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Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

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Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

While most people prefer attending piano lessons in Singapore, it is entirely possible to learn the piano without attending lessons! In this article, we want to use our 10 years of experience running our music school to help you skip piano lessons! Yes, you heard that right! While this may not be suitable for everyone, it might just benefit you. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: You can learn piano without a teacher but not without a piano!

Step 1 of teaching yourself the piano is, obviously, to have the right tool to learn it. If you are thinking of using the Garageband on your iPad, please drop that idea. Piano playing requires that tactile sensation of hitting a key and the touch screen devices simply can’t offer it. However, we understand that committing to an acoustic piano is a heavy decision. But we are here to help! Read our article “A guide to buying your first piano” to have a clearer idea!

Piano lessons in Singapore

Kaiser is using a digital keyboard for his piano performance!

 

Step 2: Revise your music theory!

If you grew up in Singapore, you would have completed at least 10 years of music theory during your music classes during school! During the last 10 years, Vinnie Classroom has been one of the many vendors in Singapore offering music lessons. Commonly referred to as AMIS (Arts and Music Instructor Scheme), it is a registry of instructors with MOE for providing what we specialize in. However, being physically there during music lessons is enormously different from paying attention and learning what was taught. Thankfully you can still revise and get yourself back on track with music theory books and lessons! Piano playing requires a good grasp of music theory and there are plenty of resources these days. Rockschool and ABSRM offer music theory examinations and they are very popular amongst our students. Of course, if reading these books on your own isn’t working, you can consider signing up for our music theory lessons! Our teachers go through regular training to keep their minds fresh too! Because everyone needs help on this topic.

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey Chin

Ms Chin teaching interesting music theory during a teachers’ training session!

Step 3: Work on good piano-playing postures and techniques

The most commonly overlooked factor for most self-taught musicians has to be proper postures and techniques. Because of the lack of a piano teacher, most people are unable to tell if they are doing it right. However, this article intends to help you learn the piano correctly on your own, so we are sharing some useful pointers to take note of when practicing. Moreover, modern technology and the abundance of free resources have made self-learning more accessible and achievable than ever.

  • Use your phone to video your practice session and use it to review your piano techniques and postures.
  • Place a mirror by the side of your piano for instant correction of habits.
  • Refer to helpful Infogrames. For example, refer to our Good Piano Posture infogram below!
  • Search the internet for more information! Google is your best friend 😀
Good Piano Playing Posture

Infogram on Good Piano Posture

Step 4: The essentials of piano playing

Piano playing is impossible if one does not possess good dexterity on their fingers. Many will struggle during this stage and give up easily, with a list of complaints that are almost identical.

“I cannot play the piano because…”

  • my fingers are not moving as I want them to.
  • the notes are too far apart and my hands are too small.
  • I have no strength to press the keys down after a while.
  • there is no way I can get my left and right hands to move independently.
  • the keys feel the same so I kept hitting the wrong notes.

If you find yourself using the same complaints as the list above, keep in mind that you are not alone. Even the most professional pianist once faced the same issues on the piano.

So how do we get past these common issues faced by beginners on the piano then? Well for a start, beginners practice scales on the piano! Scales are more than just a set of notes, they are essential to music creation and also to getting your fingers strong, agile, and accurate on the 88 keys. So you are done with scales, then you may consider trying some practice method books! These books will cover other elements of music such as arpeggios, chords, and cadences.

piano lessons relief stress

Piano playing should be a form of stress relief.

 

Step 5: Pick a song let’s go!

You should be feeling very comfortable on the piano by this stage of your music journey. All your fingers should be ready and your brain should be processing those notes as fast as you read a book. It is time to pick your first song and dive right in. BUT here is where people start giving up. During regular music lessons, the teacher will be able to spot and correct your mistakes as you practice. They can also share better ways to accelerate your learning pace on the song you are working on. Based on your lifestyle, a good teacher can share useful tips on how to practice your instrument.  Being alone means the lack of helpful eyes to keep you on track. Regardless, here are some of our tips on learning a song.

  1. Listen to the song as many times as you need. You know you are ready when you can sing out every part of the song.
  2. Tackle one small section of the song at a time. Don’t try to play through the song like a tractor plowing through the field.
  3. Work on difficult sections slowly before increasing speed.
  4. Use a metronome.
  5. Video your practice for review purposes.

That’s it! You’ve got it! Congratulations on picking the piano. We hope our article is helpful to you and gives you the much-needed confidence.

What if I am still unsuccessful?

Learning the piano by yourself is indeed a very challenging task. If you feel like you can’t play the piano as well as you like, then you might want to consider enrolling for formal piano lessons. Talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Adults taking piano lessons in Singapore

Can an Adult Learn Piano?

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Can an Adult Learn Piano?

The question is not “Can an adult learn piano?” It is about the challenges and benefits. Based on our decade of experience as a music school in Singapore, we can confidently address this age-old question. So if you are an adult looking for some answers, let’s dive in and get you sorted out.

Adults taking piano lessons in Singapore

Singapore Uncle playing the piano

Why do Adults want to Learn the Piano?

It is on most adults’ bucket list to learn the piano. The reason for learning can vary quite a bit! Based on our experience offering piano lessons in Singapore, here is a list of reasons.

  • They believe learning the piano can help them shift their focus and reduce stress.
  • Learning the piano feels like an excellent workout for their stiffening fingers.
  • It can help fight dementia.
  • Piano music is too beautiful and listening to it is not enough.
  • Something they could not afford time and money to learn when they were younger.

Our perspectives shift as we move through different stages of life. While understanding why we should learn to play the piano is important, it’s often not enough. Starting something new requires courage, discipline, and determination. Many people worry about the possibility of failure and wasting their time, even before giving it a try. Whatever your reason for hesitating, we’re here to support you. Let us share the inspiring story of an adult who took the leap of faith to learn the piano with us. We will also explore the benefits of embarking on this piano journey.

Encik, the adult piano student who became our inspiration!

James, or Encik as we affectionately call him, is one of our most dedicated adult piano students. Even though he has been with us for many years, his passion for music continues to inspire everyone around him. Despite being surrounded by younger students, he never finds it awkward to share the stage with them. He embraces every performance opportunity with confidence and enthusiasm. He works tirelessly on his pieces and always striving for excellence! His commitment shines through in every performance. His hard work and unwavering determination set a wonderful example for our entire music school, proving that the love of music transcends age.
James is the best example of how an adult benefited from learning the piano. As an adult, he understands the true meaning of practicing, is able to plan his schedule well, and has discipline. In short, adults can see the bigger picture that children simply can’t process. Adults also have more learning experiences to help them apply it to their piano lessons, ensuring they benefit the most from every lesson.

piano lessons relief stress

What can an Adult benefit from taking Piano Lessons?

One of the most rewarding benefits is finally being able to check off the goal of “I can play the piano.” Overall, learning the piano as an adult can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that enhances both mental and emotional well-being.

  • Stress Relief: Playing the piano can be a therapeutic escape from daily stress, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Musicians love being “in the zone” during their practice sessions. It is a feeling where the world around you seemingly disappears, time is irrelevant and every note you play creates a blissful experience.
  • Cognitive Improvement: Learning music enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and overall brain function, as it engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. Playing a musical instrument, like Mahjong, has the benefit of fighting dementia.
  • Improved Focus and Patience: Practicing piano requires concentration and patience, fostering a sense of discipline and mindfulness that can be applied to other areas of life. It also develops our sense of humility, enhancing our humbleness and helping us improve.
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Mastering a new skill brings a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance, especially when performing for others or achieving personal milestones. Most of our students feel a sense of achievement after they take the stage during our annual recital. They feel very good about themselves!
  • Creative Expression: Playing the piano allows adults to express emotions and creativity, offering a fulfilling and enjoyable way to communicate through music.
  • Enhanced Coordination: Similar to certain types of computer games, piano playing improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are beneficial in maintaining dexterity as one ages. The spider-sense in us deteriorates as we age, we must sharpen it through various activities, and piano playing ranks at the top of the list.
  • Social Opportunities: Joining recitals or group classes can open up social connections with others who share a passion for music, building a supportive community. Like James, many of our students made new friends through various events. Such opportunities reinforce the first benefit of our list, stress relief!

Conclusion on piano lessons for adult

If you are ready for all these benefits, we are here to assist you with your piano lessons. If you need something better than a chat, take a Trial Lesson with us! Regardless, we would like to share that it is a wonderful experience to be able to play the piano. The joy of music creation is hard to describe but it keeps us happy.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Piano lessons in Singapore

When is the best age for Piano Lessons in Singapore?

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When is the best age for Piano Lessons in Singapore?

Piano lessons in Singapore

Piano lessons have long been a top priority for parents in Singapore. Together with our legendary Kiasu mentality, no parents would want their child to lose out on the benefits of picking up the piano. However, a quick search on the internet will leave you wondering when is the best age to send your children for piano lessons in Singapore. Some websites will tell you it is 3 years old, others might say 10 years old. The number is arbitrary and never consistent. In this article, we aim to use our experience running a music school for the last 10 years to demystify and help all parents in Singapore.

Why do parents love sending their children to Piano lessons in Singapore?

Before we share what is the mysterious golden age to send your child, perhaps we can direct your attention to our previous article! “Music Lessons makes us Superhumans“. You might understand the deeper reason why parents love sending their children to piano lessons in Singapore. Sometimes, it is beyond what they can gain in a classroom environment. Check out our students’ performance! We all love our children and we want the best for them. Hence if there are ways to help them develop better than what we had growing up, I’m sure most will give them all we can. Perhaps this is the main reason why we want to send them for piano lessons as early as possible.

Piano lesson singapore

So, is the perfect age 3 years old or 10 years old?

As said in the first paragraph, there is no actual golden number right here. For some kids it is 3, it could also be 7, and for others, it might be 10. To be very clear, we are not talking about a cooking recipe but a human child. Everyone is different hence there is no one-size-fits-all formula. However, use the following pointers to check if your child is ready! If you can check every one of the checkboxes, then congratulations, it might be a good time to look for a music school in Singapore.

  • Your child is able to take instructions.
  • He/she can sit for at least 30 minutes at the same spot.
  • Frequently spotted doing activities like drawing or reading in deep focus.
  • Capable and confident of being aware of their parents without anxiety.
  • Strong motor skills include tasks like using chopsticks, picking up small objects like grains of rice from the floor, or putting on shoes.
  • Shows a genuine interest in music. It could be through singing, dancing, or trying any instruments you have at home.

What if I am not sure if my child is ready?

Sending your child for piano lessons is not all that you need to consider. They need to be able to practice at home and Piano is a hefty investment. If you feel unsure despite checking all the checkboxes above, then you might want to let them try on a small keyboard first. Read our article “A Guide to buying your first Piano for lessons in Singapore”.  You may be surprised to learn that you can start teaching your child piano at home before enrolling them in formal piano lessons.

But if you still have some questions, you can talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Alternatives to ABRSM for piano lessons in Singapore

Alternatives to ABRSM

By Music Articles No Comments

Alternatives to ABRSM

As a music school in Singapore, we are often asked about the alternatives to ABRSM for piano lessons. The common reason why parents are less keen on sending their child to classical piano is usually because it is irrelevant. At face value, piano lessons are about the ability to play beautiful classical pieces. But if we dive deeper, the benefits that come along are reasons why classical pieces are still very relevant. However, we shall leave those in our next article and focus on the alternatives to ARBSM today.

 

Some examples of ABRSM alternatives

Before we share more about the available alternatives to ARBSM, do take a look at what our students have put up. The Vinnie Classroom Piano Series  is a series of performances done by our students using songs from the ANZCA syllabus. As shown in the videos, students were enjoying their lessons and excited to share what they can do on the piano. As music teachers, it is important for us to keep out students motivated, a good syllabus definitely makes it easier. More on ANZCA later this article.

List of Piano Syllabus available in Singapore

To help with your research, here is a list of piano syllabi offered by music schools in Singapore with piano lessons.

Broadly speaking, every music school in Singapore can create its syllabus. Yamaha is one example where they have their in-house syllabus that is not related to any others on this list. The question should be about why we choose one syllabus from another.

Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts (ANZCA)

One of the most well-established alternatives to ABRSM is ANZCA. ANZCA’s music exams offer a broad range of options for musicians of all levels. Their repertoire includes genre such as blues, jazz and pop!

  • Wide Genre Options: ANZCA allows students to choose from a wider variety of pieces, offering more flexibility in exploring different genres and styles.
  • Performance-Oriented: ANZCA uses pieces that are often more upbeat and modern, setting students up to be performance-oriented.

Piano Lessons in Singapore have changed drastically!

In our previous article, we shared how Piano lessons in Singapore have changed drastically. In the article, we focus on how ANZCA benefited our piano lessons.

Trinity College London (TCL)

One of the most well-established alternatives to ABRSM is Trinity College London. What sets Trinity apart is its flexibility in exam repertoire and the ability to focus more on practical skills than theory for some students.

  • Repertoire Freedom: Trinity allows students to choose from a wider variety of pieces, offering more flexibility.
  • Performance-Oriented: Trinity places greater emphasis on musicality and performance, allowing students to express themselves through their playing.
  • Rock & Pop Exams: In addition to classical exams, Trinity offers Rock & Pop assessments for students who are more inclined toward contemporary genres. This includes vocals, guitar, drums, and more.

London College of Music Examinations (LCME)

London College of Music Examinations (LCME), part of the University of West London, provides another highly regarded alternative. LCME’s exams are recognized internationally and cover a broad spectrum of musical disciplines.

  • Comprehensive Subject Choices: LCME also offers contemporary music, music technology, and even composition.
  • Digital Exams: LCME has embraced modern technology by offering online and recorded assessment options. This makes it easier for students to take exams remotely.
  • Flexible Syllabus: The LCME syllabus is designed to be flexible, catering to different learning paces and preferences. Students can mix classical and contemporary pieces to reflect their individual music journeys.

Rockschool (RSL)

For students with a passion for contemporary music styles like rock, pop, and metal, Rockschool (RSL) is an excellent choice. Specializing in graded exams for popular music instruments like guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and piano, Rockschool offers an exciting alternative to the more traditional classical path.

  • Pop & Rock Focus: With its focus on genres that are more popular in today’s music scene, Rockschool’s syllabus caters to students looking to learn and perform contemporary music.
  • Skills Beyond Playing: RSL exams emphasize broader musical skills, such as improvisation, composition, and playing in bands, which are essential for many professional musicians today.
  • Accessible Learning: Rockschool is ideal for students who may not connect as deeply with classical music but still want to achieve measurable musical progress.

Conclusion on Alternatives to ABRSM

Do we actually need any alternatives to ABRSM? The answer is largely based on how you want your piano lessons to be. In Singapore, we are pampered with the wide options available for music lessons! Choice overloading is a real situation, it is a cognitive impairment.  It often leads us to lesser confidence, greater regrets, and overall dissatisfaction. So while nothing is conclusive, we hope our article helped shed some lights on the options on your plate.

Talk to us, we are here to help. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂