3 Mistakes Beginner Piano Players Make (And How To Avoid Them)

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I’ve noticed a theme.

I’ve been teaching piano for many years, both privately and as an instructor at Pianote. In that time, I’ve seen beginners make the same 3 mistakes again and again.

It doesn’t matter if they’re learning in person or online, are kids or adults. There are 3 things that nearly EVERY beginner does -- that slows their progress.

Today I’m going to tell you what they are, and more importantly, what you can do to solve them (or avoid them if you’re just starting).

Mistake #1 - Rushing - 0:17
This is especially common in an adult learner. That’s because adults can understand a concept in their mind very quickly. But it takes time to apply that concept to our fingers.

In your head an exercise is simple -- but your fingers just don’t want to listen. That is SUPER FRUSTRATING and it’s normal to feel that way.

The solution -- is patience. You need to remind yourself that things take time and that if you keep practicing you WILL be able to do it. Regular, structured practice will get you there a lot faster as well.

Remember, you have the rest of your life to play the piano. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Mistake # 2 - Not Setting Clear Goals - 1:13
You need to know what you want to get out of learning the piano. If you don’t know why you’re doing it, then you can easily find yourself caught up learning songs and techniques that you don’t enjoy.

This is especially true if you are paying for lessons. Don’t spend your hard-earned money learning something you never want to play again. Figure out your goals - and tell your teacher!

There are so many possibilities and styles on the piano. Do you want to learn classical? Jazz? Or do you just want to learn enough to be able to accompany yourself while singing?

It also helps to have short, medium, and long-term goals.

Mistake #3 - Not Learning Technique - 2:01
I often see learners neglect the basics of technique. This ends up in them not having the technical skills to support the learning goals they have. It ties in with my point above.

If you want to be able to play jazz or classical, then you need to spend time mastering the basic technical skills required. This means scales!

I am all about providing quick wins and showing people how easy it is to play something fun on the piano. I’ve done a lot of those lessons:

Those lessons are great. But technique is the foundation of being an accomplished pianist.

This also ties in with the first point. It takes time -- you cannot rush this.

If you’ve noticed any of these mistakes in your playing, that’s ok! They are common for a reason. I would encourage you to stop and think about your learning and come up with a plan for how to improve it.

Good luck!

For more FREE resources make sure to check out Getting Started and Chord Hacks series:

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[yassir]

Whenever I watch your videos, I get that sense of caring and kindness, like that aunt everyone loves

[rodrigodezubiria]

Thank you
Great advice
I’m 64 and started 2 years ago.
It’s a slow process but I’m committed
I’ll look into your program
Meantime I’ll keep following you on YouTube
Thank you

[carolines]

She’s so charmingly watchable and wise 🥰

[arroyobaby]

....and this is why I subscribed to your channel. You’re sweet and honest ...and you still make piano playing so much fun!!!

[KenS-fqhj]

1st mistake NOT finding these wonderful piano lessons by Lisa. 🎹😀 Thanks.

[diamonoid]

Just wanted to say that you're an awesome teacher. I've been playing the piano for over 25 years and I always learn something new from all your videos. Keep up the good work pretty lady!

[akashmalik]

I just love the way of ma'am teaching. She explains very politely😊

[captaing]

This channel has the best tips I'll ever learn on Youtube. Thanks!

[sayex]

3 minutes tips. They answered questions i didn't new i had.
Thanks!

[autumdew]

I took lessons for 9 yrs walked away playing extremely well (I was told by many teachers not mine) HOWEVER, I have learned more from you. Such as names and such. I am getting back into playing an nope not like riding a bike. Thank you for the ease in the explanation.

[RaulSupreme]

Man that hit home. I’ve sorta stopped rushing now and I’ve accepted it may take 20 years but it’s what I want to do. I’ve also established that Jazz piano is eventually where I want to end up after I’ve finished breaking my fingers doing the foundational stuff

[rfuge]

Whenever I see her face... Smile always automatically comes to my face.. She is so charming... ❤️

[mallkeese]

Thank you you just confirmed what I thought I just had a stroke a few months ago and I got to keep reminding myself slow and controlled you have wisdom

[TreksofTrish]

Started 5 days ago. Learning rapidly, and posting videos of my progress. I need a goal.

[russellbrown]

OK, so I've only watched 3 videos on your channel, but you are the bomb. I really appreciate that you tell it like it is. goals, realistic, and it will take time.

[bokiviachumi]

Thank u so much for the tips....
Love u Lisa....

[angelh]

Setting goals of what you want out of learning piano is very important. I already have a list of songs I want to learn. They're easy ones like John Lennon's "Imagine". Then working up to songs like Journey's "Don't Stop Believing".

[trafficjon]

Yes your so right and thanks. Sad it effected my way of playing and performing at night clubs is much more tiring at times. Find it less tiring playing BOOGY than some slow baled or what ever.

[sayakgoswami]

Good point. I will keep these tips in mind

[APetula]

No rushing... I did not buy into that one. Moved through the "kindergarden" notions in 3 months and stopped for 2 years due to immense frustration as my brain could understand further (notation, the math behind scales and harmony) and my hands could barely play a pentascale in parallel motion.


Now back and I feel refreshed! Honestly, it is so good to spend time exploring a theme. I am concentrating in Keys of Major C, G and A minor (like I said, kindergarden leading to RCM grade 1) and I play arpeggios, scales chords, chord inversions, improvisation, sight-reading pieces, dynamics, pedaling, ear training, everything "only" in this "limited" world and I will tell you: I get a lot more progress now and the intellect is matching the mechanics. It is so rewarding! By the time I get to keys like Bb major it will be more about transposing knowledge and incrementally developing a piano geography awareness than my intellect fighting my motor skills.