Category: piano teacher

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How Adults Can Fit Piano lessons Into Everyday Life

lizteachespiano

I’m proud to say that my schedule is quite full of wonderful students. Perhaps surprisingly, a good number of them are adults.

I say “surprisingly” because there’s a common misconception that private music teachers mainly teach children, or that most of their students will be children because adults simply don’t have the time to learn piano. But I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

As a private piano teacher, you’ll likely teach a lot of children, but don’t overlook adult learners and lessons. They can become a significant and incredibly rewarding part of your teaching practice.

I wanted my business to be genuinely accessible to everyone, and building a strong community of adult learners was an important part of that for me. I don’t teach in a “child- friendly” way, and I don’t teach in an “adult- only” way. I teach.

Adults come to lessons with their own goals, motivations, experiences, and perspectives.

Often, they also bring a real enthusiasm for learning something they’ve always wanted to do. That makes teaching adults not only rewarding, but a wonderful opportunity to help someone finally give themselves permission to pursue a musical ambition.

Work. Family. Friends. Emails. Errands. Laundry that mysteriously doubles overnight…If you’re an adult thinking about learning piano, it’s easy to look at your already very full calendar and think:

“I’d love to learn, but when on earth am I supposed to practice?”

Here’s the good news: You might just need a different approach. You don’t need hours of spare time to learn piano. All of my adult students are wonderfully busy people. They have careers, families, social lives and 47 things on their to-do list — and they still manage to make meaningful progress at the piano.

The trick isn’t finding enormous amounts of free time. It’s learning how to make the time you already have work for you.

You Don’t Need to Practice for Hours

One of the biggest myths about learning piano and taking lessons as an adult. You don’t have to sit at the piano for two hours every evening. If you have the time, fantastic. But if you don’t, 10–15 focused minutes can still be valuable.

Instead of thinking:

“I don’t have time to practice today.”

Try:

“I have 10 minutes. What could I improve?”

You might spend those 10 minutes:

  • Learning four bars of a new piece
  • Practising a tricky chord progression
  • Working on your rhythm
  • Playing a scale slowly and accurately
  • Repeating one difficult passage until it feels easier
  • Playing your favourite part of a song simply because it’s fun

Small and focused can be very effective.

The Secret: Make Piano Part of Your Existing Routine

Rather than waiting for a magical moment when your calendar suddenly becomes empty, attach piano practice to something you already do.

  • Morning coffee? Piano afterwards.
  • Finished work? Ten minutes at the piano before dinner.
  • Children have gone to bed? Time for a little Bach… or Evanescence… or Macklemore… just play some awesome music!
  • Saturday morning? Coffee, piano and no emails allowed.

The goal is to make playing piano feel less like another obligation and more like something you look forward to.

That’s particularly important when you’re learning piano as an adult. You don’t need another item on your to-do list.

What If You Can Only Practice at Weekends?

Im not going to lie, only practicing at weekends is not the best approach, but it is better than nothing. So don’t be disheartened if that is simply all you have time for. It is still some time you are taking for your hobby. It can still consolidate what you’ve been working on during your lessons.

Try setting aside 30–45 minutes on a Saturday and Sunday.

You could spend:

  • 10 minutes warming up
  • 20 minutes working on your current piece
  • 10 minutes revisiting something you’ve already learned
  • 5 minutes simply playing for fun!

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Use Technology to Make Practice Easier

Your phone can absolutely sabotage your piano practice.

“I’ll just check one notification…”

Twenty minutes later, you’ve watched a video of a cat playing with a box and still haven’t touched the piano. However, technology can also be incredibly useful.

Try using your phone to:

  • Set a 10 or 15 minute practice timer
  • Record yourself playing
  • Keep notes about what you’re practicing
  • Listen to the piece you’re learning
  • Record difficult passages so you can hear your progress over time

Recording yourself can be particularly useful. What feels awkward while you’re playing can sound completely different when you listen back. Also, there’s something wonderfully satisfying about listening to an old recording a few months later and thinking:

“Wow. I have improved!”

Don’t Wait Until You Have More Time for piano lessons

This is probably my biggest piece of advice for an adult who wants to take piano lessons. I wait as well. “If I get X done then I’ll have more time to work on own music.” Something else will always come up.

Don’t wait until work calms down.

Don’t wait until the children are older.

Don’t wait until the house is tidy.

And definitely don’t wait until you have become a person who naturally has two spare hours every evening. That person probably wont ever exist.

Start with what you have 🙂

Ten minutes counts. Twenty minutes counts. One lesson a week counts. Your piano journey doesn’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of what learning an instrument “should” look like. It can fit around your life.

Piano Lessons Can Actually Save You Time

If you’re teaching yourself, it’s very easy to spend your limited practice time going around in circles. You might spend half an hour wondering:

“Am I even playing this correctly?”

Or repeatedly practice the same section without understanding why it isn’t improving.

This is one of the reasons piano lessons for adults can be so valuable. A good teacher helps you know what to practice, and how to practice it. Instead of trying to figure everything out alone, you have someone who can spot the problem, explain it clearly and give you a practical way forward.

Maybe you’re a complete beginner.

Maybe you learned piano years ago and want to start again.

Maybe you want to play pop songs, classical music, film music or simply be able to sit down and figure out as song you like by ear.

There isn’t one “correct” way to learn piano.

You Don’t Need to Become a Different Person to Learn Piano

You just need curiosity, a piano or keyboard, and a willingness to give it a go.

The rest can be learned.

Lessons become much more interesting when we’re working towards something you genuinely want to play.

Ready to Make Some Space for Piano lessons?

🎹 If you’d like to learn piano as an adult, I am here to help!

My piano lessons are designed to be friendly, enjoyable and tailored to you. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to piano after years away, or simply ready to take your playing to the next level.

Get in touch to find out about adult piano lessons and let’s make some music.

Your piano doesn’t mind how busy you are!

Cloud formations resembling a grand piano and musical notes in the sky over a rural landscape at sunset
beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

What to Expect in Your First Piano Lessons

lizteachespiano

The start of a new school year is a wonderful time to begin something new. Whether you’re enrolling your child or starting lessons yourself, the first few weeks are all about building confidence, developing good habits, and enjoying the process of learning.

Everyone starts somewhere, and there is no “perfect” pace. The goal should not be to play difficult pieces straight away (you are only setting yourself up for disappointment). You want to try and build a foundation that will make learning easier and more enjoyable in the months ahead and beyond! Here is what to expect in your first piano lessons:

Getting Comfortable

Your first lessons are about getting to know the piano, your teacher, and how lessons work. You’ll learn how to sit comfortably, position your hands, and explore the keyboard while playing your first simple notes.

Tips:

  • Come with curiosity rather than expectations.
  • Ask questions whenever you’re unsure.
  • Children learn best when lessons are fun and encouraging, while adults often benefit from trusting the process instead of trying to master everything at once.

Learning the Basics

You’ll begin reading simple music, understand rhythm, and play easy melodies (I’ll try to work with you and find music you are familiar with, or a style you enjoy!) Each new skill builds naturally on the previous one, so there is no rush.

Tips:

  • Focus on playing carefully rather than quickly.
  • Remember that everyone learns differently.
  • It’s normal if some things click immediately while others take a little more time.

Building Good Practice Habits

The biggest secret to making progress isn’t talent- it’s consistency. Short, regular practice sessions are much more effective than practising for a long time only once a week.

For young children, a parent or carer can help establish a regular practice routine. Adult learners often find it helpful to schedule practice just like any other appointment.

Tips:

  • Aim for 10–15 minutes most days to begin with.
  • Choose a regular time that fits your routine.
  • Finish each practice session by playing something you enjoy.

Be Patient with Yourself

Learning the piano is a journey, not a race. Every pianist -child or an adult- learns at their own pace. Some skills will come quickly, while others take time and practice to develop.

It’s easy to want to play your favourite complicated songs straight away, but the strongest musicians are the ones who build their skills step by step. Each lesson, each practice session, and even each mistake helps you grow.

Tips:

  • Focus on progress rather than perfection.
  • Be patient when something feels challenging—it won’t feel difficult forever.
  • Celebrate small milestones, whether it’s learning a new note, playing a piece smoothly, or simply practising consistently.
  • Remember that every accomplished pianist was once a beginner.

Growing in Confidence

As the weeks go by, you’ll notice familiar notes becoming easier to recognise, your fingers moving more naturally, and your confidence growing. You’ll likely be playing several short pieces and feeling much more comfortable at the piano.

Remember, mistakes are not setbacks, they’re an important part of learning. Every pianist, from beginner to professional, learns by trying, listening, and improving.

Tips:

  • Celebrate small improvements.
  • Don’t compare your progress with anyone else’s.
  • Confidence grows through regular practice, not perfection.

What to expect in your first few weeks of piano lessons and Looking Ahead

By the end of your first few weeks, you’ll have developed a solid foundation and a better understanding of how to learn effectively. Most importantly, you’ll have started building a skill that can bring enjoyment for many years.

Learning the piano is a journey, and every lesson is another step forward. No matter your age, the most rewarding progress comes from patience, consistency, and enjoying the music along the journey.

I hope this little guide on what to expect in your first few weeks of piano lessons can help reassure you. I look forward to welcoming new students this autumn and helping children and adults discover the joy of making music, one lesson at a time. Unsure where to begin? Contact me, or book a trial today

Please note, to aid creativity, the header image for this blog was made with AI.

learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Is Your Child Ready for Piano Lessons?

lizteachespiano

A question lots of people ask is: “When is the best age to start piano lessons?”

The truth is, there’s no magic age. Some children are ready at six, while others may be ready a little later. What matters most isn’t age-it’s whether your child is developmentally ready to learn.

Here are a few signs that your child might be ready for piano lessons:

They Love Music!

Does your child sing along to songs, dance around the house, or enjoy experimenting on a piano or keyboard? If your child is excited about music, enjoys learning, and is eager to sit down at the piano, that’s often the clearest sign that they’re ready for piano lessons.

A genuine interest in music is one of the best indicators that they’ll enjoy lessons. Children learn best when they’re excited and curious.

They Can Focus for 30 Minutes

Beginning piano lessons involves listening, following instructions, and trying new things. Your child doesn’t need perfect concentration, but they need to be able to stay engaged with an activity for around 30 minutes. Not only to be able to cope with a lesson, but to be able to practice during the week.

If they can sit through a story, complete a puzzle, or work on a simple project by themselves without constantly losing interest, that’s a great sign.

They Can Follow Simple Instructions

Piano lessons are full of small instructions:

  • “Put your hands here.”
  • “Play these three notes.”
  • “Let’s count to four together.”

Children who can listen and follow simple directions tend to have a much smoother start with piano.

Their Hands Are Ready

Playing piano requires finger strength and coordination. Your child doesn’t need perfect technique before they begin, but it helps if they are comfortable doing activities like:

  • Drawing and colouring (also writing and recognising letters and basic math is very useful.)
  • Using scissors
  • Building with small blocks
  • Buttoning clothes

These skills help prepare little hands for the keyboard.

They Enjoy Learning New Things

Although I like to think my lessons are very fun and engaging, they are called piano lessons for a reason- they are a lesson. So they need to enjoy learning.

If your child likes trying new activities, solving problems, and celebrating small achievements, they’ll likely enjoy the process of learning music.

What About Younger Children?

Personally, I do not teach private piano lessons to children under the age of six.

That doesn’t mean younger children aren’t musical or aren’t ready to learn! In fact, many children under six are already developing wonderful musical skills. Some children under six may well be ready for private piano lessons.

However, in my experience, most children in this age group benefit more from play-based music experiences rather than more formal piano or singing lessons. For children age 6-8 I offer workshop style lessons where the emphasis is on fun with music, but this still requires a level of concentration and focus.

Activities such as:

  • Singing
  • Movement and dance
  • Group music classes
  • Musical storytelling

help build the listening, coordination, and attention skills that make piano lessons much more successful later on.

So while a four or five-year-old may be ready for music, they’re often more ready for fun, interactive group music activities than weekly one-to-one piano lessons.

Thinking About Piano Lessons?

Piano and singing lessons should be enjoyable, rewarding, and confidence-building. Starting at the right time helps children develop a lifelong love of music—and that’s far more important than starting as early as possible.

If your child is six or older and showing some of these signs, I’d be happy to help you decide whether they’re ready to begin. Feel free to get in touch with any questions or to arrange an introductory lesson. 🎹✨

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Why Recitals Matter-and How to Keep Them Fun and Low-Stress.

lizteachespiano

I recently held my annual spring recital for my students, and it was a lovely afternoon! The room was full of supportive families, a few nervous smiles, and so many small moments of bravery at the piano.

At the end, I even performed a piece myself! It was not my best work-a few slips here and there, nothing perfectly polished, as my goal is always to be prepraing my students, not me for the concert! But as you’ll see in this post, that’s not really the goal of a piano student recital in the first place.

Why recitals matter

Recitals give music a purpose beyond practice. When students know they’re preparing for a performance, their pieces begin to take on new life. Phrasing becomes more thoughtful, dynamics more expressive, and suddenly the music isn’t just “notes on a page”- it is music they will share with others.

Recitals build confidence in a way that nothing else in music class can. Sitting at the piano, taking a breath, and beginning-that moment teaches courage. Not the loud, fearless kind, but the quiet kind that grows over time. Each recital plants a seed: I can do this/I did this/I got through this/I enjoyed this! (Take your pick!)

Recitals also create a sense of community. Students hear one another play, parents connect, and everyone gets to celebrate progress together. It reminds us that music isn’t just a solitary journey—it’s something we experience and enjoy together.

Recitals are not for everyone—and that’s completely okay. Some students simply don’t enjoy performing in front of others, and some may have their own reasons for preferring to keep their music private. Every student comes to the piano for different reasons: some love the spotlight, while others find joy in the quiet, personal experience of playing. Because of that, I never believe in forcing a student to perform. Instead, I offer recitals as an opportunity, not an obligation—something they can grow into if and when they feel ready.

To some music teachers, this may seem like extra work- and it is. However, I would strongly recommend creating this opportunity for your students. Going the extra mile helps build their confidence, creativity, and connection to music, while also strengthening your relationship with them, their families and keeping them motivated. Think of it as a fun event for yourself as well (this is why I perform something at the end- performing always keeps me on my toes!) To make the event a little easier, have the concert on a day you already teach students. (I teach Saturdays and held the concert Saturday early evening.)

Before the concert begins!
Snacks ready for celebration after!

Keeping recitals low-stress (and even fun!)

Not every student feels that “magical” feeling right away. Nerves are real—and completely normal. That’s why I believe recitals should feel warm, relaxed, and encouraging from start to finish.

Here are a few ways I keep things cosy and low-pressure:

  • We redefine “perfect.”
    In my studio, a successful performance isn’t about playing every note flawlessly. It’s about sharing your music and continuing even if something goes wrong. Mistakes are part of live music—and learning to move past them is a skill worth celebrating.
  • We keep the atmosphere gentle.
    Think soft lighting, a welcoming space, and friendly faces. I add small touches like simple decorations, and some snacks and certificates afterwards to make the event feel special but not formal.
  • Short and sweet programs.
    Especially for younger students, shorter recitals help keep energy positive and nerves manageable. Everyone gets their moment without feeling overwhelmed. This will also help keep the event more manageable for you.
  • Practice performing ahead of time.
    This year due to illness and renovations I did not prepare students as early as I usually do. I will usually start introducing this from end of January, but this year I prepared everyone within a month. However, whatever your schedule, the week of the concert I do mini “studio performances” during lessons. I will sit away from the piano, and pretend I have come to watch the performance. By the time recital day arrives, it feels familiar rather than frightening.
  • Celebrate every step.
    After each performance, I congratulate my students. I am extremely positive and supportive of my students young and adult. Every student leaves feeling proud.
  • Encourage personality!
    Students choose what they want to perform, talk to other students about the type of music they like at the recital, and can dress in a way that makes them feel confident and comfortable. The more “themselves” they feel, the easier performing becomes. I want my students to get a strong sense of self from developing their music skills. 

A moment that stays with them

Years from now, most students won’t remember every thing you did in class. But, they will remember how it felt to sit at the piano with you, and to perform for others. They’ll remember the butterflies, relatives proudly taking photos, the deep breath, and the applause that followed.

Recitals aren’t about pressure or perfection. They’re about growth, courage, and connection. When we keep them warm and low-stress, they become something students look forward to—not fear.

And that’s when music becomes magic.

(please note: To aid creativity the blog post feature image was made with A.I. This doesn’t reflect my music room!)

learning environment, Music Composition, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Music Practice and the art of Patience and Self-Discipline

lizteachespiano

Regular music practice is one of the most practical ways to develop patience and self-discipline. This week’s piano and singing lessons offered clear examples of how these skills are built through intentional practice.

In the first video, I’m demonstrating a piece that uses the Phrygian scale, a scale one of my students particularly enjoys. Instead of practicing the scale in isolation, I chose a short piece that shows how the scale functions in real music. Many children and adult learners have thought “Why do I need to learn scales!?” This helps students connect technical material to sound, style, and musical context—an important step in deeper understanding.

‘My Journey leads into the desert’ by Hanz Zimmer-Arrangement by Laurie Theberge.

The first time I played this piece to the student, it wasn’t great! I had to spend time during the week practicing it, refining it, just as a student would. This process reinforced an important learning principle: improvement comes from focused repetition. You wont have patience straight away. Patience develops through practice.

The second video shows me singing a new song and experimenting with it in different styles. This type of practice supports flexibility and musical awareness. Trying multiple approaches encourages active listening and helps develop control, rather than relying on habit or comfort.

Acoustic version of ‘Trees’ written and performed by me.

Both examples highlight how self-discipline in music is less about strict routines and more about consistent, thoughtful engagement. Whether working on a scale through repertoire or exploring style, progress depends on showing up regularly and reflecting on what works.

Music practice provides a clear framework for learning: set a goal, work slowly, evaluate results, and adjust. These habits strengthen patience and self-discipline in a way that naturally transfers to other areas of learning.

For students and teachers alike, staying engaged in this process is essential. Practice is where real learning happens.

Interested in learning the art of patience and Self-Discipline? See if music lessons could work for you today!