Tools of the Trade

Some things are simply necessary when one is aspiring to learn how to play piano.

1. An instrument

I have to say that this is vital to anyone thinking of taking piano lessons. I have had parents say they’ll wait until their kid/s can play some tunes before acquiring an instrument.

Well, they’re in for quite a wait. Piano playing is a motor skill. You learn by doing.

Let me try to illustrate:

I once asked a father to wiggle his 2nd finger on the right hand together with his 4th finger on the left hand, and then switch.

He took a moment at it, looking at his hands first before being able to wiggle the required fingers, especially on the switch. And that only involves a single digit on each hand.

What if it’s a combination of two digits? Say, the thumb and 5th finger on the right hand, 2nd and 4th fingers on the left hand?

Try it. Write down various finger combinations and see how quickly you can execute them. Then up the ante even more: do them without looking at your hands.

Do you get my drift? Such coordination between hands is required for effective playing, coordination that can only be acquired through practice. How can one practice without an instrument?

I’m not asking for a Steinway Concert Grand. Heck, I can’t afford a Steinway Grand even if I sell my internal organs in the black market! And I’m well aware that even an upright piano costs a significant amount.

But an instrument you must have, if you want to derive enjoyment from your piano study.

Here is where I risk sounding like an elitist ass: if you’re going for an electronic keyboard, I encourage you to get one that can mimic the dynamic range of its acoustic counterpart.

Playing on a keyboard that cannot go loud or soft via touch is akin to playing on a typewriter.

Who gets all emotional at the sound of a typewriter?

2. Sheet Music

Since I’m of the opinion that the ability to read notes is a step towards self-reliance, sheet music is a must. You’ve got to have something to read to improve your reading skills.

Now I’ve already got a ton of materials. Any student of mine hardly needs to scour the metro to find sheet music essential to his study or suited to his taste. He only needs to print them.

That isn’t too much to ask, is it?