Tag: pianoträning

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

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!

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. 🎹✨

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!

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, Uncategorized

The Best Way for Beginners to Start Piano in the New Year- with free resource!

lizteachespiano

Welcome back and Happy New year!

I hope everyone has had a happy holiday season. As well as music, I painted, read, did some model making and wore my Mandalorian Christmas Jumper!

Me taking some time off! Wearing my mandalorian jumper!

The New Year is one of the most popular times to start learning piano. A fresh calendar brings fresh motivation. But many beginners quit within months, not because piano is too hard, but because they start with everything.

If you’re new to piano, this guide will show you the best way to start piano in the New Year, avoid common mistakes, and build habits that lead to real progress. If you’re not new, it could give you a warm up to get back into practice again. 🎶

Start With Clear, Realistic Goals

Instead of saying “I want to learn piano”, try:

  • “I want to learn the piano key notes confidently in 15 days”
  • “I want to practice X on piano 10 minutes, 4 days a week”
  • “I want to learn to read simple music in 30 days”

✅ Tip: Write your piano goal down and place it near your keyboard. (Or print out my free infographic at the bottom of the page and set by the piano for a guide!)

A guide for the best way to learn piano.
Download this infographic guide at the bottom of the page

If you haven’t already, get a keyboard. (Keep It Simple)

Beginners don’t need an expensive grand piano.

Best options for beginners:

  • A digital piano or keyboard with 88 keys- Do not label those keys!
  • A sustain pedal

✅ Tip: Avoid starting on tiny keyboards with few keys — they limit progress and can cause frustration

Learn the Basics First (Don’t Skip This)

Many beginners without guidance jump straight into complicated songs and skip basics. This often leads to bad habits.

Focus first on:

  • Finger numbers
  • Reading basic notes
  • Simple rhythms
  • Playing with both hands slowly

✅ Tip: A strong foundation makes everything easier in the long run.

Follow a Structured Learning Path

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is random practice of everything, all the time.

Instead of:
❌ Jumping between YouTube videos
❌ Playing the same song over and over
Try:
✔️ A step by step method
✔️ A piano teacher (in-person or online)

✅ Tip: Structure = faster progress.

Create a Beginner-Friendly Practice Routine

You don’t need hours a day. Consistency matters more.

Ideal beginner routine (20–30 minutes):

  1. Warm-up/Technique or exercises (5–10 minutes)
  2. New material (10-15 minutes)
  3. Review something fun (5 minutes)

✅ Tip: Practicing a little often is better than long, rare sessions.

Expect Slow Progress .

Piano progress is not always up. Some weeks feel amazing, others feel stuck.

Remind yourself:

  • Every pianist started as a beginner
  • Struggle means your brain is learning
  • Consistency beats talent every time

7. Make Piano Part of Your Lifestyle

The easiest way to stick with piano is to attach it to your daily routine.

Try:

  • Practicing right after school or work
  • Playing before screen time
  • Keeping the piano visible and accessible

✅ Tip: The less effort it takes to start, the more often you’ll play.

🎹 I’ve included a little infographic with the 4 key points I would recommend when starting piano. Feel free to print this out and put by your piano when you need a bit of a motivation boost! This will be the year piano becomes part of your life — not just another resolution.

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

3 Simple Tips to Encourage Piano Practice for Children and Adults

lizteachespiano

Learning the piano is fun and interesting—but staying motivated can be tricky for both children and adults. Here are 3 Simple Tips to Encourage Piano Practice for Children and Adults.

Children sometimes see practice as a chore, and adults, even though they’ve chosen to learn, often struggle to find time. (Even teachers like me have days when we’d rather not practice!)

The good news? With a few simple strategies, practice can become something enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Create a Predictable Piano Practice Routine

Children (and adults!) thrive when practice becomes part of their daily rhythm—not a surprise or a battle. Short, regular sessions are often more effective than long, occasional ones.

How to do it:

  • Pick a consistent time (after school, before dinner, early morning, etc.)
  • Keep sessions short—10–15 minutes is perfect for beginners
  • Use a visual timer.

Why it works:
Routines reduce resistance. Practice becomes a habit rather than a negotiation.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement and Reward Systems

Rewards can help keep motivation high, especially for younger learners—but adults appreciate them too! Rewards don’t need to be big; they just need to be meaningful.

Ideas for rewards:

  • Sticker charts or progress trackers
  • A favourite meal or coffee at a café
  • A special activity after consistent effort

Tip: Reward effort, not perfection. Consistency is more important than flawless playing.

3. Let Students Choose Some of Their Music

When students enjoy what they play, motivation increases dramatically. Even one favourite piece can make a big difference.

How to apply it:

  • Let students pick a pop song, movie theme, or seasonal piece
  • Ask, “Which piece do you want to start with today?”
  • Balance teacher-chosen music with student-chosen favourites

Why it works: Choice gives students ownership, confidence, and excitement about piano practice.

Final Thoughts

Motivation grows when practice feels predictable, rewarding, and personally meaningful. With a consistent routine, small rewards, and music students enjoy, daily practice can shift from a struggle to a source of pride and accomplishment.

🎹If you are in the Stockholm area and interested in enjoying practice more, or interested in starting to practice, feel free to send me a message!

Please note: picture has been made with AI to aid creativity and add fun!