Reshmi Patel • February 14, 2022

Practicing versus Playing the Piano

What’s the difference between ‘playing’ and ‘practicing’ the piano? Is one better than the other?

 

Often we see students doing a mixture of both.

 

When we ‘play’ the piano this means we are playing through your songs and exercises from start to finish. This can be useful before a performance or at the start or end of your practice session. Solely ‘playing’ isn’t productive if you are looking to improve with your technique and to play the songs you love to a high standard.

 

When we ‘practice’ the piano this means, we are actively choosing to play the difficult sections and musical elements. Some examples of these are: octave jump, moving from sharp to natural, trills, counts and rhythms. In the long run this is a productive way to practice your piano as you will grasp the techniques well enough to learn how to play the pieces you love at a faster rate!

 

Scenario

 

Monday, 8am-8:45am you are sitting at your piano and your lesson notes advise you to work on bar 3 and 4 dynamic changes. ‘Dynamics’ means volume. The volume changes in bars 3 and 4 are marked as quiet. This means we would press the keys lightly.

 

Example of Playing

 

8am-8:45am you play the song from start to finish. – at this stage of your journey this can work well to check off the box but a more productive way would be to practice in order to add in the volume changes and create interest within the piece.

 

Example of Practicing

 

8-8:45am you focus on playing bars 3 and 4 as quietly as you possibly can. You repeat this correctly 5-10 times in a row until this feels easy and natural. This would be a productive practice session and the piece is now on its way to sound like a performance.

 

Example of a combination of Playing and Practicing

 

8-8:30am you focus on playing bars 3 and 4 as quietly as you possibly can. You repeat this correctly 5-10 times in a row until this feels easy and natural.

 

8:30am-8:45am you play the song from start to finish and include the quieter section in bars 3 and 4.

 

This method works well if you have been able to practice the section you were struggling on within the given time frame. If not, keep on practicing until you have truly mastered the element you have been struggling on. Then try to play slightly more of the section or piece.

 

Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly!

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Practicing the piano should be both productive and enjoyable. Here are some expert tips to make the most out of your practice sessions: 1. Warm Up Properly Before diving into your pieces, warm up with finger exercises, scales and arpeggios to improve dexterity. 2. Use the 3C’s: Confidence, Communication, and Community At our piano school, we emphasize these three pillars to accelerate learning: Confidence: We provide regular feedback and encouragement to help students believe in their abilities. Communication: Regular progress check-ins ensure that students stay on track and adjust learning strategies as needed. Community: Through our student concerts we provide students with the opportunity to share their progress and learn from each other, making the experience more fulfilling. 3. Mix Up Your Practice Routine Avoid boredom by alternating between technical exercises, sight-reading, and playing your favourite songs. 4. Take Breaks Short breaks during long practice sessions prevent mental fatigue and improve focus. 5. Play for Others Sharing your music with family, friends, or at our regular concerts helps you gain confidence and refine your performance skills. By incorporating these methods, you’ll improve faster while enjoying the process. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

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How Learning Piano Can Boost Your Career, Skills, and Well-Being for Life

By Reshmi Patel • April 14, 2025
Learning to play the piano is more than just mastering an instrument, it’s a skill that can enrich your life in countless ways. Whether you dream of a full-time career in music, a side gig performing or teaching, or simply want to enjoy playing as a hobby, the piano offers lifelong benefits. Here’s why sticking with piano practice, whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, is always a great idea. 1. Opens Doors to Musical Career Opportunities If you’re passionate about music, learning the piano can lead to exciting career paths. You could become a professional musician, a music teacher, an accompanist, or even a composer. With dedication and practice, the piano can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the music industry. 2. A Side Gig with Endless Possibilities Even if you don’t pursue music full-time, piano skills can provide additional income opportunities. You could play at events, teach lessons part-time, or collaborate with other musicians. Having a musical side gig can be both financially and personally rewarding. 3. Enhances Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being Studies show that playing the piano improves memory, coordination, and concentration. It also serves as a creative and emotional outlet, helping to relieve stress and boost overall mental well-being. 4. Builds Confidence and Discipline Learning piano requires patience, practice, and perseverance. As you progress, you’ll develop confidence in your abilities and a sense of achievement that carries over into other areas of life. 5. Lifelong Enjoyment as a Hobby Even if you never perform professionally, playing the piano is a rewarding lifelong hobby. Whether you’re playing for yourself, family, or friends, music brings joy and relaxation at any age. 6. Social and Collaborative Opportunities Piano playing isn’t just a solo activity. You can join bands, accompany singers, or participate in community events. Music fosters connections and brings people together in meaningful ways. Whether you pursue piano as a career, a side gig, or a hobby, the benefits are undeniable. From cognitive growth to creative expression, piano playing is a skill that stays with you for life. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey because every note you play adds value to your life. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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