Reshmi Patel • November 6, 2020

When Will my Child Learn to Play Real Songs on the Piano?

Your child's been learning how to play the piano for a while now and you're wondering when their playing will start to sound like REAL music.

Here are our FIVE ways to turn your music into REAL music:

·       ​​Master the basics.


Whether you read from sheet music or you're learning how to improvise (this is when you make up your own songs), it's important to ​understand how these work so that you can play ALL of the songs you love with ease later down the line!
 
Example One: Play a music theory game with notes to speed up your note reading.
​

·       Listen to the music.


When you are listening to the specific piece or genre of music you are learning, this can ​help you grasp the patterns, rhythms and melodies of music FASTER both on a conscious and sub-conscious level - yes without you even realising!
 

·       Record yourself.


When we are learning to play the piano there is a LOT to think about! The timing, notes, finger pattern, hand positions etc. It can be useful to record yourself and listen back to which areas you played well and which areas require more of your attention. Once we begin to spot these patterns this can make our practice much more productive and fun!
 

·       Simplify the songs you love.


There are 1000s of video tutorials and sheet music for piano songs out there. If you're struggling to choose which song you like try out some of our quick and easy songs, over on our new TikTok or YouTube Channel.
 

·       Ask questions.


I'd highly recommend you find a mentor or teacher ​who the students is able to bond well with and achieve their goals based on the teachers skill set. 

A mentor or teacher can help you spot them FASTER and recommend guidance on how to improve on these areas, as they have previously taught other students just like you!

 

To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13kfjQbsNwdOeJlnPF6cp5HfOm-o45xubyo9qSJRTrAM/edit. For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

How to Practice Piano Effectively Tips for Faster Progress and More Fun

By Reshmi Patel • April 28, 2025
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

Music Theory Made Simple The Essential Basics Every Pianist Needs

By Reshmi Patel • April 14, 2025
Music theory is the foundation of great piano playing. Here are the essential concepts every beginner should know: 1. Notes and the Musical Alphabet Music consists of 12 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and their sharps and flats. Learning the notes on the keyboard is the first step. 2. Understanding Rhythm and Time Signatures Time signatures tell you how many beats are in each measure. The most common is 4/4 time, where each measure has four beats. 3. Chords and Scales Scales build finger strength and understanding of key signatures, while chords provide harmonic structure. Start with major and minor scales, then move to simple triads. 4. Intervals and Ear Training Intervals (the distance between two notes) help with sight-reading and ear training, allowing you to recognize harmonies in music. 5. Reading Sheet Music Learning how to read notes on the staff will allow you to play a wider variety of music and become more independent as a pianist. 6. Applying Theory to Playing Understanding theory isn’t just academic - it helps you improvise, compose, and interpret music more expressively. By mastering these basics, you’ll build a solid foundation for piano success! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

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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