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♫ Tips and Tricks for learning piano faster and more efficiently ♫

1. Schedule your lesson early in the week.  Most people are at home  playing the piano during the week as opposed  on the weekends. Scheduling a  lesson Monday - Wednesday is better than later in the week, as you'll have the rest of the week to study what you've learned.

2. Be sure to practice the very next day after a lesson. You want to get as much practice time in as soon after the lesson as possible. While it is not necessary to play again that same night, waiting even a day or two is counterproductive.  You would have already begun to forget what went on during the lesson. Always give yourself some practice time the next day.

3. Practice somewhat everyday, as opposed to one big "jam session" per week.  Did you know you'll learn better if you practice a half hour each day for six days than if you practiced 3 hours once a week? They still add up to 3 hours a week total, but the first way is more productive. Your brain gets time to "digest" the new skills, as opposed to getting brain burn-out when studying all in one shot. This holds true for any new skill you are learning.....try it!!

4. Leave reference charts in plain view.  Remember how your grade school classroom had a map of the USA as well as the alphabet on the wall? Well, the reason for this is so that you would stare at something useful! We're not saying to hang chord charts on your walls, but a simple diagram such as the one below (you're welcome to print it out) can be placed right on the music desk of your piano. Another good place would be on the kitchen table (instead of reading the cereal box!) or any other place you spend time sitting. This works great for learning your notes (as shown below) and later when learning sharps, flats, keys, and chords.

5. Set aside a special "Piano Time". This is a time when other members of your family know this is "your time". Playing the piano at roughly the same time each day seems to work best with most families, and even for individuals living alone! It becomes routine, just as having dinner or brushing your teeth.

6. Have a  piano! Although many students use a keyboard for their at-home practice, time has shown that students with an acoustic piano play more often and longer than those with a keyboard. Pianos don't have to be expensive. You can even acquire a piano free of charge from a website called  www.Freecycle.org. Just sign up, and start looking for pianos, free for the taking. Be on your toes, as these always move fast!

▼ Scroll down for useful chart! ▼