What I Wish I Knew When I Started Piano

[@JoelSnape1]

Read my newsletter about starting stuff: joelsnape.substack.com/

[@Magic7Dragon]

How fast was you able to get real hand independence? Any tips?

[@JoelSnape1]

@@Magic7Dragon I talk about this in a couple of other videos (I think the FAQ?) - the quick version is it probably took about three months. You can either play each hand until it's absolutely instinctive and then put them together, or play hands together super slowly - I think the best approach depends on the piece.

[@lpa9974]

you ask people to read your newsletter, but then you require a paid subscription to do so. That doesn’t quite seem fair.

[@Slashco]

1. Hard pieces are a waste of time (when you're not at that level yet) 2. Dynamics are important 3. Metronomes are helpful 4. Learn to pedal 5. Sight reading can be fun (if you keep it up) 6. Learning some theory is worth it 7. You will get it eventually :)

[@JoelSnape1]

🙏

[@daho132]

Interesting… I started playing the piano so music theory is intuitive, not like on a stringed instrument :)

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@JN-so6wt a certain amount of theory is absolutely helpful! It's mainly a question of which theory and how much theory. Too many "theory" courses go into way too much detail way too early. The most helpful theory is for scales / scale steps, triads, intervals, and using them to play by ear, take dictation, transposing (a great theory work-out), and improv.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@JN-so6wt Yeah -- I hear that. I work the theory in gradually with beginning students -- usually not until after they've been playing for about half a year. By then they've already been playing scales in C and G major and triads in all three inversions on each scale degree so we've already discussed half steps and whole steps and they already know each of the triad inversions; using those, we talk about chord progressions on each scale degree and elementary "analysis" using both "tablature" ("C chord, "G chord" etc.) and scale degrees (1, 5 or I V) -- keeping it very light and basic -- more steered towards reading charts and pop music lead sheets. Intervals and ear training and dictation begin after that towards the end of the first year -- usually more into the second year -- again keeping it light -- more of an awareness level than a proficiency level. A more serious level of proficiency happens only for more serious students who may be heading into college to continue their studies.

[@noth9617]

My sons are in piano lessons and we just got a new Yamaha U1 silent piano and it's so beautiful I find myself wanting to play it. The older one has been in lessons for 1.5 years and is nearly 15 is half way through the "getting to grade two" book and he can pick up normal pieces of music that are a similar level and play it. He flipped through to the entertainer yesterday and was playing it almost fluently within 30 minutes. Not a simplified çmajor version or anything but one where both hands are flying all over the place. It sounds amazing 🥹 I love watching him play especially now that the sound of the upright piano floods my entire home. It's mesmerizing. I wonder if I took up lessons if I could progress as fast as he has. Or if I'm just too old.

[@ryanmorph4624]

I was thinking about starting to piano again.I played 3 years but I had to quit because I didn’t have the right conditions to continue.Anyway. I saw one of your videos and ı started to check your channel and ı loved your content. You are not trying to make the video longer for money and actually giving some useful tips unlike the other KZbin channels . I can learn a lot from you thank you so much for inspiration. Respect from Turkey ❤

[@djbraun8775]

I always looked up to people who spontaneously sat before a piano and started playing a great piece. One Day I started learning my favorite song and by remembering patterns I was able to play the hard piece relatively fast without even being able to read notes. To me it is a great success. Now, months later I am happy every time I play my favorite piece.

[@zacharyspencer2285]

I agree with everything stated here. I've been playing for a year and a half and I realized about 2 months ago the biggest mistake I was making was pushing myself to play harder and harder pieces instead of getting the sight reading up. I'd basically memorize pieces and they would come out alright but then I'd think that I need to play a harder piece. What was happening was my actual skill wasn't improving very much just my skill for a single song. What I started 2 months ago was basically playing much easier music (Alfred's rags and blues 2b, Alfred's pop music 2A, Adult piano adventures 2, Adult piano Christmas 1, Adult piano popular 1, and RCM level 1). With this I was learning around 4-6 songs a week. It's been MUCH more fun and I'm improving sooooooo much faster. It's also making me want to play more because it's not as tedious. I think my ego was telling me I was around a level 4 (but who knows with how piano levels work honestly they are the strangest leveling system I've ever seen for anything lol) but in reality if I'm not brute force rote memorization a song I'm probably a level 2 or maybe even a very high level 1. Anyways I know this message is too long and probably almost no one will read it but in case you do. I appreciate your channel I know I give you crap all the time on it but I'm very impressed with all the stuff you accomplished and I can tell you're always grinding things that you like which I think is pretty cool. Take care.

[@JoelSnape1]

Hey Zachary, I appreciate the comment (and the backup)! I didn't even know that Alfred had a rags book, I'm going to check that out. And I appreciate that you get what I'm trying to do with the channel (also I checked out yours - have you played Sekiro? I'm obsessed with it at the moment). Thanks for watching!

[@zacharyspencer2285]

Lol I forgot I even made videos on this account. Funny you mention Sekiro I'm actually doing a 2nd playthrough of it. Its probably my favorite of all time game to be honest. The combat is amazing. Lies of P is more recent and is quite good too. I prefer the parrying on Sekiro though its a little strange on Lies of P. My piano channel is: www.youtube.com/@pianoprogress4792/videos feel free to check it out if you want. I'm always down for some additional feedback. @@JoelSnape1

[@quiettraveller3287]

It's important that you learn how to walk properly before you try to learn how to run properly. Nice comment. :)

[@novak_sm]

@@JoelSnape1You're playing Sekiro 👀 what a coincidence, I just got to the final boss. Sank about 70hrs 😅

[@michaellane1316]

I believe you are spot on with self analysis. Here I am reading what you may think to some is too long winded or maybe not to the point but believe me, it is all very relevant. How we all communicate has nothing to do with the struggles, sometimes it may be harder for us to convey but I myself consider any information is good information. How we perceive that and use is up to each individual. Just the few things he mentioned brought a different light to how I was working out my struggles. The information you gave is as well, very useful. Thanks.

[@speedy7834]

Found this very inspiring, thanks! I started piano at 40 and am halfway through Alfred’s all in one book 2. Started on this journey in 2019! It has been tough and continues to be so, but I love it. My dream of being able to play is what keeps me going 👍

[@aBachwardsfellow]

Hopefully at this point you've included playing some scales, arpeggios, and chords in several major and minor keys - basic skills that easily transfer into your reading and playing.

[@paulneedham9885]

How can you have an "All in one" book 2? 🤣 Are those books worth it as I've looked but seeing "all in one" book 1 and book 2 made me think?

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@@paulneedham9885 the designation "all in one" indicates that the book includes, technic, theory, and repertoire. In many methods series there are separate books for technic, theory, and repertoire. An "all in one" book would not typically cover the entire range of skill levels and repertoire from beginning to advanced. Book one would typically contain technic, theory, and repertoire for very beginning students, book two would contain technic, theory, and repertoire for more advanced beginners to perhaps early intermediate level students, book three would contain technic, theory, and repertoire for solid intermediate students, etc. As a teacher of older students (teenage and adult) I find the "all in one" books are quite useful as the material is more condensed with less "fluff" to wade through. Many of the methods are geared toward younger students (5 - 10 year olds) and have lots of "fun" pictures which are supposed to make it more interesting for the younger students. For older students this is "baby-fied" and not really suitable. The material in the first all in one book might easily cover the same material in a dozen or more "baby" books.

[@jammerlammer546]

@@paulneedham9885 because it's a series of volumes. The book doesn't claim to magically turn you into a world class pianist after 1 volume, or even all of them. Think of it as just a hook, but a functional one, because they really do offer so much to learn

[@cyrusthe0ther795]

midi cable on note indentifications websites is great. Also piano marvel in general.

[@stalex35]

But also, everybody in similar advise videos forgets to mention one thing. Doing it the way you did, made you stick with it. And later, when you were interested, invested, had some kind of skill, only after that you really can see the purpose of all exercises and skills you've mentioned. There is a possibility, that when starting from scratch, doing it for the long term, hoping that after some years all those scales and chords just click together, burn you out faster, than that happens. So just don't forget to enjoy the process of what you doing, and train and practice for the purpose of more enjoyment. For most adult players it's a hobby , not a job

[@joppevangent7488]

This is a really important point which I can relate to in my own practice. I started practicing scales on a piano 2 months ago, and I have only been practicing the right hand even though my teacher tells me I should also practice the left hand. The reason I practice them like this is because they give me a quicker succes experience and allow me to move forward faster in my practice, even though I know that I will eventually have to practice the left hand as well.

[@bigdreams5554]

​@@joppevangent7488practice more with your left. Otherwise you are delaying the improvement you will need to make anyway

[@andrewmc2445]

As an adult BJJ student (47) approaching three years in April it is so true how much progress you make by continuing to show up. On a daily basis it doesn't feel it as you continue to get smashed by your peers but relative to those starting after you it's apparent. Same is true as someone starting guitar and french..I won't be Django or Proust but there's zero question after the bjj experience that I just have to continue to show up

[@wasnatehere]

Nice dude. What belt you at?

[@johnlotsu7275]

Watching yr video actually encouraged me to start learning piano along with my daughter , who is taking piano lessons at school. Thanks!

[@Grunfeld]

Thank you. The metronome tip is gold. Once I sussed how useful it became a regular to learning pieces.

[@quickpstuts412]

Your first point is so true. I started off playing a fairly difficult song, but then started doing simpler songs and it taught me to adlib and do cool things over the melody because the chords were so simple and repetitive. I progressed so much playing those songs that used no more than 3 chords. Learning basic theory is soooooo helpful, especially when you want to learn how to play your favorite songs. I mainly wanted to learn piano to play along with my favorite songs, so knowing theory helped me figure out the basic chords of most songs in 10-15 minutes. Not to mention if you like songs in a particular genre, you find so many songs use the same keys and chords.

[@clh3239]

This is all such great information. A good teacher to help guide you will increase your efficiency and cut your learning curve in half. They'll also catch technical mistakes early on, and help you develop good practice habits. The only thing you say I disagree with (as someone who learned "some" theory as a kid then had to relearn it all to play in bands & improvise), and has been teaching for 35 years -- learn theory out of the chutes, and integrate the theory by playing some pieces by ear, and every song you learn will make sense in a much shorter period of time and you'll HEAR the music more deeply. It's a language. Not integrating theory is like learning another language but ignoring syntax!

[@aBachwardsfellow]

Definitely! Especially useful is core theory -- scales / scale steps, intervals, triads in all three inversions, added 7ths, 6ths, and 9th/2nds, playing by ear, transposing, dictation, and improv, etc.

[@1saamor897]

ive been playing piano for 14 years. I am 19. Dw, every single person struggles with learning a new piece. I still feel like a noob compared to many ppl on youtube, and everyone including you, inspires me to try even harder one thing I learned though: most pieces are doable once you have the foundation (ofc not if it's a concerto). But what makes most people give up is the practice. anyone can learn a piece they want if they practiced. but it is hard to find the time to practice, so you don't try. so if you don't have time, just learn a few bars per day slowly. PRACTICE

[@spotwms8768]

Great advice 🎹

[@1uplink169]

This video popped up in my domain just at the right time. I placed an anazon order for a digital piano 20 minutes ago... it's arriving Sunday. Thank you for the sage advice. There is a wordless song in my Soul that's been yearning to be set free. One day I will write a symphony for Vanesa and Solumen.. my wife and son. On April 3rd, they were struck and killed by a drunk driver, coming home from a walk a little after sunset. It was the last picture she sent me. They died halfway across the crosswalk in front of the playground of his elementary school. He was only 5 and a half, and on the Spectrum. He had sensory issues and was mostly nonverbal, but he had the most adorable voice, and his laugh was celestial. Just when he was finally getting a grip on his Autism and making strides in school, socializing, creating friendships... starting to understand the reason for language...him and his mothers voices were suddenly silenced and the future stolen, and reality anhilated. I've struggled to find purpose when everything is meaningless in the absence of their presence. I dont want to make new memories because i don't want to lose anymore of them than I already have. But I've know I'll never find them in the afterlife if I stay despairing and disappearing in the same place. My son loved classicsl music, he listened to it every day of his life. One time when he was 2 and half, we were sitting at the kitchen table when he tapped my shoulder. He looked at me grinning and motioned to the radio, and then he started acting like he was playing the piano! Pleased and happy he started laughing. We never even had a chance to have a real conversation... but I'll never forget that joke he cracked to his dada one surreal evening.

[@BrianWhelan-jt4qq]

So sorry

[@shashanknanglisatish8012]

You can have many conversations with him through your music. Sorry for your loss.

[@rosyblue1]

It’s not the same at all as losing your wife and child but I lost my dog through a rare illness which took her too early. I couldn’t have children and I am now in my 60’s with no prospect of grandchildren when all around me seem to have them. Anyway, I started to learn piano when I turned 60 and my dog was always excited to sit with me when I attempted my lessons. Now she is gone I keep her ashes on the piano by the pedals and it still gives me comfort to know she is nearby listening to my awful playing….truly awful playing. I have not progressed much in two and a half years although I practice most days. I hope you enjoy your piano and that your playing brings you some comfort. I’m sorry for your loss.

[@InstrumentManiac]

So many good tips here! Music is such a journey and a retrospective like this is very helpful. 21 years of music later and I can confirm... dynamics are the still most important & often overlooked thing 😂🤣

[@aBachwardsfellow]

... and articulation and phrasing -- they all go together with dynamics to make the difference between playing *music* and just playing notes.

[@KevinTPLim]

hmm interesting… not rhythm?

[@vic6695]

Music theory is actually very interesting... it's amazing how things did together perfectly.

[@JoelSnape1]

I love it - all the way down to the mathematical basis of it.

[@chaosismylife9920]

Thank you Joel. Your videos gave me a bit of confidence to try to learn the piano and more importantly keep going when it gets difficult. I'm about a year into the first Alfred book and it's coming along good. I never thought I could learn anything new esp music. I was struggling bad in my life at the time. My confidence was at zero so it's been a real help to me, like a meditation to get my head straight and give me a focus. I'm certainly no Horowitz but enjoying the wee moments you get when it all starts to click and you don't think about what you are doing. I would not have tried had I not seen your videos. Your energy and lack of ego is a credit to you. You are very genuine and honest in your approach. Top man!

[@JoelSnape1]

Hey chaos. I get a lot of nice comments and I'm grateful for all of them, but this one really means a lot to me, thanks very much for taking the time to put it all down. I'm really glad I could help in some way, and I hope the time you put in at the piano leads on to even more good stuff for you - I know what you mean about it being like meditation, and if you can learn to get even a little bit good at it, there's a ton more you can learn. Keep going! ps I'm not actually sure I could hum any Horowitz, but that reference did make me think of that one tune from Alfred's 1 - you probably know the one I mean

[@KiruNarch]

You're really an inspiration to many people. Thanks for sharing all this with us and I wish you the best for the future ! Hope to see further songs from you.

[@mangomosaics]

Thanks so much for this pep talk. Much needed! I've been teaching myself via Alfred's Adult, achievable Reinagle pieces and KZbin. I'm still in search of a local piano teacher who is comfortable teaching adults ! I think that would be a game changer! Thanks for your advice 🙏🏾🧡🙏🏾

[@Snarkapotamus]

As someone with vision issues, sight reading is mostly a non-starter. I don't care that I ever learn someone else's song, I did it to create from my own mind. I know theory plenty well enough to compose but what I didn't know (coming from guitar) was the proper fingering of scales/chords...for that, I went to a piano teacher for a few lessons.

[@michaelvonneupert]

I have been kicking around the idea of setting up an old keyboard that I never really learned how to play. This definitely helped me realize I don't want to learn to play the piano. It seems like way more of a stressor than something that could even be remotely relaxing. I'm glad I saw this before I spent any time or money on it.

[@JoelSnape1]

@@michaelvonneupert glad I could help either way!

[@AdrianLearningJazzPiano]

Great insights and you spend a lot on making actual videos which are really good. Around 30k of viewers seem to like it - they obviously can't be wrong :-) I started from zero around 3.5 years ago and my objective is simple - to play "decent jazz". All of your (classical) insight applies to jazz as well but there is so much more that goes beyond that in jazz. To play music, in general, is one thing - and to play it effortlessly without thinking is another. The latter comes after years of sustained effort, not after months. There are NO SHORTCUTS in learning how to play music. Sorry but it is what it is. Thanks for your insights Joel!

[@katosborne-z2s]

Just watching your video. I started learning piano in September last year. I actually started with John Lennon's Imagine. Nice and simple to get me started. I am starting out by learning from KZbin videos. I'm now actually learning Maxence Cyrin, Where Is My Mind at the moment. I've been learning it in sections and I'm about half way through. I've only been learning the song for a couple of weeks and I'm so happy with my progress so far. It's such a beautiful piece of music.ive made sure that I have started out with a piano that has weighted keys and built in pedals in order to save upgrading later on. Whilst I feel I'm learning well for a beginner, I'm really struggling with the pedals. Every time I try to use the sustain pedal I lose focus on the notes and chords I'm playing and I make mistakes. I have a habit of keeping my foot on the pedal constantly which I know is not right but I'm really finding it difficult.

[@Eak12345]

I’ve played for more than 20 years (with breaks here and there) however I never cared about reading music and just stuck with synthesia and midi. Now I realize my mistake so I’ve started learning to read sheet music better now and I only play beginner level songs even though I can play more advanced songs from memory. But I think it’s kinda fun even if the songs are easy! (I’ve started doing arpeggio and scale exercise and I feel it’s gotten fun playing again!)

[@1saamor897]

try learning Ballade in G Minor Chopin. that's why my first hard piece for you from a stranger. trust me, its doable with PRACTICE

[@Steve-xl1en]

I only just discovered your channel recently have really enjoyed it. Being a professional pianist/keyboardist and teacher this video really caught my eye. All great advice not just for beginners. I have gone back to classical, after years working as a gigging/jobbing musician and am experiencing some of the things you mentioned! One thing I would add (you may have in other videos) is when I have adult students I make sure they are really clear on their goals. That will play a huge part in what I get them to focus on. ps I started BJJ a few years ago, but my fingers were getting smashed so stopped! ;)

[@JoelSnape1]

Hey Steve, I know I'm responding to all your comments at once but this is a cool one - would love to hear any advice you have for adult pianists! Also on BJJ - were you doing gi? That used to mangle my fingers - I haven't really done it seriously since I started piano, I'm pretty much no-gi all the time now

[@Steve-xl1en]

@@JoelSnape1 Hey sure! If you are playing acoustic piano (as opposed to playing keyboards), technique is key. The piano can be quite unforgiving. So regardless what style or goals it is really important to get technique right, ie. wrist position, hand pivoting, elbow positioning micro-relaxing etc. Especially to play the piano for longetivity. Unfortunately only a teacher, and a good teacher can fix that, but it doesnt take that long. I was lucky to find a teacher like this, who helped me unlearn many many years of bad technique and bad habits, and it has done wonders for my playing. But for my adult students, some want to learn jazz and improvisation. So for them I would focus on harmony, scales/modes/chords/voicings and tunes. For sight reading I would stress right hand/treble sight reading. There is no real need to learn to sight read crazy left hand passages as you dont get that much in jazz. But I have students who are singers and want to accompany themselves. For them I teach piano like playing guitar, know all the chords/inversions really well, and the different accompanying techniques and different feels. Here strict sightreading is not as important as chart reading. Some want to learn to play piano but more contemporary pieces such as Einaudi, George Winston etc. I have found the AMEB Contemporary series (I am in Australia) better for that. Its similar to a Trinity style, but the pieces you play are more contemporary and lead better into the contemporary repertoire. And of course even if you want to learn classical (I dont teach the classical rep) the path is straight forward, however a good teacher will know which pieces are better stepping stone pieces than others. I genuinely believe that adults can get good results with consistent focus practice with clear goals, quickly if they have a really good understanding of what they want to play and achieve. Hope that helps.

[@Cantbunkenstanx-xn8ou]

I think what's absolutely most essential for starting on piano is having good hand posture and developing strength, endurance, and finger dexterity first and foremost. My early piano instructor started me on the Hanon books and before I'd even start playing (starting with easy music for learning coordination and sight reading!), I'd warm up with bad a$$ drills up and down the scales, staccato and forte, pianissimo touch, etc., so piano playing has always been a fun exercise that sounded beautiful, and thus I'd enjoy working on newer and newer pieces! What matters is not focusing so much on playing specific pieces that you want to play, but enjoy simply playing piano. Plus, you won't play well if you have poor hand posture, are weak, and don't have the coordination necessary, let alone the ability to easily sight read, and it won't sound that great. Becoming a pianist is a really fun and addicting journey once your hands are developed and reading music becomes easier and easier!

[@cosmati75]

I love your final speech, its so inspiring! It took the dread and fear of beginning and it now looks like an exciting adventure

[@JoelSnape1]

Absolutely love this, what an incredible comment - thank you! Best of luck on the journey

[@simonbionary11010]

I just bought a Roland FP10. I am a complete beginner. The keyboard got a sustain pedal, weighted keys, 3 touch sensitivity and 88 keys. This video truly told me that i got a good beginner piano! Ty for that!

[@JoelSnape1]

Very nice! Best of luck

[@magnificentmuttley2084]

Thanks Joel. Very interesting and informative video. Great advice, for those wishing to learn, without jumping ahead before they should and wasting a lot of time on unnecessary stuff.

[@bifeldman]

This is nice, and good for him. He looks good at the instrument, has well formed hands, and a naturally quiet technique. I’d add to his list get a good teacher who is 1. a player himself/herself, and 2. is skilled with adult learners.

[@StevenT0]

Haha I've been on and off piano for over 20 years. Wish I had this video when I first started. Learned all of this the hard and long way. Thanks for sharing your journey as I continue my own!

[@JoelSnape1]

I guess none of us start perfectly. Thanks for the comment!

[@SimplisticMinimalist]

As an guitarist for 6 years I know the process. Most self taught no reading notes or theory. With piano I noticed that there was no skipping this one. The video helped to motivate and embrace me for the iceberg. All be worth it

[@Vegancutie]

This is awesome to see. Glad i found your channel as bjj has been my hobby for 2 years and I just today dusted off my keyboard and guitar. Was looking into getting a teacher for lessons as well. Thanks for sharing these tips!

[@JoelSnape1]

Ahhh this is great! Good luck with all of it!

[@vsidd7322]

Great video. I’m self taught pianist myself and I can confidently say that everything you said is true. Also you play piano really great) Keep it up

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks very much!

[@danielgfrost]

very inspiring. thanks for making this video. shout outs from Australia! :D

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks for watching!

[@hellopsp180]

I would argue Hard Pieces are not a waste of time if you know how to break the problem down into smaller and easier to manage pieces. You tackle each small bit piece by piece and once you completed the full set you can put it all together and play the full song

[@DereSzz]

Sec 25: hahahaha exactly with that song i wanted to start learning X-D Good thing i´ve seen your video before :-)

[@roberthanger3893]

This is really good advice. Keep practising everyone!

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks Robert!

[@DoveDescendingMusic]

I believe if you can hear it in your head, you can play it! You just need to learn the basic major minor patterns, be able to learn the difference and then spend time working it out. The Super Mario melody for example (C major with some embellishments). If you can hear it in your head, sit down at the keys and allow yourself to be completely horrible, once you break that ceiling, you’ll start to work out more songs a little bit quicker each time!

[@franciscofredviana743]

Thank you for the video. Just came across your video in my feed. I’m 45 and started learning Piano in November. I practice at least 1hour on avg 4 days a week. I’m learning through the Yousician app which I see some good and bad. I like it forces you to learn through reading which makes me better in reading music but it limits me to reading instead of memorizing. I’m not a music person, I don’t have good rhythm and at the beginning I doubt I could learn but it has been a steady progress. The hand coordination is quite difficult at times but I can clearly see progress. I will watch some of your videos but I like to see some other people feedback that are learning on their 40s and it helps me keep positive on it. I’m enjoying after all which is quite important.

[@davegill7614]

I'm sitting grade 7 at 54....hopefully 2 years I will be grade 8

[@simonpusateri3527]

Thanks Joel! Happy New Year!

[@JoelSnape1]

Happy new year, Simon! You're very welcome.

[@Revelation_Overland]

I have dysmusia, so I can’t read music. So I studied theory, learned how build chords, inversions etc. then I just pull up the chords for the song and play any melodies by ear.

[@JoelSnape1]

That's a really fascinating approach - I've got a cheat book (so chords for the LH with a RH melody stave) and it's great practice

[@Cantbunkenstanx-xn8ou]

That’s a truly admirable ability! And your determination to learn and make music against *a* status quo! Youre an inspiration. 🌟 I can’t do what you do-because we all have different abilities, and there’s NO such thing as “can’t,” is there?! ☺️👍🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@roughrosa]

I used to learn but stopped for some reasons. After 10 years, I want to be back at it. My goal has always been simple, to play accompaniments and sing at the same time to my favourite songs. That’s all. The joy of being able to sing out with my own music and do it fluently and beautifully. The hardest part for me was getting the rhythm and beat right to match the beat of my vocals. So often I had to improvise the pattern to fit the singing, but it feels I am not true to the piece.

[@gabi.coroian]

You have done a fantastic job! Congratulations!

[@JoelSnape1]

Thank you!

[@eoin-odubhlaoich1826]

great video bud. keep her lit, as we say here in Ireland.

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks, will do!

[@taletski]

Man, that's so helpful and inspiring, thank you!

[@yakovsabba]

Man, you are a legend. Now I want to start learning to play and I'm scared.. I am 24 y.o. Thanks for the advice and good luck, you inspire me and give me the idea that it's never too late to study, at any age it will be successful. Greetings from Russia!

[@davidgolden1144]

Amazing progress!!! Keep it up :)

[@nopayments3807]

First step he is 100% correct , don't buy a toy. Buy something with weighted keys and a sustain or you will never learn .

[@treschlet]

I would say this video shows you as being factually incorrect. He started on a toy and... he learned. I think a better lesson might be "if money is a concern, buy the cheapest thing with these features if you can, but if you can't there are still skills you can learn without them. Yes, you might have to relearn some habits, but that takes less time than if you had no experience at all (if you do it thoughtfully) But also, it should be noted that re-learning and adapting to different instruments is a skill in and of itself that can be very helpful and rewarding. There are so many different types of keyboards out there, and having experience on multiple kinds can make you a more versitile player and thus enjoy the keyboard more. For instance, if you want to get into electeonic music, there are a lot of synths with small keyboards, and compact MIDI controllers, that are very much not toys, and are extremely useful. Their size isn"t just to make them cheap; when doing electronic music, you are often dealing with a lot of different hardware in front of you, and it's just not practical to always have a full-size keyboard right in front of you. Or a synth with its own keyboard might have access to different features of the synthesizer that an external keyboard can't use, and so you might have several keyboards all around you with different sizes and feels and features. Anyway, I guess what i'm saying is that all progress is better than no progress, and we shouldn't be gatekeeping based on what hardware someone has access to!

[@Blendercage]

Never?

[@philgray1023]

Buy the toy later. On the other hand we bought my son a toy keyboard as soon as he could sit upright. Some 17 years later he gained a place by competitive entry to the Conservatorium of Music.

[@lynzannabel6990]

@@philgray1023 ♥️

[@juliewillard1367]

I bought a cheapish keyboard as did not want to invest in anything expensive in case I gave up. I am on my 5th lesson and all going well.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Fantastic video, and what I needed to hear, as trying to learn Jazz theory has always seemed like trying to climb Mt. Everest. But if I don't start now, not only will i never have a chance of reaching the summit, I won't even be able to make it to the first base camp.

[@JoelSnape1]

This is a great way to look at it (also love your channel name)

[@What_If_We_Tried]

@@JoelSnape1 Thank-you...

[@samhparker]

Very cool! I've been meaning to get back into piano, so this is a great segue into jumping in again!

[@JoelSnape1]

Nice! Best of luck with it!

[@masterexploder213]

Musician here. Guitar was my first instrument and i ALWAYS wanted to learm piano and was always told by other piano players that if you play guitar, piano is a walk in the park. Boy were they wrong!!😂 im mean sure, understand the theory was easier on piano but learning finger patterns, timing, soft and hard strokes, learning when and how to use sustain, etc. Im about 2 1/2 years in and now i feel ive made big time progress. I can play chords and arpegios blindfolded. But i played at least for 1 hour a day. It is doable.

[@ivohage]

Hmmm I agree with most of them except for the first one. In a way it’s true, but for me, as someone who played guitar for 15 years before picking up the piano, I just couldn’t be bothered to learn easy cliché stuff just because it’s easy. I started out with some intermediate stuff I REALLY liked to use it as a piece to push myself and learn some easier stuff I like in between push sessions. In the end you should play what keeps you playing or else you’ll never learn if you quit.

[@JacobMartin-l1f]

Wow, great respect for you, man! I'd love watch a video or two of you where you just play some nice pieces.

[@Ambersands123]

Omfg thank you dude. Noooo- the first 30 seconds you have shown me not to give up. That pixy piece is hard THANK GOD. I need to look for easier stuff. Lmao I have been puttering around my piano, NOT PLAYING thinking wow I can’t even play the simplest sheet music.. ok I need to get back to learning then thank you

[@MKEBOUND]

There is spot on… thanks man for this video and everything you have done. You said it all… 👏👏

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks, my man!

[@МарияМорозова-х9щ]

That à really good advices! I learn for a 3 years and can approved that it's a common mistakes 😊

[@colinmaharaj]

Yeah I think I want to learn to play that piece, after all I am from the Caribbean, and love swimming

[@jeanniemullinder9038]

??

[@shawn576]

Hard pieces might not be as big as a waste as it seems. If you're thrown head first into the fire, you quickly learn a lot of things even if you never actually complete that task. You'll also be a lot more motivated to try your best if you are trying to learn something you care about. I'm thinking of my friend who could play part of Hot For Teacher on guitar. In terms of difficulty, that's 10/10 right there. He was so proud that he could do that.

[@mohhingman]

Being able to strive to playing harder pieces I liked is important for motivation. Sure enough the practice pieces are important to learn but playing three blind mice will make you go insane unless there's favourite pieces you're striving towards.

[@hippophile]

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with playing "stretch pieces" that you love and might take a couple of months or more, PROVIDED you also play easier stuff and do the other things you mentioned. You can always put them aside and come back to them when you are more ready, and it might give you an idea of the sort of work/pieces that would help you with them. Also find exercises or ways of playing them that make them more enjoyable... scales in thirds, for example, when you find scales boring, are a lot more fun than simple scales, and are useful too.

[@JoelSnape1]

Agree with all of this, though I think my stretch pieces were a little TOO stretch. Good advice on scales too!

[@triforcegamerz7150]

Great video, great motivation. Thank you!! I just bought an FP30X.

[@strive4impact]

Funny you playing at the end there and people just going about their business. 😂 Thank you for the tips! 44 and ready to get back to piano. 😀

[@JoelSnape1]

That's the nice thing about Kings Cross! Some people watch, some people stop to enjoy the music, some people nod as they go by. Sometimes I sit there with a croissant to see what everyone else is playing, it's a lovely vibe.

[@Anthony-v2z]

Hey Joel, just wanted to say I appreciate the channel. I just turned 30 and I'm really evaluating my life on the day-to-day. I found you because I wanted to play an instrument and I'm set on the piano. I also hit the gym, but it's always been for aesthetics and bodybuilding. I'm tempted to switch to something like BJJ that offers me more functionality and satisfaction. Cycling is a consideration as well

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks Anthony, these sorts of messages always cheer me up. Hope you're enjoying piano - you can always do a bit of bodybuilding alongside BJJ, I really enjoy both. Shout if I can help (I can't on cycling, I'm terrible at it)

[@marktapley7571]

For the great majority of us, the piano will always be a journey that ultimately falls short of the desired destination. Reading the score accurately requires keeping your eyes off your hands. Its a difficult but critical skill that slowly improves over time.

[@HollyKnows1212]

I saw that dozen a day book! I still use that book from 50 years ago!

[@franzliszt5292]

As a piano teacher, I'm cringing at your keyboard setup (assuming in the early days when you started) with the keyboard resting on laundry hampers or a shelf etc. PLEASE get a Z stand for the keyboard so you can sit comfortably and with your arms at a more natural resting position. It's great to see how far you've gotten with little or no instruction! A couple of other tips I noticed in your playing: loosen up those wrists and play with the full weight of the arm rather than your finger muscles as you'll produce a better and more controlled tone and will be more relaxed in doing so. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@shakalaka555]

Going to practice now..... 🎹

[@MooreMusic12]

This is helpful. I’m loving piano and will take on your advice

[@larjasoul]

One of my favorite methods for spot-correction on the piano (been playing 20 years), is just attempting to play the segment with the eyes closed. Forces the brain to download the excerpt differently. In fact, memorizing music is essential in my opinion, to growth on the instrument. Just my $0.02.

[@raffaez1865]

I believe this is the greatest video on internet at the moment

[@JoelSnape1]

Dude, this is such a cool thing to say (even if you're half-joking). Thanks!

[@williampaganucci1084]

Hello Joel. I just discovered you and didn't watch this full video but it seems you learned fast. I'm self taught since 2020. 🎹 👍

[@JoelSnape1]

Welcome aboard! How's it going?

[@smugst5645]

Thank you for sharing these great tips!!

[@JoelSnape1]

Glad it's helpful!

[@thomaswilke6312]

Very informative and helpful video. Thank you

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks for watching!

[@HoldMyPan]

Nice video. One thing to add, probably the first and most important thing is to get a Piano teacher. You think you might have learned a lot but a teacher will make you unlearn all those bad habits and techniques first before they can teach you the proper ones, so better start it at the earliest time.

[@JohnvanderGeest558]

Hi, what book(s) would you recommend about chord progression and such?

[@jamierainz8514]

I think what he said at the end resonates with everything you try to do as a hobby. You might not be the absolute best but you will be good and not being the best in the world is just fine.

[@JoelSnape1]

This is exactly the way I think about Brazilian jiu-jitsu too.

[@Prengle]

1 is such a struggle for me. So many good pieces that are way beyond me. So what I do when Im getting that itch is to target a couple measures. In an evening I can get a few bars of a Ravel or Debussy piece. Maybe a couple of Mozart. Though I dare not even bother with Listz or Chopin lol. Then its back to my boring study books. All in good time though!

[@potnoned]

I'm a (visual) artist who's really loved music and wants to make it. I didn't get far in digital composing, so I decided I'd at least involve mysilf with music in some kind of way. A few months of sutting around doing nothing, I started thinking about that old keyboard I had right across my bed. I brought it out yesterday, a Miles MLS-5498 with, uh, very broken sides, keys that are a pretty deep yellow, and a few missing keys on the sides (with the side of the actual keyboard being broken), but it's really nice to play on it! it has built in animal sounds on it lol right now a refurbished one sells for around 1500-3000php (27-54usd), so i found out it was pretty darn cheap, especially for a keyboard. i'll get a nice one whenever i decide that I *really* want to keep going (as I have hyperfixations and won't know if i'm truly commited to this), but i love my wacky keyboard

[@rockingrogershomestead]

I bought a Donner Dep-20 with wieghted keys and came with a pedal. I played for a few years, but I became stubborn and quit (reget it to this day). I have time now and buckled down and bought one. Now, for my fundamentals.

[@cloudtrifle]

I've been in awe of piano players since i was a child. Always had a keyboard and went through phases of learning a few pieces of music to memory, then life gets in the way, and the keyboard gets put away for a few months. I've finally decided to get it out again now, and my children are interested in it and love hitting the keys, too. I've started to learn to read music and learn new pieces that are at my level rather than attempting something way too hard like I usually do, and im having a lot of fun with it I have to admit. My biggest fear is hand independence, I can play simple stuff with both hands, but I'll be damned if i can ever get them to play together, lol.

[@JoelSnape1]

This is cool to hear - I hope it goes well. I say in another video, hand independence is absolutely the hardest hurdle - after that, you know you can do it. And you really can do it with enough practice, I promise.

[@ColtonNewton-lw5fy]

Also remember, playing by ear is cool, but reading music is cooler. I can play lots of piano songs by ear, because I did not care to learn to read sheet music. But now, when I’m sitting at a piano with sheet music in front of me, I just want so badly to be able to read it instead of looking each and every song up and listening to it over and over again to get the full tune in my head so I don’t forget any of it, is quite tedious

[@BreathofLifeRecords]

How often did you practice and how long did you practice for?

[@zaheedhasib]

Sight reading truly sucks! But this is the gold mine of learning any piano music fast.

[@akiasukuma4758]

Haha Hope you still have that Hanma Baki Figure to inspire and put fear into you ;), great video I am also starting to learn piano as an adult, cheers for the heads up!

[@tomaszk.932]

Thank you for great material. How much time a day should we practice?

[@crpope10]

My mind was blown when I realized that Cm7 was Eb with a C bass and my "Fear of a Black Key" was unfounded. That led to Eb, Ab, Bb, and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"

[@sunny99179]

i really admire your efforts on learn from zero and from books (only). honestly i started 2 years ago and stoped on november of 2022, i spent all 2023 learning other stuffs and ''forging'' my brain to learn more and more.. ok Now i am back and i bring all the knowledge i learned with other stuffs: i noticed that ''the more we learn, the more we can produce'' so i ask: can i make something knowing nothing about that?? the more i know about make an toy,an sculpture,to play piano,the chords and scales and time,beat etc... the more i can produce,and produce i mean: play piano or make an music. now look at masters, what they have more than ''years of practice'' ? they have ''years'' of knowledge.. what can you do to acquire knowledge like them but maybe faster if you want or faster on the pespective of: dont waste time? you learn with them! simple as that. find the master that you can acquire the most advanced knowledge or find many and learn with many. so it is like an vampire,this vampire drains blood but also drain knowledge, the more people he drains blood the wiser he becomes. i love to remember the movie dr stranger (1) when he asks the ancient ''how i go from here to where you are?'' she answear: how you become a doctor? '' he answear: with years of study and dedication. That movie is an inspiration to my life and is the movie that i love so much even to watch again and again from time to time.

[@ahmedawadallah6287]

Thank you

[@JoelSnape1]

You're welcome!

[@GaiaCarney]

Thank You!

[@nikikaniki]

excellent advice

[@kosterix123]

Casio Lighted Keyboard has a version with weighted keys. It goes without saying that you should only buy such one, otherwise time and money cost getting rid of the cheaper ones.

[@0renan829]

Thank you professor snape

[@lobbyrobby]

As a beginner drummer I'm very interested in other people's journey with different instruments. I tried learning guitar decades ago but I never really put the time in it and just quit.

[@JerryAndJulieMusic]

Julie here. Your piano teacher should have taught you all that from the beginning. Unless, you're like me and didn't have great teachers. Great video

[@passonthering]

Excellent video and advice!

[@JoelSnape1]

Thank you!

[@claude5125]

I tend to agree with what you say. I am an adult who began piano 12 years ago. For some beginners, a way to hard piece is their main goal. Learning piano AND understand what you play, takes time. As long as you think that a piece is a succession of notes, you didn’t understand… I am sure that having a good teacher, that understand your goals, the progression will be faster. The teacher will detect bad habits fast. In addition of a classic piece, per example, the use of a lead sheet, will help to progress. Working on an easy piece (eg: automn leaves), gives the opportunity to apply just learned hability.

[@JoelSnape1]

Thanks for this thoughtful take, much appreciated! Something to ponder

[@sushiifoxx]

I appreciate you man

[@claytonjwong]

I have been learning through the Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano 3-books. I have been playing piano about 1-year and guitar about 3-months. I have been focusing on everything you’ve mentioned in this video AND I have a bad habit of looking at my fingers, so if I’m not allowed to look at my fingers, how do I know where they are? Just force myself to only look at the music sheet and figure it out? Like force myself to be a blind man and just feel around with my fingers? Btw you are a super inspirational to me! I’m excited to learn good habits, if you have some spare time can you look at one of my videos? I also notice bad habits of straight instead of curled fingers, what else do you think I can work on? Cheers! 🎹

[@TheZombieGAGA]

1:00 goal pieces that are outside your comfort zone

[@wangwilliam9551]

proud of you