What you need

0 / 13 done

Instrument

88-key weighted digital piano (e.g. Yamaha P-45 or Casio CDP-S160)1 · Best choice for serious learning. Weighted keys feel like a real piano. Check used listings on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to save money.
View on Amazon
$350-$550
61-key beginner keyboard (budget start)optional1 · Cheaper way to test if you like it. You will outgrow it after some months.
View on Amazon
$80-$150
Borrowed or used keyboardoptional1 · Ask friends, family, school, church or local Buy Nothing groups. Many people give pianos away for free.
$0-$100

Zubehör

Keyboard stand (X-style or furniture style)1 · Needed so the keyboard is at the right height. Some pianos come with a stand.
View on Amazon
$30-$80
Adjustable piano bench or stool1 · Good posture protects your wrists and back. Elbows should be about level with the keys.
View on Amazon
$40-$70
Sustain pedal1 · Often included with the piano. Check before you buy.
View on Amazon
$15-$30
Power adapteroptional1 · Usually included. Only buy if missing.
View on Amazon
$0-$20
Headphonesoptional1 pair · Lets you practice quietly at night.
View on Amazon
$20-$50
Metronome (or free app)optional1 · Many keyboards have one built in, and free phone apps work too.
View on Amazon
$0-$25

Lernmaterial und Software

Beginner method book (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course Level 1 or Faber Piano Adventures)1 · Faber Piano Adventures is great for kids. Check your library or buy used.
View on Amazon
$10-$20
Piano learning app (Simply Piano, Flowkey or Yousician)optional1 subscription · Most have a free trial. Parents must agree for under 18. Free alternative: YouTube.
$0-$150 per year
Private piano lessonsoptional4 per month · Many teachers offer a free first lesson. Community music schools and school programs are cheaper.
$30-$80 per lesson
Pencil and notebook for practice logoptional1 · Writing down what you practice keeps you motivated.
View on Amazon
$3-$8

02

Certificates and registration

No certificate needed

No certificate needed

Playing piano as a hobby needs no license or permit. If you want proof of your level, you can take optional graded exams, but you don't have to.

Optional: look up the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) levels or ABRSM grades at rcmusic.com or abrsm.org.
Optional: find a local teacher who prepares students for these exams.
If you are under 18, ask a parent before you sign up for lessons or paid apps.

Can I start right away? Today: find a keyboard, sit with good posture, find middle C, and watch a free beginner lesson on Hoffman Academy or Pianote on YouTube. Then play for 15 minutes.

03

What you need to know

6

Posture and hand position

Sit at the front half of the bench with your back straight. Keep your wrists level and your fingers gently curved like you are holding a small ball. Relax your shoulders. If you feel pain, stop and fix your posture. Pain is never normal.

Basics of reading music

Start with the treble clef (right hand) and the bass clef (left hand). Learn middle C first, then the notes C D E F G. Fingers are numbered 1 to 5, starting with the thumb. Learn the note names with flash cards or free apps like Music Tutor.

How to practice

Practice 15 to 30 minutes every day, which is better than 2 hours once a week. Play slowly, use hands separately, then together. Repeat short pieces of 2 to 4 bars. Use a metronome and speed up only when you make no mistakes.

First goals

In month 1 learn C position with both hands and play simple tunes like Ode to Joy. In month 2 to 3 learn C, F and G chords. After that learn scales, simple songs and the sustain pedal. Pick songs you love so you stay motivated.

Choosing a keyboard

Look for 88 keys and weighted or graded hammer action if possible. Touch sensitivity is a must, because it lets soft and loud playing sound different. A 61-key keyboard is fine for the first months, but weighted keys build better finger strength.

Teacher or self-study

Self-study with apps and YouTube is cheap and works well for the basics. A teacher helps you fix bad habits early, such as tense hands. A good compromise is lessons once or twice a month plus daily self-practice.

04

Where to learn it

6

BookAlfred's Basic Adult Piano CourseClassic, clear method for teens and adults, with audio support.Book on Amazon

BookFaber Piano AdventuresPopular series for kids and teens, step by step.Book on Amazon

Online coursePianoteVideo lessons for all levels, with a free trial period. Paid subscription.Browse online courses

Online courseHoffman AcademyFree video lessons for beginners, great for kids and adults.Browse online courses

Class in personLocal community music school or libraryOften cheaper than private teachers. Some libraries lend keyboards or books.

YouTubePiano Lessons on YouTube (Pianote and Hoffman Academy channels)Free lessons for the first months.

05

Key websites and creators

9

Websites

hoffmanacademy.comHoffman AcademyFree beginner video piano lessons.Visit

pianote.comPianoteOnline lessons and free articles for all levels.Visit

musescore.comMusescoreFree sheet music from the community.Visit

imslp.orgIMSLPFree public domain classical sheet music.Visit

rcmusic.comRoyal Conservatory of MusicGraded levels and exam info if you want a goal.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubePianoteBeginner lessons, chords, songs and practice tips.Visit

YouTubeHoffman AcademyStructured free lessons, great for kids and beginners.Visit

YouTubePianoTVEasy tutorials for popular songs.Visit

YouTubePiano Lessons On The Web (Mark)Clear lessons on chords, scales and improvisation.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

06

Step by step

0 / 6

Get an instrumentBorrow, find used, or buy a digital piano or keyboard. Set it up with the right height and bench.
1 to 7 days
Done
Learn the keys and notesFind middle C, learn white key names and finger numbers, and play five-finger patterns.
Week 1
Done
Start a method book or appFollow lessons in order and practice daily for 15 to 30 minutes.
Weeks 2 to 4
Done
Add both hands and chordsLearn simple left-hand parts and basic chords C, F, G and Am.
Months 2 to 3
Done
Play real songsChoose easy songs you like. Add scales and the pedal. Consider a teacher for feedback.
Months 4 to 6
Done
Grow and performLearn harder pieces, play for friends, or join a school group, and consider optional exams.
Months 7 to 12
Done

07

Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Get a keyboard (borrow, used or new) and set it up.
- Learn key names and finger numbers.
- Watch 3 free beginner lessons and practice 15 minutes daily.
Weeks 2 to 4
- Start a method book or app and follow it daily.
- Learn the notes in both clefs around middle C.
- Play your first simple songs with one hand at a time.
Months 2 to 3
- Play with both hands together at a slow tempo.
- Learn C, F, G chords and basic scales.
- Use a metronome and keep a practice log.
- Decide if you want a teacher.
Months 4 to 6
- Learn 3 to 5 full songs you love.
- Add the sustain pedal.
- Record yourself to hear progress.
Months 7 to 12
- Work on harder pieces and more keys (scales).
- Play for family or friends, or join a school group.
- Consider upgrading your keyboard or trying RCM or ABRSM exams.

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

08

Product reviews

0

Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

Learn piano

Guide: Learn piano