Learning Piano for 1 Year - COMPLETE Beginner to GRADE 3 Progression ( 500 HOURS )

[@mattsoutham]

2nd Year Progress: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYnXaX2GjJKSo6M

[@catedoge3206]

nu\ice

[@egidmushumbusi4663]

Congrats. What is the piece at 5:8

[@isntitrich000]

My piano arrives soon and I’m basically about to go through what you went through. Thank you for the insight! That was really inspiring

[@poonbenbenben]

This is the most real ‘’piano progress’’ video I’ve ever watched Others are so faked and pretend they are beginners. Thank you for your video This is really encouraging for adult learners!

[@mattsoutham]

Hey Benjamin! Appreciate that. Some of the. Genuinely are and just practice way more than anyone else. Brandon Hawksley is one of them - he just got his Grade 8 in 2.5 years since starting BUT he plays 3 hours every day 🙂

[@Bankai90]

Matt did a wonderful job here, and it doesn't matter how fast one person advances, but please for fuks sake stop undermining what people can learn even in adulthood in short period of time. People just love slow progress so they can feel better about their own procrastination

[@mattsoutham]

@@Bankai90 Haha, sometimes maybe. I actually have belief that most are legit. And I'm 100% certain of some of them. It's also possible to learn a hard piece early on by memorizing it and playing it "OK".

[@poonbenbenben]

Matt Southam Piano Progress for sure some of them practiced hard enough so they made great progress. I trust them too, but u know why i found your video real is because of Day1 part. In most of the videos, their “day1” are unreal, they’re already like playing BOTH hands simultaneously , moving hands and reading notes without checking their hand positions etc., playing Kiruma on their day 2, 3, that’s just insane. But i see you real struggled on the day1 which is real, almost every adult learners like me faced the same. Your video stands out because it makes me believe that you truly want to convince people adult learning piano is possible, others i just didn’t get the same feeling.

[@Bankai90]

@@poonbenbenben I learned to play guitar at 22 (first instrument EVER in my hands), and started piano at like 26 (never touched before). During the first 2 weeks I learned Atin's FULL version of To Zanarkand (yes even the fast part), Yirumas River flows in you, a pretty difficult rendition of Hey Jude, Comptine d'un autre ete and Narutos Sadness and Sorrow and probably 2-3 smaller ones like FF prelude or short parts of others like apologize, nuvole bianche, prelude in c major.. Did they sound amazing? No lol, now 4 years later I still mess up Atins fast part of To Zanarkand here and there, and I usually learn one piece every 2months. But I learned everything so fast in the beginning cuz I was megahyped, if someone is growing up with a real sense of commitment I could've stayed at a pace of 4 pieces a month, especially since now I just learn way faster compared to years back. I mean I had early on days where I would sit infront of it for like 10 hours. I got over half of To Zanarkand at my 2nd day of having a keyboard lol. Brain was melting. As Matt said early, try to sit down and LEARN for like 3 hours a day EVERY day, lol that would equal in like over 50 intermediate non classical pieces a year. Some who play like 3/4 of la campanella and stuff in 6months or a year, that's def bullshit lol, or unless they're younger than 14 or so. Since for those it's almost impossible to learn such motorical attributes, but for intermediate and hard pieces in short times, 100% doable.^^ This isn't only to piano, you can get almost fluent in a language in 1-2years, or get extremely ripped in 2 years. But usually the majority of people does everything juuust enough to feel not guilty about themselves. Am not saying I'm a saint xd, but we can learn a lot^^, people lose that attitude as possibility, which often is the fault of the parents lol GL fellas keep it up^^

[@Stupoider]

That pause during Jingle Bells... I felt that

[@alexc9278]

Same. I'm learning Jingle bells now

[@BUJU2007]

That happened to me lol

[@desharalove]

SAME😭💀

[@AstriDBZ]

Lol I was totally about to comment the same thing 😂

[@Bloodymiros]

ahhh straight in the feels man

[@welshknight1456]

I am 64 ,retired and thinking of learning Piano for my own enjoyment, I thought i was too old to start but you have inspired me to have a go. Thankyou

[@mostunique5941]

Your never too old especially for music. As a young piano player, I hope you pick it up as it'll be an awesome expierence.

[@welshknight1456]

@@mostunique5941 Thank you,

[@bloeser]

It’s never too late!! Good luck on your piano journey ♡ It’s a beautiful instrument and so much fun to play!

[@alhemmings8554]

Never to old mate. My oldest guitar student was 74yrs old and started playing after his wife passed. Within a year he was playing all his favourite Elvis songs and loving it.

[@joycewebber8666]

I did the same! I've loved it although for me, progress has been slow. But my granddaughter (10) is inspiring me. She's just passed her Grade 1 with distinction. I won't be taking any exams (am a wimp) but have borrowed her book.

[@trixie892]

If I get another ad of that girl saying “guys I’m only 9 years old....” imma go insane

[@jamesle7237]

s i m p l y irritating

[@tiara9624]

I mean there’s this one kid that was on simply piano, he’s actually legit good at it because of simply piano.

[@carawoodell8940]

Lmaooo, right

[@abhinav7302]

Ya they advertise their app as if it makes you piano pro in like 5 minutes.

[@deeghalseh]

😂😂😂😂 she irretates me too !

[@jemand8462]

This might be the truly first and single video on youtube about a guy who ACTUALLY STARTED form zero and didn't play 10 years before and then learned for 1 year. Very honest and great effort! 500 hours in 365 is astonishing to me! Keep it up man!

[@mattsoutham]

I was hooked 🙂 Thankyou!

[@ProbstRobert]

Respect dude! As a Piano teacher, I can assure you, its a privilege if you have a student like you are. perseverance and discipline and most of all, joy! They are quite rare.....

[@mattsoutham]

Ahhh Appreciate that Robert! I'll make sure to remind my teacher how privileged she is LOL

[@ProbstRobert]

@@mattsoutham If she has any complaints, i will take you :-)

[@yottaforce]

Big smile when I saw you playing "Ode to Joy". Received my piano this week and this is exactly what I'm doing right now. I'm 48 and I thought, "Screw that, I'm buying a piano".

[@lelleithmurray235]

Sat at a keyboard and played with the keys until I got this tune down.It did give me a sense of accomplishment since I can't read music and never had the money nor piano to learn when I was young.

[@mattsoutham]

Yes Morten! Exactly what I did! LOL! (as you can see!!) Onwards and upwards. Pretty much every App and book I've looked at starts with a nice and simple 5 Finger C position Ode to Joy. Thankyou Beethoven!! :D

[@eliseenvisionz7588]

Can you buy me a piano keyboard?

[@motivatedconor4352]

You got this man!

[@MsPea]

@@mattsoutham - Same with violin. Every beginner screeches their way through that piece. Poor Bach! He must turn over in his grave every time a student tries his piece. Yet, if you ever hear it performed by an orchestra with a choir, it is a majestic and moving hymn. There is a version somewhere on You Tube that is conducted by Leopold Stokowski, and it is beautiful.

[@CallMeLee1]

i know this video is almost a year old, but thank you for this, I've just gotten into piano. I'm 24 and I've always wanted to learn an instrument. This is very encouraging.

[@mattsoutham]

The Best time to start learning an instrument was years ago... the next best time is today!!

[@fatimawei5768]

Same for me. I am 26 years old and I thought I am too old to learn how to play the piano. Thank you♥️

[@HunterShaw]

Wow, same.

[@monikaz8739]

I started at 24 too. I've been playing for a year and a half and I just managed to learn Divenire by Einaudi (not perfectly of course). I never thought it would be possible to get this far but it is. Good luck!

[@chinmoyroy5112]

Oh same...i feel inspired by u all guys...🏃🏃👍👍👍

[@nowtf]

His beard grew with skill

[@mattsoutham]

Or did skill grow with the beard...?

[@arctichare8185]

So did his fingernails.

[@mooseroom]

just started learning today as a 22 year old without any knowledge of music or anything. this video helps me realise that it's never too late to start, thanks my man

[@mattsoutham]

Amazing! Hows it going so far???

[@yuvrajchauhan5098]

@@mattsoutham how to practice reading n playing

[@yearsago-bu7rw]

How is it going

[@eiroa2432]

This is a much more realistic progression than some other videos. Really good job though!

[@mattsoutham]

Hey Sabela, really appreciate that, It cant be much more realistic because I literally uploaded every day/every week as I went (check the channel, lol). This was just the highlights. Thanks for your kind words! Are you playing?

[@eiroa2432]

@@mattsoutham You're so kind! You really did a good job. I'm a bit stuck. All the beginners courses I've tried seem to take me places where i get stuck. I see there are some recommendations on your feed. I'll give them a look

[@mattsoutham]

Sabela - you can either pick up a teacher... or try certain books? Faber Adult Piano Adventure is good. Also Alfred's All In One book is good too. Both available on Amazon usually. Have you tried either of these?

[@eiroa2432]

@@mattsoutham I just bought the kindle edition of Alfred's. I'll give that a go. It looks really good. Thanks so much. Keep safe :)

[@smileydog5941]

@@mattsoutham How many hours did you put into practice each day?

[@anna20812]

i am 18 and i've been scared to start learning the piano because everyone at my age that i know plays piano has been playing since they were 6 and are musical prodigies :) this really motivated me thank you!

[@Bruckner]

Not sure if you started or not, but I am in my mid 30s and just started. It doesn't matter what others are doing at the end of the day - if you don't start it is your loss. Don't focus on others, focus on yourself. Other people's progress has nothing to do with you.

[@vergelramirez7668]

Can you recommend online tutorials, wants also to learn piano?

[@Limonada_RC]

​@@vergelramirez7668check out for the books of Bobby Cyr piano notion really good

[@just8bits29]

WHEN YOU PAUSED AT THAT ONE PART IN JINGLE BELLS I COULD NOT RELATE MORE TO ANY HUMAN IN MY LIFE-

[@ErickAsteriason]

I'm 26 years old, just bought a keyboard and signed up for classes to learn how to play, and I have to say this is very inspiring.

[@mattsoutham]

Enjoy the journey Erick!

[@oliverkt555]

Same bro !

[@edwardgiovanni2923]

Im 25 now, and planning to learn a piano too later, thank you for your inspiring videos

[@g000glemaniam4]

At the start of the video I was like yeah okay. At 60 days I was impressed. At 158 days I was jealous. I definitely see the improvement you're making over time. I'm just getting started on my journey to play piano at age 61. Excellent job and keep at it. You can now play the piano so you're working on musicianship which is an awesome ability to attain. I can't wait to get to that point. Best wishes.

[@mattsoutham]

Enjoy every moment, every slip, and every time you get to the end of a piece and think... NAILED IT!! :D

[@vgorp3849]

there's such a huge leap between 20 days and 60 days it makes me wonder wtf he was doing. to go from first attempts at scales in both hands to playing independently with both hands in about a month's time is so huge. well done!

[@mattsoutham]

@@vgorp3849 LOTS of repetition, every day, with a good teacher 🙂 They're just patterns...

[@bruno3]

I've watched quite a few of these and they're all bogus. After a few weeks they play wonderfully and after a year they play Fantaisie Impromptu like pros. You can even spot some mistakes they make on purpose, just to fool people. This one, on the other hand, seems completely legit. Good progression within the limits of reason, as one would expect. Some might be better, some might be worse, but you can't become a pro after your first year of practice. They do it for the clicks but they end up frustrating beginners. Congratulations and thank you for your honesty.

[@siresquire9439]

WRONG Bruno: I am at grade 6 after a year from scratch and with zero score reading skills (KZbin learning): I was doing 12 hours a day non stop heavy practice: I completed Mozarts Rondo Alla Turca K331 [Grade 6 level] after 26 weeks:

[@clownfishxd4523]

people learn at different speed dude, the reason you are saying people who play fantaise impromptu in a year is fake is because your a slow learner and not used to there being people who actually learn a lot faster than other people. And ur most likely butthurt or jealous aswell like the other ones saying the same thing

[@bruno3]

@@clownfishxd4523 If you're too dumb to see the difference don't blame me.

[@siresquire9439]

@@bruno3 I see what you mean though:

[@thepianister]

I can state as someone who produced a piano progress video that we are not fake. If you look at my video, after 8 months I could play fantaisie impromptu but VERY BADLY (then after 1 year it was good enough). We just spend more time on pieces and this is why it seems that we perfected our skill while we just perfect a couple of pieces. Also my videos are done to motivate teens, piano got me out of my gaming habits and I want to share that with other people my age. Thanks for understanding!

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

Hey fantastic job!! Honestly this has been some of the best progress I’ve seen in a video. If you don’t mind receiving a few pro tips try implementing these. 1. Back up from the piano, straighten the back, and line the knees with the edge of the piano and you’ll get a more relaxed position. 2. Curl the fingers more and try to keep them all down as you play, specially the thumb. This will help with speed and hand tension 3. Rotate at the elbow and give the hands a slight rocking motion as you play between the thumb and pinky, it’ll help lubricate your joints and tendons 4. Straighten the wrist so the tendons and ligaments can move freely. You’ve honestly developed great technique, and hopefully these will help as you keep learning. Good luck!

[@aBachwardsfellow]

- excellent recommendations Sebastian - ! Matt - have you been studying with a teacher? In your first videos you were sitting a bit too low - elbows below the top of the keyboard, but that improved over the course of the videos. Your thumb is still a bit far out to the edge of the keys - putting more of an arch in your fingers will help with that (short fingernails will go a long way in helping with this): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJDLqmeHiraWhMk As your technic advances you'll need to play more between the keys and move your thumb in to minimize the delay and excessive hand motion to play the thumbs. I'm not sure what technical studies you're using, but your reaching the point where they will be beneficial to advancing the quality of your technic. Try Hanon exercises #1, #5, and #6 - but play them in other keys besides C so that you are playing sharps and flats; also play them in 10ths (LH start 5th finger on C, RH start with thumb on E 10 notes above the LH C) and 6ths (LH start on E, RH start on C 6 notes above the LH E) - this is especially useful in other keys. Play Hanon and scales in different rhythm patterns - also in 10ths and 6ths. If you want to develop a more relaxed technic try these close touch exercises: kzbin.infovideos Start with CT 1-A and go through them - slowly - no more than 5 at a time, about 3 - 5 minutes at a time, a couple of times a day, at least a week at each level minimum, and repeat all levels. Never fast - and try to totally relax the muscles in the hand and fingers that aren't being used to play. Once you're comfortable with them in the key of C, try them in other keys, also in major 2nds (whole steps - "whole tone"), minor 3rds (diminished 7th chord), and minor 2nds (half steps). The point of close touch is to minimize tension created by lifting fingers which cause the muscles on the top of your arm (listing) to "fighting" the muscles on the lower part of your arm ("pressing") when they overlap (i.e. before you can press down you have to stop lifting up. The close touch only presses down, and relaxes (stops pressing down), but does not lift. Also important is to "throw" just a bit of weight from your arms into your fingers and then briefly "catch" the weight in your fingers rather than using the muscles in your fingers to "push" the keys. It looks like you're already starting to do that - it usually evolves naturally as you continue to practice, but intentionally practicing that way helps too! Keep up the great work - not to mention how much fun you're having on your own! :-)

[@lanagilbert5971]

I am so proud of you! I have been a piano instructor for 25 years. You are doing great! The faithful practice and local piano instructor are key! Keep up the great work!

[@mattsoutham]

Ah Thankyou Lana! Still loving it. Took a weeks break and I can tell 😂😂

[@DarrenFaulkner365]

Dude, that was inspirational, for real. From plink plunk plink plunk to Hallelujah and Einaudi in less than a year! Incredible. No excuse now, I'm on it

[@fizgak]

Great video and great work. I just spent 3 hours the other day working on getting 2 measures of a song perfect --- playing them over and over and over. That's what it takes, but the reward is sounding like an absolute pro when the fact is, it is my first song in that genre! There is infinite potential in everyone. It is all a matter of discipline, focus, and motivation. I recently bought a used piano from a 20-something lady , and I sat down to doodle on it . She said she envied people who can "just sit down and just play". I told her no one just sits down and plays. They practice for hundreds and thousands of hours to be able to improvise and play. So many people do not realize this. They just think people are born with "talent". To get good at anything, we must develop ourselves, and learn how to overcome obstacles. Do we want to be good at Internet and video games and watching TV, or good at piano? It is our choice to build ourselves the way we want, and it is never too late to start building the person we want to be.

[@nokanta]

6 days. He: plays something Me: knows that middle C is in the middle of the keyboard

[@mattsoutham]

LOL. How is Day 7?

[@LinkEX]

Yeah haha, even his _Day 1_ looked like my _Day 30_ - if even that. Then again, I had not played any musical instrument before.

[@mattsoutham]

@@LinkEX Hmm, neither had I mate :D I just practiced a LOT in the first few months!

[@LinkEX]

@@mattsoutham I see! Maybe I was also just really slow learning to read notes (at least to the point where you can play without having to pause 2 seconds for each note, oof.) (We're also pretty much the same age, btw.) Though I focused more on proper form initially than working on the note-key-connection: I got individual keyboard lessons once a month to have a teacher look at my first steps, to make sure I wouldn't end up practicing bad form - since that would be even harder to unlearn. So I initially sticked with very basic finger movements. Honestly as of now I'm still mostly practicing chords 5 minutes daily^^' I guess I should move on to practice an actual piece, considering you did so before even reaching week one.

[@LediLea]

Realised that just now. I started to play piano about 13 years ago...

[@JasonBryantGreen]

Lol. I’ve done that freeze at 2:01 so many times lol

[@mattsoutham]

😅😅 Probably still make it now over a year later

[@cushie]

SAME

[@KarenLeos91]

Big SAME

[@xDanielle2107x]

Me too 🤣

[@samdobie6748]

Focus on the bits you freeze and mess up on. That's how you improve the fastest.

[@LC-py2es]

My first piano is arriving tomorrow. I am super excited, can't wait to start my journey just like you!

[@mattsoutham]

Enjoy LC!

[@Cinderbellieeeee]

How's it going with your progress??

[@LC-py2es]

@@Cinderbellieeeee I'm improving! I'm learning all the scales with both hands, arpeggios, etc. I am practicing Minuet in G major BWV Anh 114 by Petzhold. It's been great trying to put as many hours as I can, I'm studying by myself from 2 to 3 hours each day and enjoying it a lot. Thanks for asking!

[@Cinderbellieeeee]

@@LC-py2es I'm happy to hear that!!😊 My paino arrives next month and am so excited to start! Thank you for sharing your progress!!

[@LC-py2es]

@@Cinderbellieeeee good luck, and enjoy! It's very rewarding

[@prashanthkiran6748]

My day 30 is your day 4. Yet, this seems real. Man but you’re relentless, you learn fast too.

[@mattsoutham]

It's definitely real sir - you can go back and watch the videos when I actually uploaded them lol. But don't compare! Just practice - just know it is possible if you keep going :-)

[@Bohh574]

This guy is hearting and replying to all the comments after a year. What a legend

[@mattsoutham]

What A Guy :D

[@Faeton1959]

Very impressive! Your journal shows how far one can come, by devoted study (and some talent). I started when I was 53 years of age, and I'm still struggling - but I'll never stop trying to improve. Thanks for your insights!

[@mattsoutham]

Fantastic Jeroen! It's never too late to start Piano :-)

[@goulashjodelaar6385]

Me playing the piano 9 years: im afraid this guy will be better than me in 1 year

[@mattsoutham]

Aha I doubt it 😂 Thanks Goulash!

[@MikaelLewisify]

I really think it’s all in how much you practice and how consistent you are with practice.

[@whitepouch0904]

So what's you verdict after the video. By the way, I've just eaten beef goulash for 2 days now. Are you a Hungarian?

[@l3ungjan]

Amazing Job... I was a Piano Teacher when I was young.. and now I'm trying to play again.... Your video have been motivated me to start again.

[@mattsoutham]

Do if Fulvio! Just enjoy :-)

[@mattsoutham]

I'm so happy it sparked you to play again!

[@monkieie]

This is the only 12 month progress video until now where I really believe that it began at zero. Mate, you're such an inspiration! I'm 49 and an utter beginner. Have had 2 days with my Yamaha P45 and have just gotten the hang of the C scale and the C, F, G and A# chords. Huge learning curve. Have no idea how you progressed so fast initially but I'm a stubborn git and will persevere 😄

[@mattsoutham]

Well I'm 2.5 years in now and still learning every day 🙃 good luck buddy

[@Armistice_]

Seeing you play Nuvole Bianche at the end of your one year journey is amazing, because Rousseau's cover here on youtube is the piece that finally pushed me to wanting to learn at 32, and without any musical knowledge or practice beyond a few chords in the guitar. Amazing work, great progress, can't wait to shoot one of these videos myself!

[@tamspianoprogress7642]

I’ve just started my piano journey at age 40! I can’t believe how quickly you improved, even at 60 days you were already quite good! I hope I can do as well as you have :)

[@m.s.a5119]

GO FOR IT! YOU CAN DO IT! age doesn’t matter, no matter how many times I have to say it, good luck. Am starting piano soon, am 15 and hoping for a great time, I’ve always been interested and I have saved up for it. Good luck to all piano learners!

[@tamspianoprogress7642]

@@m.s.a5119 Thank you! 😊 I’ve stuck with it for almost 1 year now, the time has passed so quickly! Best of luck with your practice, I hope you have a wonderful experience! 😊🤗

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Well done Matt. Just over 100 days ago, I too decided to learn piano after an 18 year hiatus. I played for about 1 1/2 years 18 years ago, when I suddenly lost my job. I was out of work for 2 1/2 years and it really knocked the wind out of my sails and I quit playing piano all together. A few months ago, I Googled Learning to Play Piano, as I was thinking back how so long ago I had this desire to learn, but also had little to no natural talent. I discovered Pianote on KZbin, a company based out of British Columbia, Canada. They offer an online streaming learning platform and an unbelievably low cost! One huge advantage to this learning system is, the ability to play lessons over and over again, so you won't forget or miss a thing, something that happens with a private Teacher. Also, each lesson has a practice session where not only can you slow or speed up the tempo, you can "Bracket" difficult sections in the score, where it will play over and over in a continuous loop, allowing you to more efficiently learn those difficult concepts. Honestly speaking, I believe using Pianote to be easily four times better than using a private Teacher. There are so many other advantages that I haven't even mentioned. I initially signed up for one month at something like $27. In ten days I rolled this over to an annual membership for around $127. After about two more weeks, I decided to roll this into a Lifetime Membership which is equal in cost, to about two and a half years. This Lifetime Membership was equivalent in cost, to about five months private teacher piano lessons, so a real no-brainer. Pianote constantly is adding to their course material, so having the Lifetime Membership is quite a value. I wish you every success in your personal piano journey and again . . . Well Done !

[@mattsoutham]

Amazing story dude!! And well done. I watch them on KZbin and think their content is very good :-)

[@mange2]

If you are playing somewhere over the rainbow, with chords and melody reading from music by day 4, then I would say you were an musical genius. Ive played for years and never seen that before.

[@mattsoutham]

This was a song from Simply Piano. Bear in mind this was just a lot of repetition and you're seeing the "one good try" rather than consistently performing it well 😊

[@tolueasalako]

Seeing your progress has really encouraged me to keep at it, no matter how discouraged I get sometimes. Had one of those days today. Working towards grade 1 Rockschool.

[@123PianoKeys]

let me take a guess ^^ , you are actually memorising the piece (maybe after reading the sheet music) and playing it later without looking on the sheet music ? if you are doing that ... i really would suggest you to try to don't memorise some of the pieces you are playing and try to always read the sheet music while playing it, in another way don't look at your hands while playing them ... You will feel it's sooo difficult but trust me.. This method will improve your sight reading skills so much for later ! and it will makes the new piano pieces you will learn much easier ! Also, try to improve more your techniques than playing songs that you like on the beginning :) You will see the benefits of all this later and be patient ^^ As long as you enjoy playing piano you will progress ;)

[@mattsoutham]

Absolutely PianoKeys!! So far it's my worst habit. In fact I then bought this little gadget to help... www.eyetrainer.co.uk So for harder pieces I end up memorizing it. My sight reading "only" ability is something I'm working on now whilst in lockdown by reading LOTS of music and not just my exam pieces :-) Thanks for your insight.

[@123PianoKeys]

@@mattsoutham I can see that you are serious about learning which is really beautiful ^^ Keep the hard work ! if u need help i am here ;)

[@christianamato4585]

Wow Great Job. How did you lead to read the sheets? With SimplyPiano or something else? It’s really hard for me to learn, any advice?

[@therealg9542]

@@christianamato4585 please don't use simply piano just print the sheet music and annotate it if you must. Also if you just started, start off with something easy, don't play pop pieces it hinders your progress. Keep playing short excerpts in ascending grade order to help with your sight-reading. Of course this process is going to take a long time before you can sight-read like Tom Brier. This process actually helps build muscle memory- you will start knowing where all the fingers will go eventually.

[@kamatayon6380]

@@123PianoKeys dont know if youre going to reply, but ive been playing for about 1.5 years and so far my hardest piece is Croatian Rhapsody, i'm still improving but should i try learning how to read or to do some scales?

[@trevgoodwin7900]

Hi Matt, i'm 70 years and gave up riding my chopper motorbike and bought a keyboard, its a bit hard going for me, but i enjoy it ! sometimes i think will i ever learn to play, I watched your video it has inspired me to carry on, thanks Trev

[@myozbubble]

Good for you!!! Just one year and such a progression. I want to dig out my keyboard and start tonight! I promised myself when I finished my doctorate that I would take on the piano. I have the doctorate but didn't start the piano. Yet.... I hope you continue on.

[@mattsoutham]

If you can commit to and achieve a Doctorate... playing Piano is just a matter of time!! Go for it 🤩🤩

[@sharonz2992]

Congrats on your Doctorate. Having started learning the piano and needing to start my PhD, I honestly don't know which is harder.

[@shadoxir]

This is inspiring. 27 year old here. I've been putting off learning the piano the proper way for years. Just bought myself a Recital Pro from Alesis. Wanting to start well this time. No more putting off. Thanks for showing your progress!

[@pamelamoratayasandoval2682]

You're amazing, I started play piano 5 days ago, I'm so excited

[@mattsoutham]

I'm excited for you Pamreth!!

[@ohjuice]

I really enjoyed that video 😊

[@pnzrldr]

Okay, you just inspired me. I heard your last piece, "Nuvole Bianche" for the first time two nights ago, played by an 11 year old boy on YT and it really touched me. Last night I was up until 2am looking over piano stuff. I've tried to learn guitar, but the dexterity seems beyond me. I can touch type and think maybe piano will work, and its more systematic with more theory to boot. I have a piano we picked up for my son - he stopped lessons years ago. Its now next to me here by my desk. My goal is to play "Nuvole Bianche," like you did, in one year. Oh, I'm 51.

[@mattsoutham]

Scott! Love this mate. Start small :) I uploaded a new video of Nuvole last week, of a more basic version... so I definitely recommend starting with the basics! Besides, I started becayse I figured If i can play Fortnite I can play piano

[@pnzrldr]

@@mattsoutham start small, start smart, and be disciplined and consistent - that's my goal. I am going to try the Playground series initially to see what I think. If that seems insufficient, I'll shift to something else and/or augment it.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

I'm 67 yrs old began learning to read music and play piano...20 months so far...luv it...i post my progress on my KZbin ch

[@mattsoutham]

Awesome Zelda! Thankyou too! I'll take a look :-)

[@TheSIGHTREADINGProject]

This is awesome. I feel all proud of you! You’ll be over taking me Matt Southam if I don’t stop avoiding my grade 7 😂😂😅😅

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou Kathryn! It's been so much fun, and I love how KZbin has connected a handful of beginners this way. Crazy!

[@adastraperaspera1997]

What are those GRADES you're talking about? I just started playing piano 6 days ago

[@misst7923]

I would also like to know more about grades, do I need a teacher in order to do them?

[@sharnadela]

Well Done, can i jus ask how many hours did you practise everyday?

[@sophiathephirst]

@@misst7923 The book series that he is using (ABRSM) has different levels which they call "grades".

[@madelineephgrave5101]

Just purchased a Korg B2 to start learning at 21 years old! This was really encouraging. I have a musical background, grade 8 in Euphonium, but it has been a life long dream to commit to learning the piano. Having a combination of lessons and self study so thank you for this!

[@dobbydoughnuts9941]

This is awesome progress man, nice to hear you playing with dynamics so early on too. Keep it going!

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou Freddy! Really appreciate the kind words sir. Limited dynamics to start but it's coming hey :-)

[@mariana96ssantos]

I'm here because I started to play at the age of 21, I only had classes for 4 months and I didn't have a piano so I had to use the one from the school, I quited because I wasn't improving, changed to the violin because it was more afordable, but to be honest I miss the piano so much! Like, I love to listen to the violin, but the piano is my "true love". I made my mind and I'll save money to buy a piano and I'll learn for real this time! Sorry for the long text lol your video is really inspiring! Thank you!

[@mattsoutham]

You can pick up a keyboard with 88 Weighted and touch sensitive keys for not too much! :-)

[@mariana96ssantos]

@@mattsoutham yamaha and casio have some good prices! I'll definitely get one of those

[@lepopotwanem2113]

My story is quite the opposite. I am in love with the violin and found to be affordable, however, I figured it would take me ages before I even sound decent so I turned to the piano. Haven’t bought it yet but have been falling in love in with it as well. Wishing you the best on your own journey❤️

[@James-hq3dz]

Absolutely amazing Matt, I've been playing since last September and am now doing grade 7. I doubt you'll be too long at the speed you're going!

[@mattsoutham]

Wow Grade 7 ABRSM after just over a year!? That's mental! Tip my hat 🔥🔥

[@eyeeka]

This gives hope. I bought a piano on impulse. I’m 30 and had no background in piano. I’m now on my Simply Piano Day 2, but likewise enrolled myself in formal lessons which will start next week.

[@erosdwikyfranata]

Same here

[@pupdgc]

Wow, this looks pretty amazing to me!! I'm just starting at 38, after trying to teach myself when I was a kid (I didn't get very far!). I finally can do a C scale with both hands simultaneously and am so proud of myself. :) I'd love to be able to do a recital eventually!

[@nelsoncristobal8018]

very inspiring...thank you for sharing its not too late to learn piano...

[@mattsoutham]

Absolutely Nelson! Never too late

[@nothanks561]

Super inspiring dude. Just learning piano myself. Using Simply Piano and Flowkey to learn. Deciding which I want to use. It's great seeing these videos of people a little older. I'm 32 so, this gives me hope hahaha. Keep it up man.

[@mattsoutham]

Awesome Vertex!! Use them ALL :-) Just like using different books - they will allow you to learn different ways and repeat things. Which is important. Also recommend a few books (alfred all in one) and getting a teacher:-)

[@Clarintheclarineter]

Uggggh! That last chord on Arabesque has been my nightmare for a while. I played this piece at a parents recital. Even though KI botched it every time, in every single practice, I hit it on the concert day. So I felt that!

[@mattsoutham]

It will haunt me forever

[@heyanhho]

I"m at my 2 month mark and at a similar pace :) I also started with Simply piano for less than 2 weeks then worked through Alfred's All In One for like 6 weeks. I just bought some RCM books (similar to ABRSM) and have been working on them simultaneously for a few days! This is very inspiring! Definitely makes me want to stick with it. Thanks Matt :)

[@matthewhammans4365]

keep up the good work!!!!

[@mattsoutham]

Yay!

[@classScribbler]

Thanks for sharing this. It brought a smile to my face. I am starting to learn at the age of 29... Almost all self training, except ofcourse KZbin and books. Your progress has given me hope. I think recording ourselves can be a motivator, because then we can look back and measure our progress. Especially when learning alone.

[@mattsoutham]

That's exactly why I started this channel Rasmus!! Thankyou for your kind words 😍 Good luck learning! Definitely recommend checking out a few books like the Alfred's All In One

[@classScribbler]

@@mattsoutham I bought Alfred all in one and the recital book.

[@TheMarioramos80]

I am stuck as a basic player for some years now. I hope in about ten years my kids are older and i have some free time to do a one year progression, from eternal beginner to almost intermediate. hehe Thanks for your video man

[@brittanystanley439]

I stumbled upon this on a search for how to learn the piano as an adult and you led me to your inspiration of the Elton John Christmas commercial and I couldn’t thank you enough for that as it inspired me as well.

[@mattsoutham]

BRB, WATCHING ELTON

[@kerrypulleyn522]

That final chord of 'Arabesque' always trips me up!

[@mattsoutham]

I know!! LOL! I nailed it in the exam - fortunately - but not in this performance :D

[@kerrypulleyn522]

Matt Southam Piano Progress well done!!

[@MrAndreapisciotta]

Great Work! Congrat!

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou so much!! 😃

[@jameskennedy8532]

Matt: thanks for this.I also started a year ago at age 70. I never knew if I was about on schedule but I feel OK now. I don’t have the 500 hours quite yet but your video is very encouraging!

[@mattsoutham]

Amazing James!! That's good to hear. Remember also much of this is the "final cut".... believe me there's 10x as much footage of me playing lots of mistakes 😃 Enjoy Piano sir, Respect!

[@juniorchong4553]

I'm getting 40, and now I really want to learn...hope u can motivate me

[@ribusgan]

I'm 53, started self learning piano a couple of years back, because in India it's not easy to get teachers. I think that not only this is very real, it's also a great example of a diligent student. Well done, Matt!

[@saikato9946]

You know I watch so many of these videos because they inspire me to practice. I only now realize how much I must have practiced to get to grade 6 in less than a year. I really had no life

[@mattsoutham]

Solid effort 🤣

[@dk785]

I started 6 weeks ago from scratch at the age of 71. Been using some online piano tutorials but found it was a bit like painting with numbers! learning by rote to put my fingers in certain positions without really learning what I was doing or why. Now I have gone back to basics, learning scales and chords, not many tunes but I hope I'm learning to actually use the keyboard. Did you find similar at the beginning? Covid prevents me having one on one lessons so it's all from books and the internet. Even though I'm a lot older than you you have given me the inspiration to carry on, hope I'm half as good as you after one year, many congrats.

[@RalphDiekemper]

Honestly, this is so good! You'll never stop! Enjoy what music brings to life! Peace!

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou Ralph!! I enjoy every moment. I'm so happy to discover Piano :-)

[@itzzyeboi_j1822]

As a Abrsm Grade 7 student at 11 years old, this is really good progress, good job!

[@johnnyhuang99]

Glad you played Mia and Sebastian's theme. I would love to play the Epilogue from La La Land but I can't play at all.

[@mattsoutham]

Hey! Check out Kyle Landry - Epilogue La La Land , it's mind blowing!!!

[@DeanteVH]

This just encouraged me to go ahead and start my lessons this year. Thank you

[@gwgwpapadopoulou2234]

You are really inspiring! I wish I could afford a keyboard to start learning

[@steelyphil4471]

I've seen dozens of progress videos, but this is the only one that I find believable. Good job, dude.

[@1Frankiefish]

The days when I get tired of learning, feeling defeated, feeling I'm never going to improve my piano skills (very much a beginner), I just need to keep coming back to this video and it will push me on. Great work dude, you're awesome keep it up!

[@mattsoutham]

Wow, Frankie!! You're awesome - we are all students and I still feel like a beginner BUT when I revisit my old videos it makes me realise how far I've come! Enjoy those hard days, you're one good session away from your best performance ever 😄

[@darlenefavro4855]

Very well done! I am 64 and just starting to learn piano and violin. I wish you much more continued success and hope you will post future videos of your progress 🎼🇨🇦

[@mattsoutham]

Fantastic!! How are you getting on? I don't think my wife would appreciate me learning Violin 😂

[@sedzzz]

This is a great video 💜 I’m actually 28 years old and starting my first piano session this week. I hope I will be able to play like you do

[@mattsoutham]

Time, practice, patience, and a good teacher :-)

[@marshallcierovola376]

Dude, this is awesome. Playing Arabesque in front of an audience after such a short time is baller as hell.

[@lukenelson556]

6:05 I thought man's was about to bust out Debussy's arabesque no. 1 and I'm like that's not a beginner piece 😂

[@fine3251]

I was like 😳😳woww that’s a big step from the previous piece ngl

[@curlyrecorder386]

Well done. You made great progress in such a short time. Be very proud. Enjoy.

[@VictorMusique]

Hello! That's so great that you like paino playing. I also like to play the piano and I want to add different videos with piano playing on my channel. I've already added two videos. And I also add videos with my other hobbies (languages and skateboarding) Maybe if you find something interesting you can subscribe :)

[@theroninpianist4443]

Congratulations!, very consistent progress in 1 year.

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou Ronin! Consistency pays off 🙌😇😇

[@3urobob]

Just started playing last week. Hoping my experience playing guitar will help at least a little. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@mattsoutham]

Piano helped learn guitar for me so that should help a bit! :-)

[@butchers-hook692]

How are you getting on ????

[@3urobob]

@@butchers-hook692 Going ok, but not putting as much time in as I would like to be able to. I can tell that my dexterity from fingerstyle guitar is a big benefit, as well as having good rhythm and ear. What's super interesting is going from understanding intervals and scales as "shapes" on a guitar to just seeing everything laid out in front of you, and being able to "feel" an interval based on distance.

[@curiousimp]

You're an inspiration. Excellent discipline.

[@mattsoutham]

Thankyou dude!! Hope you enjoyed :)

[@RuiGon1]

This is the first credible video of a year's progress. Congratulations. For progress and honesty. By the way, I found the first day immensely funny, where the piano is almost at neck height and the air of satisfaction at the end of the melody. Very good.

[@mattsoutham]

Thanks Bud! Almost 5 years in... update coming!

[@HJ-vu2my]

This is brilliant! I’m exactly a year too thought in my 40s haha. Just passed Grade 2 with a merit 🥂 hopefully Grade 3 in the summer. Just started learning Hallelujah Go us adult learners 👌🏻😁

[@mattsoutham]

Yes H J! Many. Congratulations mate. Well done on your Merit!! I'm praying for a Merit on the G3 but I think it was probably a Pass. Enjoy Hallelujah. For some reason I never really perfected it!

[@evamarspanish7815]

Fantastic! Congratulations on your progress during your 1st year playing the piano. It is so great to find a genuine person showing a real progress rather than just people pretending to be true beginners to show off. Grade 3 in one year, well done!!!

[@Travel4taste]

oh, this is so inspiring! I've always wanted to start piano bit I had this strong feeling it's not worth anymore because I "missed the moment". I think I will get a keybord for my and my Toddler so we can start together! ❤

[@mattsoutham]

AMAZING!! I told myself that too. Then I had that impulsive moment and thought... F it!! Here I am 17 months later and loving EVERY day!

[@Travel4taste]

@@mattsoutham i guess we're really limited mostly by ourselves..

[@mattsoutham]

@@Travel4taste 100%, DREAM BIG!!!😍😍😍

[@imsk6729]

Thank you... a wonderfully progressive journey.. keep going... i too am.a beginner.. 1yr 2 months and I agree... re the journey... wonderful... i will.subscribe... i like your humility...and natural vibration... lovely...

[@Nrijder]

Crowd goes wild just totally got me offguard haha. Saw the crossfit shirt. Now I am waiting for the gainz progression.

[@mattsoutham]

Haha, That ain't happening... and I own the gym LOL

[@sempopo]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@PeterHontaru]

awesome progress Matt! well deserved. grade 3 in a year (on top of doing three different exams) is incredibly hard and I've learnt it through my own experience ha. Also, it's insane that you were so consistent with practice. Look forward to see where you'll be in a couple years but the future is looking good!

[@mattsoutham]

Enjoying following your journey too Peter! It's like "here's where I could be in another year!" When I tune into your channel :-)

[@sonbirdmusicspace]

No way! So much work has gone into this... brilliant!

[@rilwanilukman488]

This is so great of you sharing this, kind of inspiring me, i just started my own journey, on the age of 28 😂 about two weeks now, wish me luck!

[@mattsoutham]

No luck needed buddy 😊 Just time and consistency 😍

[@wildandbluemusic]

Really fun video, man! Well done!

[@kermit64]

Glad you aren't plying chopin after 8 months like some other do

[@mattsoutham]

Trying to run before you walk!!

[@areallyboredguy5825]

Hey. Prelude in e minor I played after 4 months. There are a couple easy pieces

[@clickster1883]

Just found this video (1 Jan 2021) and saw it was posted Dec 2019, so now I have to go look for your end of second-year video! I hope you made one!!

[@mattsoutham]

Haha not just yet 😍

[@irodragon7184]

To those wanting to learn piano start with these three books, piano adventures lesson, piano adventures technique, and finger power. Also, the most beneficial thing you can do to become good is to get a teacher.

[@mattsoutham]

100%!!

[@irodragon7184]

@@mattsoutham Hey man keep up the good work not only playing but documenting. Also as I said on you second newest video you need to get better at confidence. And finally I recommend the Hanon exercise.

[@charlesnavarro4003]

do you really need a teacher to be good ? i just self study but it seems i am not much improving by just watching synthesia tutorials

[@mattsoutham]

@@charlesnavarro4003 playing tutorials will teach you what notes to play... But learning from a teacher and how to read sheets will teach you HOW to play it... and eventually why.

[@irodragon7184]

@@charlesnavarro4003First tip, do not ever use synthesia. It is a huge waste of time, you must stop using it and learn how to read sheet music. Now if you want to become good and not injury yourself get a teacher. Now to give my word credibility, I have been playing for 4 years and am able to play stuff people at 7 years should be learning ie chopins op 25 no1, chopins ballade no 1, and Rachmaninoff's prelude in g minor. I know that if you don't get a teacher you will never achieve such level of playing and if you come even close it will take you nearly twice or even three times as long; as well you may permanently damage your hand/wrist. Finally, I think you should know I used to used synthesia and was also stuck, the reason is you are taking the more difficult path; think about it you are stuck looking for midi files, and messing about with your setup, but most importantly it doesn't teach you any technique, rhythm, pedaling, and lastly and certainly most importantly how to read sheet music.

[@odiroot]

Just stumbled upon this. Learning myself. You're so brave to play in front of people so early.

[@mattsoutham]

Almost 2 years.... Might upload a new progress video? It's been a strange year - but I'm still learning 😇 Anyone have questions I can answer?

[@MrEoex]

What was your beginning source of learning?

[@mattsoutham]

@@MrEoex Simply Piano, then all Books + a Teacher all the way.

[@mattsoutham]

Maybe a bit of KZbin here and there and generally spending more time exploring Piano + Music.

[@adamwilliaminglis7789]

How long did you practice each day?

[@mattsoutham]

@@adamwilliaminglis7789 an hour most days - sometimes more though

[@Chaos_v81]

I love videos like this. I'm 39 years old and I have always wanted to play piano. I'm looking at buying one and finally learning. Videos like this give me hope and ambition. You have progressed so well. Good job👍

[@djpepper8814]

2:01 LOVE that pause for the left hand chord! 😂 Been there...

[@mattsoutham]

I'm there every day 🤣🤣🤣

[@pheadland]

Finally an honest "first year" video. So sick of seeing people unbox a keyboard and magically play within 5 minutes.

[@Serxne_]

VIews inbound, KZbin recommended this to me, man! Congrats on the algorithm luck!

[@mattsoutham]

Cheers Eric! Thanks for stopping by 🙂🎵🎹

[@alejandramonge6093]

This inspired me so much. I’m so used to seeing those piano progress videos where they’re professionals in like 1 month. I’m so happy to find a genuine progress video ❤️

[@papertelevision]

Finally a realistic progression video! the others are just dudes who have been playing for years trying to get "Eemergerd you're amazing!" ego stroking and click bait. Nice work!

[@mattsoutham]

Thanks Josh! Are you looking at playing??

[@papertelevision]

@@mattsoutham Yep! About 8 months in now :)

[@rothschildianum]

Totally agree, there are two guys on KZbin who are totally fake! Pretending that they just learn piano, within a few second I can tell right away, they must have learned piano when they were young.

[@mattsoutham]

@@rothschildianum Who Selmer??

[@rothschildianum]

Matt Southam Piano Progress Hold on I will find them!