You or your child has decided to learn how to play the piano….congratulations!
Learning the piano has numerous personal benefits including stimulating the brain, stress relief, and encouraging creativity. Now the question is where to begin?
This guide will aim to equip you with the information you need to get started with piano lessons in Houston!

How Do I Pick The Right Instrument?

The first question you likely have is what kind of instrument do I need to get started? With so many instruments on the market, making this decision can seem daunting considering the wide selection available.
The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types of pianos to choose from: acoustic and digital.
Acoustic pianos come in varying sizes from upright to grand. The keys are naturally weighted, allowing the player maximum control over dynamics and helping to develop strength in the hands and fingers. Acoustic pianos are typically going to be pricier than their digital counterparts and will require periodic tuning, although the feel and sound are authentic and can be hard to beat.
There are a wide variety of digital pianos available at a wide range of price points. The keys may be unweighted or weighted, and anywhere from the full 88-keys and under. Any piano will work to initially get started, although opting for a weighted 88-key digital piano is going to prevent the imminent need to upgrade in the future, as eventually every developing pianist will need a full size keyboard and weighted keys to play increasingly complex repertoire and develop strength in the hands and fingers.
Besides affordability, other benefits to digital pianos is that they are lighter and easier to handle, as well as do not require tuning.

What Books Should I Get?

Once you have an instrument the next factor to look at is what books to work out of.
There are a number of great piano methods designed to teach the basics of playing in a systematic fashion, building skills and knowledge as the student advances through the various levels. Many of these methods include a set of books within each level including pieces, techniques, and theory. Working from the set of books for each level helps to establish a strong basis of understanding of how music works and the techniques used, while learning pieces targeted to reinforce these musical aspects as you progress.
Some of the most common method books House piano teachers use are:

• Faber and Faber Piano Adventures
• Alfred Piano Methods
• Bastien Piano Basics
• Suzuki Method

Each instructor will have a method which they prefer for various reasons, so my recommendation is to talk with your instructor about which books they like to use. There are method books designed to target very young learners as well as older beginners so that there is a beginner method out there for everyone!

Piano Lessons With Lessons In Your Home

Having a personal piano instructor benefits the beginner student greatly as every student will progress at their own unique pace. With an instructor you will be able to ask the questions you need answered every step of the way, and achieve your own personal musical goals whether it is to be able to perform a piece at the next recital or holiday favorites for your family.
At Lessons In Your Home we are proud to offer a variety of personal instruction through virtual or in person lessons. Virtual lessons are conducted through an agreed upon platform between teacher and student and can be an extremely convenient way to receive personally tailored instruction in your home. In person lessons also offer detailed one on one instruction in your home, so you still don’t have to go out and fight traffic which we know can be incredibly stress inducing, particularly in a huge city like Houston.
Our teachers are highly trained musicians and will help you every step of the way from picking the right instrument that meets your needs as well as the books you need to get started learning the piano.
If you are interested in learning more about the piano or if you want to sign up for lessons, contact us! Our teachers come right to your home for every lesson, plus we offer virtual music lessons, too. Our online music lessons are taught by local music teachers with live lessons tailored to your family!
By Jennifer Ridout