How Long Does it Take to Learn Piano – (And Why)?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Piano – (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 1 year

Learning a new instrument is a wonderful way to grow as a person. Music is a universal language that everyone is able to speak and understand. The piano is an instrument that speaks quickly, loudly and through the soul of those individuals who play, it. The piano is like no other instrument because it allows you to hear a tone by just pressing one key.

The initial greeting between piano and player takes no skill at first but will need skill to really play the instrument, not just poke at it. But how long does it take to learn piano and why does it take as long as it does?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Piano

How Long to Learn Piano?

Piano TypeTime
Grand1 Year
Upright6 Months
Electric3 Months

There are many variables that help decide just how long it takes someone to learn how to play the piano. Because playing an instrument is a lifelong master, it really depends on which standard and which style of music one is trying to learn. However, there are a few factors that affect how long it takes to learn and to which length, such as:

girl in white sweater playing piano

Self Taught Vs. Professional Instructor

Those who learn by watching videos or other instructional materials can expect to learn the basics, and therefore other aspects, at a slower pace than those who pay an instructor to help them. Of course, depending on your learning style, that may differ.

Practice

The more you practice, the quicker you learn. This can be said for most things that depend on skill-building.

Natural talent and age

Bigger hands can reach the keys and have better coordination than children’s hands. Because of this, it’s easier for adults to handle a piano. However, sometimes natural talents will play a huge part in your learning timeline, so this should also be considered.

Overall, one could expect to learn the basics of the piano within a few weeks, and may even be able to play a few standard, simple tunes after the same amount of time. True skill and mastery takes much longer and should be explored throughout a lifetime.

But Why it Takes That Long to Learn Piano?

There are many reasons why learning the piano takes as long as it does. One of the biggest reasons being that the piano isn’t definite, and one could always improve and learn new things with the instrument. Those who partake in learning piano should consider the task a lifelong journey and should enjoy it as such.

For those who want to learn how to play just a song or two, it’s realistic to understand that their learning time will go much faster, but for those looking to enjoy the skill throughout their life, they should expect it to take much longer, and should also expect to constantly be growing and mastering new techniques, styles, and songs.

No matter your end goal, the piano takes this long to learn because it’s an accumulative skill, though, after a few weeks, one could easily learn a few songs and the basic skills needed to build on. Most of all, learning the piano should be enjoyed, rather than rushed, the amount of time it takes you varies by how much you put into it.

selective focus photography of man playing grand piano in crowd

References

https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2858036.2858388

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23 Comments

  1. Thanks for the detailed explanation of the factors affecting the length of learning to play the piano. It really helped me understand the process better.

    1. I couldn’t agree more, it really opened my eyes to the realistic expectations when learning to play the piano.

  2. The article addresses the reasons why learning the piano takes a long time very effectively. Insightful points to ponder upon.

    1. Agreed, I found the article to be very thought-provoking and informative regarding mastering the art of playing the piano.

  3. The article did a great job of explaining why learning to play the piano is a lifelong journey and what it takes to achieve that goal. Useful insight indeed.

    1. Absolutely, the article’s reasoning on why it takes so long to learn the piano gives a good perspective on the challenges and rewards of the journey.

  4. This is an impressive article, the way the complexity of learning to play the piano is explained in depth is commendable. It truly incentivizes to keep going even when you feel like giving up.

    1. For sure, piano learning is not a race; it’s a marathon that will enrich the soul with a truly magical skill.

    2. Absolutely, learning to play the piano is such a rewarding journey that it’s worth dedicating all the time it needs.

  5. For anyone considering learning to play the piano, this article is a reality check. It’s not easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling.

    1. Indeed, playing the piano is a lifelong journey of learning and accomplishment. This article gives a fair glimpse of what to expect.

  6. This article highlighted the importance of practice and patience when it comes to learning the piano. Useful insight indeed!

    1. Absolutely, the piano is an instrument that requires dedication, and this article laid out the reasons why.

  7. This article is a well-articulated representation of the commitment and dedication it takes to learn a complex instrument like the piano.

    1. Indeed, the article gave a comprehensive explanation of the various factors influencing the time it takes to learn the piano.

    2. Absolutely, the article provides a compelling insight into the reasons why learning to play the piano is a substantial journey.

  8. Reading this article was an enlightening experience in understanding the depth of time and effort it takes to learn to play the piano.

    1. Definitely, I found the article to be very thought-provoking and it provided a deeper understanding of the art of piano playing.

    2. For sure, the article was very enlightening, providing a sense of clarity about why learning to play the piano takes a significant amount of time.

  9. I didn’t realize it takes that long to learn piano, I’m glad I read this before embarking on this journey.

  10. Learning to play the piano is a craft that demands time and dedication, and the article outlined the reasons behind it accurately.

    1. It’s true, the article provided an informative understanding of the depth and commitment needed to truly master playing the piano.

    2. Definitely, it was enlightening to learn about the impact of learning style, practice, and natural talent on how long it takes to learn piano.

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