Which piano/digital piano should I purchase as a beginner?
We always recommend practising on a real piano where possible.
Living in London, however, can at times create issues with noise and space, and it is for this reason that we recommend a good quality digital piano. Of course, if you can afford a good quality upright or grand piano that will be even better. (But it is not a requirement.)
It is important that your digital piano of choice has ‘weighted keys’ to imitate the feel of a real piano.
We also recommend purchasing a piano that has 88 notes. The standard amount of notes for any regular piano worldwide.
You would also need to purchase a piano stool.
We recommend purchasing a new digital piano over £275 where possible.
Please see our page for recommended digital pianos for beginners: https://www.londonpianoinstitute.co.uk/musical-instruments/recommended-digital-pianos-with-weighted-keys/
What can I expect during my first month of piano lessons as a beginner?
As you will be learning to play music first and foremost, the beginning stages will be dedicated to helping you understand the language of music. You will need to learn how to read music properly.
In addition to this, the basics of piano technique will be taught. You will learn how to play major scales and get initiated into the basics of piano playing.
Learning to play the piano is a journey and at the London Piano Institute, we do not cut corners. We make absolutely sure that you receive a solid foundation when learning to play the piano with us.
So to sum it up, the beginning stages will be spent on building a solid foundation.
How much time should I dedicate a day as a beginner learning the piano?
The minimum time required would be 15 minutes per day.
We have however noted that students practising for 30 minutes a day have a much better result.
The more effort you put into your piano practise, the quicker your result will be.
Should you want to make exceptional progress, we would recommend at least 60 minutes a day.
How long will it take for me to learn how to play the piano?
That depends on what you call ‘playing the piano’.
Playing simple but beautiful compositions can usually be achieved within six months.
Within two years you can play more complicated pieces and within three, you can achieve a whole lot more.
I do know that this may not be very encouraging, as a lot of online courses promise learning the piano overnight.
The truth is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! You need QUALITY input and a solid pianistic foundation.
Having realistic (but positive) expectations is therefore very important!
You really need to immerse yourself into the learning of the instrument in order to become a pianist.
The biggest secret here is consistency and persistence. If you are consistently persistent you will play the piano well in time!
I live abroad and would love to study with the London Piano Institute, how do the Skype or Facetime lessons work?
For Skype or FaceTime lessons you simply need a computer and a headset with a good Internet connection. Most laptops have built-in microphones, so you probably do not even need a headset.
It is really easy to learn via Skype, and it works amazingly well.
One of our students, Kammy is currently busy with her grade 8 via Skype and she has now been studying with us for several years online. (See: https://www.londonpianoinstitute.co.uk/online-piano-lessons/online-piano-lesson-testimony/)
Aditya, started from scratch and is now doing his grade 5 via Skype – he studied with Stefan Joubert (London Piano Insitute’s manager and instructor) from Japan, Cambridge and Dubai! So, yes learning the piano via Skype is ABSOLUTELY possible!
This new technology enables all of us to learn from anywhere in the world.
It is very convenient and a wonderful way to learn the piano from anywhere.
We have several students studying via Skype with us living in London and the United Kingdom!
Which piano books do I need to purchase when starting my piano lessons with you?
When starting the piano with us, you will need to purchase Carol Barratt’s classic piano course book 1.
You can find the book here:
www.londonpianoinstitute.co.uk/piano-courses-london/recommended-piano-book-beginners/
Do you cater for graded examinations?
We most certainly cater for graded examinations. All of our exams are done through ABRSM.
It is however not a requirement, but only for those wanting to do the grades.
Details can be found here:
http://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/piano
How can I contact the London Piano Institute?
The most recommended option would be to contact Stefan via email at enrol@londonpianoinstitute.co.uk
You can expect a reply within one business day, sometimes within a few minutes if Stefan is available.
Alternatively you can also contact us via our contact form which can be found on the following page – https://www.londonpianoinstitute.co.uk/contact/
You can also reach us telephonically at 020 7127 0717