piano. Because her pieces are longer, her lessons went from 30min to an hour. For the past 2 and a half months, due to social distancing, she has been constantly practicing on her own. Her piano instructor offered lessons via Zoom, but my daughter declined because she prefers a more present hands-on approach. We'll be glad when everything safely gets back to normal.

[@cowboGA]

I like this dude heh.. spittin str8 fye ... Gotta invest.. I been playing for over 20 years and still listening..still practicing...still learning new songs.. still studying the chord charts.. still working on bettering myself.. do it folks.. it's a new decade and new season.. turn up and master those gifts and talents you have!! It'll pay off!! Thanks bruh fuh pointing this out because we need a reminder every now and then!!!

[@BettyAlexandriaPride]

YOU BETTER PLAY. **Screams in jazz-church** Edit: As a music educator, I couldn't agree more with everything you're saying. I appreciate your transparency. Thank you for being who you are. There are many free resources out here, KZbin being one of them. Not everyone can pay for lessons starting off, but the goal is repetition and habit. It's like a resolution. You can't give up when February hit. Growing takes time. (Also, teachers who were classically trained often show students how not to harm their body while playing. I only mentioned classically due to how in-depth my university teacher was. ) Also, I fall under the camp of classical lessons for a base for all genres. I love jazz, I play it professionally and I minister for church. However, getting back into classical lessons made my jazz theory stronger. Wishing all the best! Oh, and one more thing. Congrats on your album, I will be purchasing!

[@sashamassey8385]

Exactly!

[@TheSeeking2know]

I agree with the classical training bring a base. Then you need to break out of it and enter into other genres so you don't get stuck in one way of thinking about music.

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

Exactly

[@bigdeji]

This video just gave me a new perspective. I think sometimes it's a thing of pride to be able to say one learnt music by hear. But this video has humbled me.

[@JamieGlaserpage]

This is great ! I have been with lots of well known ( famous) bands and musicians ( Chick corea, Jean Luc Ponty) etc and I studied from the age of 9. Berklee gave me the finishing touches that I will be working on forever. I teach at a Julliard satellite school in my area. I also know amazing musicians that never had a lesson...but that wasn't and isn't me. I really enjoy your videos, they're fun, their great, they're thoughtful and you play your ass off. Thanks for this video though.... this one really makes a statement I couldn't agree with you more. Happy Holidays

[@oRuTRa45]

My man Jamie!

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

My guy Jamie

[@teravitalez9697]

I love this guy. GOD BLESS YOU BRO, MORE GRACE TO YOU. CAN YOU PLEASE TEACH US SOMETHING IN THE KEY OF E. MANY THANKS

[@shemarmckenzie6809]

You'll get into heaven.. 🤣🤣🤣

[@zuesincoming676]

Everyone will get to heaven, Everyone shall see and behold his glory, as the Bible says, every knee shall bow,but not everyone will be able to live and dwell in the highest place. Some will be told to depart,for he knows them not.

[@summerbrown514]

@@zuesincoming676 most people won’t see heaven and he has said this , only a few will

[@PianoFromScratch]

So true, for some people private lessons and constant coaching or at least some pointers in the right directions are a must. Others can have more grit to do it themselves

[@elijahhenderson3505]

As a musician I loved this video cause it’s all truth man 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@girlmusician24]

I’ve been paying for my lessons for over 2yrs. It’s the best decision I have ever made musically.

[@ishermanjr]

This is a great video! Everyone need to watch this!

[@user8002]

Yo fam! I just clicked on your thumbnail because I liked the title. I'm a pseudo musician, not piano though, even though I own about three different keyboards including a daw workstation. I just use it to flesh out ideas and to better understand harmonies. I play guitar and bass. I've always marveled at the ability of some musicians to multi task doing two or three totally different things at once, especially piano players. I just have to say I appreciate you keeping it real. I could probably use some guitar lessons myself and quit trying to learn it all on my own. Good advise. Even better advice is to find a GOOD teacher. I've always said anyone can instruct but only the truly gifted can teach. I believe a true teacher will find your level of understanding and meet you there. Everyone processes information in their own unique way. Anyway, I appreciate your candor and your humor, you had me rollin. Keep droppin that science fam.

[@BlessedTex_]

Excellent advice kind sir!

[@chinemeremudoh3732]

Kevon and them shouts.."heyyyy" 😂😂😂 Love you bro. Well done!

[@nathanfleurisme3875]

I have no problem getting lessons. There are no musicians in my area that offer such lessons. I really do want to improve my skills for my church, and love your style of play! I’ve been self taught my whole life, playing by ear, I’d appreciate if you gave tutorials.

[@earlthapearl5641]

I love your spirit. I watch all of your videos. God bless you.

[@davydan8689]

You Gotta Be willing to Invest in your self that’s a grip Rite there

[@Keystianmusic]

You're right about this...."invest in yourself "

[@latricebyrd313]

Thank God for you and your gift. 🌝 God has you on this platform for a reason. Yes we get some laughter, but the message is key. Bless you. ☺️ more your speed leave that whistling for the other fellow. 😂🤣😂🤣

[@SaintChristian]

My sister and my grandmother play by ear.....what a blessing....for some reason it comes and goes with me. I have to get lessons. I wish you could give virtual lessons.

[@tonywilliams6465]

Very Sound Advice!!! Awesome

[@MoMotivation0304]

Yes Kevon! I remember u being our young organist at St. James AME church!

[@IAmKevonCarter]

Host Mo Berry yes I was there for 8 awesome years!!!

[@MoMotivation0304]

@@IAmKevonCarter Yeah I was like 11 when u arrived but then we ended up transferring churches. I know everyone is so proud of what your doing, including Clenard Ward!

[@asuite6426]

I love your HONESTY. Not just in this video but regularly! It's so necessary!! People need to see Christians don't just have everything together like they act like they do.

[@marshalloliver3270]

Good advice, but you’re funny at the same time lol 😂

[@EmanuelRoro]

So true! Love you from Israel ❤️

[@bsdguy]

Absolutely, lessons are very beneficial. It always helps to have a solid foundation in what every you do! Oh Shawndo!

[@jascorp-gamingmore5410]

You have the most gospel jazz piano I heard, I hope you can make series about how you make gospel song jazzy

[@felixglory6216]

Kevon.... You Re so funny.. But man... I really love everything you said... Straight to the point

[@serenade723]

You are a blessing, sir...

[@princetutu]

Thanks Kev.. I am a guitarist and I follow lessons still on KZbin. That track at the end though.. I felt that

[@songofjoy446]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ya preaching ya preaching!! Good advice. Invest in YOURSELF...IF you reallly want it.

[@basscliff55]

Mann, I really appreciate how human & practical you are on your advice to learning music. And your so on point with so many thing. None of that instant mess some people push. I’m a Bassest of 40 years now, and I’m still learning. thanks again for your honesty in encouraging people to use the right path we’re learning their craft.

[@jaquitathompson7961]

I just canceled my piano lessons, because my teacher kept wanting early payments and she said they would be late if I didn’t pay it by that time. 😕 I hope I’ll find somebody else soon. Until then KZbin is going to be my teacher

[@rulxlaugdierjeancharles8920]

Early payment 😁😁😁😂😂that's sad broth😄

[@mrsandersonbryant1]

KZbin has a lot of useful music theory resources!!!

[@jaquitathompson7961]

Rulx Laugdier Jean Charles haha 😂 I know, I thought it was normal at first, because she said it was for the holidays, but I was like nah you trying to get over on me

[@jaquitathompson7961]

Natasha Anderson-Bryant It sounds so simple, but I didn’t know where to start at first. It just wasn’t catching my attention, but I’m finding the right videos and learning more now.

[@dontebrown9721]

Piano lessons with warren is one great tool I’ve used to learn and has helped me understand look him up.

[@doreenandre3343]

A music teacher and a motivational speaker all in one person. Brother you are truly anointed.

[@Cap_Ten_Hook]

I’m learning from KZbin. Private Lessons don’t fit in my budget lol.

[@IAmKevonCarter]

Cold World I TOTALLY understand 💯

[@burnaboy13]

what page have u been learning from

[@Cap_Ten_Hook]

LaKoo a whole bunch of them. I take things from a lot of channels and put them together.

[@Aphrolicious7]

@@Cap_Ten_Hook im trying to buy piano....getting my budget...once there, will ask fornur guidence. I cant afford to take lessons too

[@Sariine436]

Can you recommend me some KZbinrs. I'm trying to learn from *Andrew Farmancyk'*

[@DeyquanBowens]

Speaking facts!!!!!!!!

[@sTVG2]

SO GOOD! So true! I'm gonna share this with my peeps ...btw, your playing is amazing Kevon

[@defaultname9379]

So true....investment in any craft is key!!!

[@SPECTRA890]

Gospel truth... I've had it both ways on various instruments and trust me nothing beats a physical teacher as awesome as KZbin is and all (I've learnt to play an instrument solely from KZbin) its just so much easier asking a person how to do something than searching and searching for a particular thing, trying to phrase your question to a machine called the internet for it to understand

[@marcusmccoy808]

That was a great short talk ..surely I will try that.

[@christopherpatterson715]

Preach Bro, my parents couldn’t afford lessons and I came up during a time when people didn’t want to show you anything nor let you watch them. I was blessed to have Rev. James Glover some elders show me a few basic things. As I got older I got many books on scale and chords. So young folks, take advantage of this great technology. I wished it was as advertised back in my day. Thanks Bro for this video✊🏿

[@j.r.3504]

Thanks for the advice, keep doing great things!

[@alw1268]

I agree brother. I took lessons in both guitar and piano and it does make a difference because through humility there's always someone better who can, through quality critique make u better. I was doing guitar lesson but had to stop due to the Covid 19 virus. I been focusing more on piano and using you tube and yousician to help me through practice. I hadn't taken piano lessons in about 6 years but I still remembered the basics. Taking lessons is so much better if u can. Hey brother thanks for these videos. I want to learn from you and get to that next level.

[@reginald8947]

I died "you heard that right there".. i knew he was stunting 😂

[@iriscraig307]

Yeh that cracked me up too lol

[@IAmKevonCarter]

WOKE PIANOMAN 😂😂😂

[@tosin123food9]

Kevon really good speaking about Piano LESSON

[@JeremiahFestus2]

Word! Word!! Words!!! Deep words from pastor kevon Carter hallelujah 🙌🙌

[@goodday104]

This just blessed me. Thank you sir!

[@Jvaldes609]

Amen and there is no problem with you giving us a free KZbin lesson.

[@Shdav-l9s]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂!

[@tooakki]

lol

[@dippster357]

Jesus Valdes don’t ask from anybody that doesn’t wanna give it there are people here on you tube that have been taking the time to give it away freely all you have to do is seeking help that’s right look what I did three years ago with that seven dollar keyboard that I got from the market Street mission he’s right tho invest in your self

[@IAmKevonCarter]

Jesus Valdes 😂😂

[@dippster357]

Jesus Valdes what I said was not a knock on you, It was more to say about the type of person that you’re following this is the wrong person to follow selfish selfish and self-centered if you want to know a good place to learn hit me up and I will tell you where right here on KZbin

[@my_photo_expressions8027]

Can you be my trainer? I love the way you play.

[@triceMMJr]

Kevon you know you sick wit it

[@amandasdada7392]

Thank you brother for your advice... 😊

[@mrbarlowce]

Thank you for sharing this bro I appreciate it

[@jazzlevit]

What a great suggestion, I really like it. Kevon Carter, you're awesome.

[@elijahfaith5534]

Kevon what I can see in your heart is that thing called LOVE💓

[@a2zpiano]

So true ..I have been telling that so many kids who want to learn ..

[@Ast3rixMusic]

I agree there’s nothing wrong with getting lessons. You have to start somewhere. Having someone who is a versed player/teacher show you only helps you.

[@BronsonTennis]

You're a hero!

[@Delroy61]

5 years of classical music school (ages 12-17) 9 years worship team (ages 19-28) I'll be 30 in 4 months. I really appreciate those years....

[@adidammusic]

I couldn't agree more. Thanks for putting this out!

[@snelltv]

I really don't see why a person would give a thumbs down to this video. What he is saying is truth.

[@KingD-light]

Hear and Play is my teacher. Love the videos and courses. Try it I tell you it helps.

[@Erniepotts]

Me too but I want in person lessons.

[@SafeRetirement]

I started the same way as you, age 6. At 60, I find it goes back to knowing (without hesitation), scales and chord progressions. I 'know' my blues scales, but had no fluemcy. Now working on speed. I could play 2-5-1, now drilling them for proficiency. I'm finally feel I'm getting somewhere!!!

[@jacilius]

Thanks for the video and the advise! Stay Blessed bro!!!

[@tracygibson3196]

He is so right. Only a very small percentage of people singers/musicians get to a higher caliber without a coach/teacher of some sort. Even those at the top of their game or those we consider the best of the best have a teacher/coach.

[@LeeClarkAllen]

Love!!!

[@bari2man]

That was excellent advice. Thanks for informing musicians that though they are gifted that it doesn't make you any less of a musician for taking lessons if only too hone their skills

[@mrtoles8692]

Brutally Honest and straight to the point I love it!!! I knew a phenomenal bass player but when it came to teaching me how to play it was a different story as you said "everyone is not a teacher". Thanks again and Happy New Year!!

[@mykaelfergus1379]

Great advice

[@yasha12isreal]

"Everybody that can play is not necessarily good teachers" very true. I grew up playing keyboard in church and people always ask me to teach them how to play. They even offer to pay me. My reply is always "I would love to teach you BUT I don't know how 🤷🏾‍♂️".

[@KenGayJr]

I can echo this, I think that was the situation many times when musicians are approached, many likely were not as on point in assessing their teaching abilities.

[@BaconPiano]

I hardly know how i learned how to play much less how to teach lol

[@TZKeyz]

I KNOW exactly how I learned to play. Lot's of lessons and lots of practicing. It wasn't easy but I was determined. Most people that want to learn have no idea what it takes, they get frustrated and quit prematurely and all too often forget about it.

[@TheHerrMan]

Much respect for being honest. You avoided souring a lot of relationships. Students know when they're receiving value or not

[@teajohn6212]

@@BaconPiano thts funny, but honest. Lol

[@ZayTheOne26]

Amen!! Learned something off of that. Thank God I got the gift of music to where I teach my self easily and pick it up but your preaching her ‼️ can’t lie.

[@thejuankurtis]

I literally just got out of bed and went back to practice. I’ll be calling my instructor in the am

[@IAmKevonCarter]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@thejuankurtis]

@@IAmKevonCarter do you teach online as well?

[@agapemiteu]

Love the inspirational talk on getting a teacher .. Kevon has laid d difference ...gotcha💪

[@janetownley]

He’s so right about taking lessons. Playing keyboards is hard! Lots of notes at the same time, and they all have to be right

[@avebac1]

I can basically play whatever anyone shows me but what I want to master is when and why to play those fills, scales, passing chords. "Feel"

[@jahboy699]

Experiment thats what did it for me

[@OnochieAfigbo]

You were addressing me, brother. Thanks!

[@aliyahpowe5804]

You BETTER PREACH!!!!! The struggle is real!!

[@devontegarcia1083]

Totally relate. I play for my school choir by reading music but I started playing for my church having to play by ear. I taught myself how to read music in 8th grade and just started lessons. Even I’m reading music in my lesson, learning my scales, and my chords help me a LOT to play for my church.

[@kevinmelton3515]

Thank you for saying this from your platform! Us peeons that teach workshops at churches always say this, but you saying this is great! I’m gonna show this video in my workshops from now on!

[@tosinmcboy]

Kevon i love how you play basically piano chord Awesome progression

[@sethmcbrown9492]

It's hard to take you seriously... you speaking facts only man😎😎

[@curtishill109]

Preach, preacher!

[@Fufuman94]

Very on time video, thank you Kevon

[@TheAspiringMusician_RSA]

"Ayyy, come on"😂😎🙌powerful stuff bro, God bless you, highly motivated to get up and learn.👍