Timeline When Learning Piano

How LONG will it take you to learn the piano? First of all, progress is progress, no matter how small. And secondly, watch this video for some timeline guidelines. DISCLAIMER: We all learn differently and at different speeds. We know this. Also, if you're not putting in the practice, this timeline is not for you.
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Check out the Faber Follow-Along Piano Course, Book 1 here:
www.pianoroadmap.com/store
If you've ever wondered how, what, and when to practice as a self-learner, this series is for you. We go through the entire Faber book together, step by step. I also give you supplementary exercises and pieces that go hand in hand with book 1.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:55 The Caveats
2:17 How To Use This Timeline
3:18 The Timeline
7:46 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

[@kjwong4730]

I started at 40 yrs ago from absolute zero. Didn’t know how to read music, didn’t have hand independence, didn’t have finger dexterity. Started with scales and arpeggios and basic hand independence exercises. Learning the piano at 40, is probably one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. I didn’t give up, I refused to give up. I had to read sheet music note by note counting the lines, writing the corresponding note letter down on the paper and then committing the piece to memory. Practiced about 45 min to 1 h everyday. 1 yr later I’ve made significant progress that I wouldn’t have dreamed of at the beginning of my journey. Am I good ? Of course not, but I’m better than I was a yr ago, that’s what’s important. Currently just finished learning nocturne op9 no2. It’s not impossible as an adult, I used to think you have to musically gifted to play the piano or be born with some special talent, yes to be above average and great you do, but it doesn’t mean the average person can’t play. It just takes a lot of dedication and hard work. You have to love it. And let me tell you, once you start playing real music like Chopin and Beethoven, all the hard work becomes 100% worth it. The sense of accomplishment is amazing.

[@roxannesimmonds6221]

Thank you. I am 58 and have been playing for a month and questioning my ability. This video and your answer have been so reassuring and I don’t feel as hopeless

[@thearm95]

Op. 9 no 2 after only one year! At age 40? You are extremely gifted!

[@joswift2543]

Im learing at 58, its driving me mad, I tried Klavarscribo music notation initially and its much easier to read music but I have gone to traditional now and its much more difficult

[@Limonada_RC]

Really inspiring message!

[@carbonjimfitzgerald]

Thank you for this inspirational story. I’ve loved classical music for a long time now. My three sons were classically trained pianists. I watched them at their lessons for almost 20 years. It takes dedication and practice. Now at 73 I just started this course. I have some music knowledge and understanding but it is a challenge. I can’t wait to play my favorite Beethoven pieces. I practice 1-1:30 minutes a day. My retirement dream.

[@marlonkastillo9276]

I know this is like… not related at all, but YOUR SKIN is glowing.

[@garypotter1985]

I played for 2 years in school and did grades 1+2, I then quit for 13 years, took it back up at the age of 29, and 9 years later I’m practicing my pieces for my ATCL diploma. And it’s probably going to be another 10 years until I can call myself a pianist. Also this video is amazing as KZbin is full of videos that can put beginners off or make them feel deflated.

[@PianoRoadmap]

Best wishes with your ATCL prep!

[@garypotter1985]

@@PianoRoadmap I’m actually watching all of your videos, and am going to partake in the challenges that you have done to help me get further with my practice. Sometimes it’s good to take a step out to practice things to enhance technique.

[@goettling]

Love the "popcorn" analogy!

[@fxy4]

Shocked to see this has less than a thousand views. Its really well done thank you!

[@PianoRoadmap]

Thanks so much!

[@mimajneb]

wow, well done, thank you 🙇

[@dwarf9151]

Thank you, this is very helpful ❤

[@manu-singh]

Nicely discussed

[@lolclevername]

Thanks for this! I've been practicing for about 5 months and where I am at lines up with what you outline so it is very reassuring.

[@dunnkruger8825]

Finally Realistic expectations Thank

[@leespianoprogress3274]

Great video.

[@johnpslick6239]

When I learned how to play guitar, my teacher really stressed that I get a guitar that sounded really good to me. It was great advice. I'm noticing on piano that I really love the way my keyboard sounds and I want to hear it - every day I look forward to the sound. It's very motivational, and really good sounding keyboards are cheap (relatively) these days.

[@TomTakesTime]

This is incredible, mature and articulate. Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes.

[@PianoRoadmap]

Thank you!

[@aryanmishra5591]

Great video as always. This timeline is definitely going to help me in my piano journey.

[@PianoRoadmap]

Glad to hear! Best of luck to you!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I'm watching this again after a year and four months. I used a British Faber, but I quickly realized I had to learn French musical language so I also bought La Méthode Rose for kids since it was bilingual. And I didn't progress that quickly with either one. I then found an old John Thompson in French and started using that one. They are old fashioned methods, but I'm old-fashioned. I breezed through the first volume and my teacher noticed a big improvement. Now I'm using the Faber and La Méthode Rose as sightreading challenges.

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

Thank you, you're a very well groomed woman. I will be very patience and continue to do well.

[@Glenowan]

Thank you for the insights! Very useful in tempering those lofty expectations a typical beginner has but keeping it in a way that sounds like it is achievable with a good practice routine

[@PianoRoadmap]

Thank you!

[@2011watchman]

Extraordinaryly helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to share this with an adult beginner who prior to watching the video had no real understanding of where I might be in six months or a year.

[@PianoRoadmap]

You're welcome! Good luck on your piano journey, and don't be afraid to hit me up with any questions along the way.

[@shaunreich]

I commented this elsewhere here but wanted to chip in because I appreciated your content. My other comment was asking about piano marvel (your video of Faber vs Alfred was good!) and explaining how I thought it's been a really great way for me to fill in the gaps, and the sight reading. I've subscribed and look forward to more of your helpful advices

[@PianoRoadmap]

Thank you, Shaun!

[@thepianoplayer416]

When it comes to repertoire, it's ok to focus on specific genres of music like Jazz improvisations or Classical. Some teachers like Robert Estrin recommends students try other genres of music they're not familiar with to get more out of their playing than assuming one's interest is in Classical he/she should only stick with pieces in that genre.

[@maddog3428]

I’m a teacher who works with many adult students, and I really appreciate this video that I can share with them. So many can get frustrated easily and try to do too much too soon. I try to encourage them to enjoy the journey, but your video reinforces that idea so well!

[@PianoRoadmap]

Totally agree! I think that's the biggest reason adults quit.

[@stevevanderpoel7738]

I’ve been learning using simply piano. Playing for exactly one year. It’s great. Every time I sit down I feel I have more to learn and practice. My wife who is a violinist says I’m doing a good job!

[@PianoSpiceRackwithJim]

Hey, Susan as always you do a great job and I am excited to share this video with my Facebook group! Who are adults!! ps sorry I have made the time to let you know about video channel idea. I am always behind these days!

[@PianoRoadmap]

Thanks, James. And no problem! I'm with you on feeling behind...

[@ngroenke]

Thanks!

[@PianoRoadmap]

You're welcome!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup for this. Will be using the American edition of Faber? I have the British version and the songs are different.

[@PianoRoadmap]

Yes, I use the American edition (I didn't realize there was a British version!).

[@dunnkruger8825]

Finally- how long? - sketched out how to too Thanks

[@leonasmith3587]

I watched tbis when i first starting learning piano Dec 2022 and it is very accurate! I completed Initial Grade and Grade 1 this year. Could you do a year 2 video?

[@PianoRoadmap]

Congrats on your progress! Sure, I'll add the year 2 timeline to my list. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@kateji5405]

When I look at the timeline, it took me nearly 4 years to reach the level of playing all black keys scales - that’s equivalent to grade 4 ABRSM. at the end of year one I was only able to play G major F major scales maximum D major.

[@PianoRoadmap]

It's different for everyone. I didn't learn the black-key scales until year 6 or 7, when I switched from my neighborhood teacher (who I loved!) to a "serious" teacher (who I also loved!).

[@mingjieji9137]

@@PianoRoadmap I am 100% with you on the serious teacher's teaching approach :D. It is good be to stretched

[@kakabudi]

Great video. I wonder if being decent at guitar is a transferrable skill when learning piano? I play guitar decently, in terms of being able to play a brand new piece very quickly and having high dexterity and hand independence. Have you seen someone learn piano coming from a similar background, and if so, what was his or her progress like?

[@PianoRoadmap]

There are a lot of skills that will transfer. As you said, dexterity and hand independence will for sure transfer, but note/chord reading, understanding how to practice, and knowing what it takes to arrive at a certain level (time, patience, practice, consistency) will also help you.

[@forsaken841]

I just got a piano a few weeks ago. Been using flowkey and faber adult adventures. Flowkey has really helped me jump ahead into using both hands and learning beginner songs. I got a beginner version of moonlight sonata 1 down. A beginner version of a bunch of other easy songs. And I’m learning a beginner version of una mattina which is sounding so beautiful and so fun to practice. I also got a great classical music book that has 105 pieces graded level 1-5 and placed in order of difficulty, so I’m starting to go through that too. I can’t practice 40 hours a day like the best, but I have been able to do 1-2 hours a day. 😊 I love it.

[@PianoRoadmap]

That's great! I've been curious about Flowkey. Do you follow the notes on the app or is it following hands on piano keys? And 1-2 hours a day is actually a really good amount - not too much as to promote burnout, but still enough to see real progress consistently. Good luck!

[@forsaken841]

@@PianoRoadmap it has both, so you can see the fingerings as well. I was worried I would become too dependent on watching the hands, but turns out I mostly keep my eyes on the notes and only check the hands for reference to make sure I’m doing it correctly . Plus I have that classical book to make sure I’m working on more legit music reading and sight reading.

[@shaunreich]

@@PianoRoadmap have you evaluated piano marvel? It's similar in the computer sense. What has really attracted me is the SASR sight reading test, sight reading practice is really great for it. Gives you a number each test you take, and I've seen it going up and up. I like the game element, shooting for those gold stars on each technique or lesson, and play through. It has Alfred in it, the pieces, at least. Figured it's a nice additional element for me to absorb to fill in what gaps and keep me on track. I've really enjoyed your video, you have a calmness about you and your way of breaking down the timelines was realistic and positive

[@PianoRoadmap]

@@shaunreich Hi Shaun! I haven't looked at piano marvel yet, but the SASR sight-reading element seems very appealing! I didn't know about the SASR, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I'm with you; I absolutely LOVE gamifying everything in my life and wish I were at a point where I could create something like that for piano through an app or website. Someday! Thanks again, and I'll definitely check out both Piano Marvel and SASR.

[@TY-wx8wp]

@EliasDanger could you please tell me the name of the Book? I searched for a book like that but couldn’t find anything. Thank you and wish you good luck in your journey!

[@prasannapatil1090]

Hi thank you, so much just wanted to know how long will your patron subscription be valid for?

[@PianoRoadmap]

Hi there! Starting in April of 2022, I'll have videos up for the Faber Follow-Along calendar. This will be an ongoing process, as going through the whole book will take some time. The membership is monthly and after I'm finished with the Faber videos, I'll be providing other valuable piano lessons and guides. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Just please not that the Faber tiers will not be listed until April 2022. I hope I answered your question!

[@leonasmith3587]

Please could you do a vidoe on accessible classical pieces for people who have been learning for just a year or so?

[@PianoRoadmap]

Hi Leona! I've started a series called "What Should I Play Next" (kzbin.info/aero/PL5QKqfT26uAt6N32iHc7W1E51gY8ngW32). I'm slowly adding more pieces to it, but the piece I have there now might be a great fit for you. Check it out!

[@xGaviJax]

1 year for understanding major and minor keys. I thought it would be less. It's pretty well explained in the alfred book. What do you mean exactly by "understanding keys?"

[@PianoRoadmap]

Understanding major and minor keys = going through all 12 major and minor keys to learn their scale fingerings, know what accidentals are in each key signature...basically being able to play something comfortably in all keys.

[@dunnkruger8825]

Nice hoodie

[@johnmcelhoney3585]

I practice at least an hour every single day. For last 18 months! With lessons. Mikes behind!! 😢😢

[@PianoRoadmap]

Timelines are tricky because it's just different for everyone. No need to feel behind! You're putting in the work and it sounds like you're enjoying it - those are the most important things.

[@p3rrypm]

As much as I would love to participate in this follow along, it seems a little pricey for what it is.

[@TheCatGoesRawrMusik]

Starting at 21 trying to play four hours per day. IT IS STRESSFUL but so so so rewarding, am year in now... and have been spending about 1 and a hlaf this far on the bach prelude... I thought it looked easy... but damn is it hard to play nice

[@PianoRoadmap]

If it were easy, everyone would do it (and do it well). Congrats on sticking with it!

[@MiuViolet]

Does it possible to learn faster than that? I have ever learned piano for 3-6 months at the age of 10, and retired for 11 years. After restarted playing for 1 months, I challenge myself by playing Fur Elise in full version and it's completed, I can play it now. But I know that a good basics is the more efficient way to learn piano, so I'm learning some piano excercises, sight reading, music theory etc. However, I don't think I will take 3-6 months to learn all of that...or my thoughts is too much easy? I also don't want to lack of basical technique.

[@pedropicapiedra9381]

It's very difficult to know if you are doing something wrong when you don't have a teacher, i think on of the safest way to go by your selfe on the technique side is with etudes (probably czerny) but even for that you have know at least the basics of hand posture, relaxation, steady tempo, etc.

[@MiuViolet]

@@pedropicapiedra9381 Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking to study with a teacher too but there's a problem about money, my parent doesn't want me to play piano so serious.

[@pedropicapiedra9381]

@@MiuViolet No worries, as long as you are able to judge objectively your playing you should be able to correct some mistakes, choose alway pieces that would take you 2 to 3 months to get and don't rush it (this may be the critical point, everyone rushes it)

[@PianoRoadmap]

Everyone's learning speed and retention are different, so yes, it's possible to learn faster than my general timeline. I agree with Pedro though when he says that many older/adult students tend to rush pieces. It's great that you could learn the full version of Fur Elise after 1 month! I bet if you revisit it after a year or so, you'll find ways to make it sound even better.

[@rockskater69]

at minute 3:53 you mention a "free piano course" how do i get this course ?

[@PianoRoadmap]

Here's the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL5QKqfT26uAscLrxOelKDjNKCxD2AAIx8

[@kaylee9069]

Hang on tight guys. After a year, we normally would be able to play the Minuet KV 2 that Mozart composed when he was ... 6.😊

[@PianoRoadmap]

😆

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

He had no internet, otherwise he would compose that when he was 2 😄

[@guygatineau281]

I'm 61, started 6 month ago and lucky for me l'm not planning to become a ''Maestro''. I just had picture of myself dead with a flute up my bum playing from decomposition gas! MY GOD I NEED HELP!🤪

[@Jauro1234]

3:25

[@viralbuthow000]

I want to learn by ear and play pop songs. Does this affect the timeline in anyway?

[@PianoRoadmap]

I would suggest that you alter the timeline slightly. Maybe take the 1st 3 months as outlined to learn basics and develop a baseline of piano technique, then divert to explore more chord-heavy exercises and pieces, ear training, and actually starting to read pop sheet music.

[@semibrevehongkong9151]

So the first basic is to practice 20-30 minutes daily. 😵‍💫Unfortunately many learners practice only 15-30 minutes per week or even zero minutes...

[@munimhasanpolash8797]

How i direct communicate with you.plz

[@PianoRoadmap]

Hi! You can email me at [e-mail]

[@mwhossaini]

Great video. I thought I was going play like Beethoven after one year 😅😂

[@PianoRoadmap]

😆

[@hookflash699]

Damn, I guess I'm a bit slow... 😅

[@tfpp1]

This timeline is for adults, right? Because I can attest that the average 6-8 year old typically doesn’t learn *that* fast.

[@PianoRoadmap]

Yes, for adults. Method books for children go at a different pace.

[@tfpp1]

@@PianoRoadmap Cool, just checking, that's what I thought too. Thanks for the video, please keep it up!

[@zukoshimote1748]

yo no one talking about the Bored Ape doe 👀 I see you

[@PianoRoadmap]

🍌

[@Persun_McPersonson]

Real-life NFT?!?!?!?1?!?

[@pianoandeden]

She's gorgeous