The Secret to Learning to Play the Piano

I personally believe it is possible to teach yourself to play the piano. No doubt, it is helpful to be born with a little musical talent, but not necessary. But there is a secret.

My four children are each very different. I paid many dollars for the first two children to go for an hour once a week to a piano teacher. She would sit them down, have them read the music that she put in front of them, and then ask them to play it on the piano. They were not too excited to do their practice and eventually gave up on it.

For my last two children, I decided I did not want to waste my money on expensive piano lessons. But that did not stop them. Because the piano was always there, they would sit down and play just for the fun of it, and before you knew, they could sing and play songs that they heard on the radio. I was so shocked when they actually created their own masterpieces.

Also, when I was only seven years of age, I took piano lessons for a short time, but because my family was unable to pay for further lessons, I quit sadly. However, I feel blessed to have always had a second-hand piano in the house where I could plunk out a few notes here and there.

With the little training I had as a young girl, I continued to play and as an adult was even asked to play the piano for our church. I love playing the piano, and I definitely believe that you can teach yourself to play if you enjoy it and have the desire.

Now three of my grandchildren are taking piano lessons. It is so fun to hear them playing some of the tunes I did as a young girl. One granddaughter is learning to play duets with her father. I truly believe learning a musical instrument can help you in other areas of your life.

If you are willing to put in the time, playing the piano will be rewarding. I still play when the kids come over.

My brother who took piano lessons about the same time that I did was surprised that I can still play some pieces. He is now a doctor and has a fine bass voice. He does not play the piano but has a beautiful grand piano in his living room.

The piano does add something special to a home. I'm glad we have always had one, even though it was a used one, so we could sing together as a family. Of course, the children love to plunk on it and play the usual "The Old Cow Died" and "Boogie Woogie" - at least those are the two tunes I learned from my father.

Most any piano teacher will tell you the secret to playing the piano. I know what it is...

Secret to playing the piano!