Why I Finally Started Learning Piano
45sRelatable motivation hook with a clear challenge setup that draws viewers in.
โถ Play ClipAI Summary
This video documents a 30-day challenge to learn to play a piano song from scratch, using a MIDI keyboard and the Online Pianist app. The creator shares practical tips for beginners, including using the app's feedback, practicing small parts, following finger numbers, and using a metronome, culminating in a final performance.
Chapters
[00:13]
Setting Up the Right Equipment
The creator bought a keyboard with 61 half-weighted keys, which imitate the resistance of mechanical keys and are a game-changer for transitioning to a real piano. The keyboard has a MIDI connection to use the Online Pianist app.
[00:40]
Using Online Pianist App
The app connects the keyboard to a tablet, provides notation for thousands of songs (many free), and recognizes whether you play keys correctly or incorrectly. The creator chose to learn Mozart's Turkish March.
[01:33]
Starting Two-Hand Play
On day 3, the creator attempted playing with two hands for the first time, finding it difficult and slow, but emphasizing that repetition is key.
[02:03]
Repetition of Small Parts
Tip: Repeat only a few notes over and over, then gradually add more. This builds muscle memory, enabling subconscious playing later.
[02:50]
Finger Movement and Numbering
The app indicates finger numbers on notes (1=thumb, 5=pinky). The creator explains an example of playing D-A-D-A with thumb and index, then moving to G major with middle finger to play F major with index.
[04:08]
Using a Metronome
Tip: Start slow, around 80 beats per minute, aiming to hit every note on the beat. Increase speed gradually to improve timing and unconscious accuracy.
[04:55]
Final Performance and Reflection
After 30 days, the creator performed the song. They were happy but noted it was too slow and some notes were wrong, indicating areas for improvement.
The 30-day challenge demonstrates that with the right tools and consistent practice, a beginner can learn a song. The key takeaways are using apps for feedback, breaking down practice into small parts, and using a metronome to build timing and muscle memory.
Mentioned in this Video
Tutorial Checklist
5
04:08
Use a metronome starting at 80 BPM, aiming to hit notes on the beat, and increase speed gradually.
Study Flashcards (5)
What type of keyboard keys are recommended for beginners to imitate a real piano?
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What type of keyboard keys are recommended for beginners to imitate a real piano?
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Half-weighted keys
00:13
What app is used to connect the keyboard and provide song notation?
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What app is used to connect the keyboard and provide song notation?
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Online Pianist
00:40
What is the recommended starting tempo for a metronome?
medium
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What is the recommended starting tempo for a metronome?
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80 beats per minute
04:22
What does the finger number 1 represent in the app?
easy
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What does the finger number 1 represent in the app?
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Thumb
02:50
Why is repetition of small parts important?
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Why is repetition of small parts important?
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It builds muscle memory, allowing subconscious playing later.
02:03
๐ก Key Takeaways
๐ก
Right Equipment Matters
Highlights the importance of half-weighted keys for realistic practice.
00:13
๐ง
Muscle Memory Through Repetition
Explains a core learning technique that applies to any skill.
02:03
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Metronome for Timing
Shows a practical method to improve rhythm and accuracy.
04:08
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Self-Reflection After Performance
Demonstrates the importance of evaluating one's own performance for improvement.
04:55Full Transcript
[00:00] Since I was a kid, I thought an unused piano looks pretty sad. So I was always motivated to learn it, but I never really started.
[00:13] And this is the reason why I'm here now. But this time, I want to do it right. And it all starts with the right setup. So I bought a keyboard with 61 half weighted keys, which is enough for most songs we play.
[00:26] And if you want to play on a real piano someday, their halfway-to-keys are a game-changer, as they imitate the resistance of mechanical keys. In addition, the keyboard just has a MIDI connection, so you can use an app called Online Pianos.
[00:40] This will make your life very easy when you need to learn new songs. This is the first day, and I think I'm super slow.
[00:52] I mean, I have some experience with pianos, I can name the keys, can play a key note, but I was never able to play a real song. And so I'm very happy here that I'm able to connect my keyboard to my tablet and an app called Online Pianist.
[01:06] So I don't need to learn classical sheet notation, which I can't even read. The app includes the notation for thousands of songs, and a lot of them are even free. One of them is the Turkish March from Mozart, the song you just heard in the intro, and the song that I want to learn.
[01:21] The best feature of the app is that it recognizes the keys you play, if you play them right or wrong. On day 3 I tried to play with two hands for the first time.
[01:33] It's difficult and very slow, but I think it's all about repetition here. About a week later I'm visiting Kyle. He has a big piano and I'm already able to play with two hands a small part of the song.
[01:49] And it doesn sound too bad Yeah Back home I want to share with you my second tip This is about the repetition of small parts You should start with repeating only a few notes over and over again
[02:03] and then adding more time by time. This is important because you need to build up muscle memory as it will help you later to play subconsciously. And if you do it like this it will be pretty easy. It's Christmas in, so let's check how far life comes.
[02:21] My next tip is about finger movement.
[02:50] As your fingers need to run all over the keys, you always need to know what to do next. The app indicates this with numbers at the notes, where 1 is for your thumb and 5 is for your pinky finger. In this example I play D-A-D-A with my thumb and my index finger, but next I need to play
[03:08] G major with my middle finger to be able to play F major afterwards with the index finger.
[03:20] Yeah, I don't know.
[03:36] It was the first day where I really struggled. And all the days before, I mean, it was okay. I was pretty motivated and at this point I need to finish this If I stop after 20 days I won be happy in the end
[04:08] Six days before the show, I still learn new parts, and realize again, it's pretty hard to learn all of this. My last tip for you is to use a metronome.
[04:22] I would recommend to start pretty slow, maybe 80 beats per minute. The idea is that you try to hit every note on the beat. You can increase this time by time and make progress every day.
[04:37] Compatible to the muscle memory part I explained earlier, this will really help for unconsciously playing right. It's one day before show, and I still have problems with playing right, playing continuously,
[04:55] playing clean, and remembering all parts correctly. Anyway, I want to succeed at this challenge, and I'm sure I can make it. My show is coming after such days of hard work.
[05:15] Thank you The End
[06:12] So this was the final performance after 30 days of learning to play piano.
[06:24] Am I happy with it? Yes, but I think I should improve this. It was a little bit too slow and the pronunciation of some notes is wrong in my opinion. This is something I need to work on.
[06:38] Thanks for watching this video. If you liked it, don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel. And please comment in the comment section below. Thank you and goodbye.
[07:10] Thank you.
[07:40] you