QUESTION: How much music theory do I need for piano lessons?

ANSWER: Nothing...and a LOT. It all depends on what your goals are....

Some of the best piano players don't even know how to read music.  They just get in front of a piano and start hitting keys, playing by ear until they get something that sounds good.  This actually happens quite a lot.

But if you're REALLY serious about piano (and if you want to teach or get a degree) then piano lessons and music theory is pretty much a MUST.  Especially if you want to play with other musicians. 

It's like saying, "Do I need to know how to read in order to speak English?"  Well, yes and no.  You COULD just learn how to speak English and never learn how to read, as long as you're ok with being illiterate.  So as long as you're ok with being an illiterate musician, you can learn piano without knowing music theory.

But who wants to be an illiterate musician?

The best thing to do is to learn how to play by ear AND with music, knowing music theory.  Make sure your piano teacher addresses both of these during your piano lessons.  Learn BOTH by ear as well as with music theory and notes.  =-)

In addition to personal one-on-one piano lessons, CLICK HERE for some very useful online resources.

QUESTION: What should I look out for when taking piano lessons?

ANSWER: That's such an open-ended and broad question, and there are MANY things to look out for and with regard to different areas of learning how to play the piano.  But for now, for starters, we'll pick something to look out for that has to do with simply keeping you safe, comfortable, and healthy...your POSTURE.

When taking piano lessons, make sure your piano teacher instructs you on sitting properly (don't slouch!) and maintaining good posture with your arms, wrists, and hands. 

This is similar to the issue of bad posture when typing on a computer, or sitting in front of a laptop and using the mouse for hours on end....if you're not careful, because of repeated bad actions and unhealthy postures with your neck, back, and wrists, a number of health issues may arise, including tension, muscle strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

This can all be "Googled" for more details, but just to point you in the right direction, and to be VERY clear about this...have your piano instructor be very strict with you about posture during your piano lessons.

 Posture, posture posture!  

Ok I think you get the idea.  =-)

In addition to personal one-on-one piano lessons, CLICK HERE for some very useful online resources.

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