How Long Does it Take To Learn Piano? Our Guide for 2023
Considering learning piano? It’s important to know how long it will take to develop a basic understanding of the instrument. Luckily, the answer may be shorter than you think. In general, it takes most people about six months to learn the basics of piano playing. The Length of time varies depending on many factors:
- Natural Ability
- Prior Experience
- Ability to Ready Music
- Having Your Own Piano (Or instrument to practice within your own home).
Even if you’re starting as a complete beginner, you can make a lot of progress in a short time. If you are learning Piano as an adult or as a younger student, practice is the key! A little practice each day helps to build up your skill levels.
Don’t get put off by the thoughts of a steep learning curve – with a little practice, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time.

Can Piano Be Self Taught?
Yes teaching yourself Piano is an option, but it will take a great deal of dedication and effort. One of the most challenging parts of learning without a piano teacher is using the proper technique. It can be easy to develop bad habits when self-teaching, which can be difficult to break later on.
Self-taught students can often find it hard to get motivated. Without a teacher to provide guidance and feedback, it can be easy to get discouraged and give up. A weekly deadline (Your next class) or goal works well to keep you motivated.
Yet, for those willing to put in the hard work, self-taught piano is definitely possible. There are tonnes of resources available online that can help you learn the basics and develop a solid foundation. With enough perseverance and practice, you can teach yourself how to play the piano.
Is Piano Good For Brain Development?

People often say that playing the piano is good for brain development. But what does that mean? Studies have shown that piano training can help to improve:
- Brain development
- Spacial awareness
- Language skills
- Fine Motor Skills
One study found that children who took Piano Lessons had improved memory and reasoning skills compared to those who don’t take any Piano classes. Researchers believe that this is because Piano playing required you to use both hands which engages different areas of the brain.
Studies have also shown that Piano players tend to have better spacial awareness than non-players. This is because they always need to keep track of their hands and the keys they are playing. Also learning music helps with self-expression and fine motor skills.
Finally, learning to play the piano can also help to improve language skills. This is because music activates different areas of the brain associated with language processing. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brain power, learning to play the piano may be a good option!
Is it OK to Practice Piano on a Keyboard?
For anyone thinking about taking up Piano, one of the first questions people face is what kind of instrument to buy – a keyboard or a Piano (Traditional Acoustic or Digital) There are pros and cons to each option, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Yet, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision. Keyboards have fewer keys than pianos – 88 keys vs 61 keys on a standard keyboard.
This can make it more difficult to play certain pieces, as some notes will be missing. The keys on a keyboard are smaller and closer together than those on a Piano which can take some getting used to. The weight of keyboard keys is also different which means there is much less resistance on the keyboard vs a Piano. Keyboards do have an advantage as they are lighter and easier to transport making them ideal for practice sessions on the go!
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a keyboard and Piano, it’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
How Many Hours Should I Practice?

The answer to how many hours of piano you should practice a day depends on a few factors. First, how much time do you have available? If you only have 30 minutes a day to dedicate to practice, that’s fine. The key is to be consistent and make the most of your time. Second, how difficult is the material you’re working on? If you’re starting, you might need to Practice more slowly and Repeat sections more often. If you are already proficient, you can Practice more quickly and move on to new material faster.
Finally, how patient are you? Some people can Practice for hours without getting bored or frustrated. Others get antsy after a few minutes. Practice for as long as you can without getting frustrated, and then take a break. The important thing is to Practice regularly and be patient with yourself. With time and Practice, you’ll be playing the piano like a pro in no time!
What is the Best Age to Start Piano?
There is no definitive answer to the question of when the best age to start piano is. Some people argue that younger children are better able to pick up the skills required to play Piano, as they have more concentration and fewer distractions. The best age to start learning piano is the age at which you will have the most fun and make the most progress.
What are the right ages for Children to Start? Whenever they express an interest in learning Piano. You reach out to a local Piano teacher or school to enquire if they have a minimum age. Some schools/teachers might offer or recommend pre-instrumental classes, depending on ages.
Some schools will also offer an introduction or first lesson as a trial class. There are also Keyboard/Piano Groups that have numerous students in piano classes to help bring down the cost. For Adults, the best ages to start if you are interested in whatever age you are now 😀

Our Recommendations?
Piano lessons (Like Guitar, Violin, Singing or any other new skill) are a great way to build confidence. These new skills take time to build up so try to find an encouraging piano teacher who has a passion. Sign up for either online lessons or in persons private lessons. Find a store that sells beginner’s instruments and book a course today!

Based in Dublin?
Blanch Music are a family run Music School offering Adult Piano Lessons (also for Children from 6 Years Plus). Piano Lessons are available in Person, Online Lessons or Hybrid. Piano classes are available from beginners to advanced levels.
We offer a mix of Piano teacher who offer a well rounded Music Education. Teaching Piano we have a wide range of accomplished Classical, Jazz, Pop & Rock teacher who offer fun, engaging lessons are your own pace.
If you want to sit Exams like the Royal Irish Academy of Music or create you own music we have a Piano teacher to suit you. Our School has been offering quality Piano lessons for over a decade!
