Piano lessons provide more than just a musical education. They build life skills like goal setting and time management. They also reinforce the idea that hard work is valuable and rewarding. Plus, piano lessons develop coordination, fine motor skills and the ability to reason effectively and solve problems.

Piano lessons incorporate different curricula and methods depending on the school/instructor. Most every music school/piano instructor teaches the same basic principles though. One of the limitations of standard piano curriculum is that the majority explore only one or two types of music (like classical). Eventually some students want to branch out and incorporate popular music in their repertoires.

It can be tough to convince a hardcore classical musician to teach someone to play Jerry Lee Lewis. That’s okay. Just like many mechanics specialize in a particular type of car, piano instructors have their own genres too. Don’t fire your teacher. There is much value in learning the classics.

Instead, supplement your traditional piano lessons with popular music lessons. Piano students can learn to play jazz, rock, blues or pop piano from a number of other sources:

* Specialized lessons. Find a one-on-one piano teacher who specializes in the type of popular music that you’re interested in. A majority of instructors teach traditional styles of piano, but there are many who specialize in popular music. One of the best ways to find a pop piano teacher is through a local music store. Many music stores offer lessons in a variety of genres. Others have lists of local piano teachers who teach pop music.

* Participate in group piano lessons. Again, local music stores and some community centers offer these types of classes. They tend to be less expensive than one-on-one lessons. Those who already have a good foundation in piano usually learn other genres very quickly in a group-style setting.

* Take an online course. The Internet is rife with quality popular piano courses, including many that are free of charge. The best thing about online music curricula is that you are usually self-directed. You can work at your own pace during times that are convenient for you. Some online courses offer support, like virtual instructors. They can answer your questions and clarify things that you have trouble working through on your own. A pianist who already takes traditional piano lessons usually fares very well in self-directed online piano courses. It’s a great way to keep learning the standards while still being able to branch out.

* Jam with other musicians. It’s amazing how much you can learn by simply doing. Check out what’s happening in the local amateur musical community. Find a local pub or coffee house that offers open jam sessions. Partner up with other musicians and host your own jam session.

* Brush up on your chords. Classical musicians frequently get little, if any instruction in reading and playing chords. This is because chords are not generally used in classical music. An understanding of chords is crucial to most other popular music genres, particularly rock and jazz. Purchase a chords workbook to study on your own time. Take a piano course that specifically teaches chords. You can also learn chords online, often for free. The more you understand chord theory, the better you’ll be able to tackle popular music.

Don’t give up on traditional piano lessons. Every serious piano student needs this kind of foundation. Just remember: it’s okay to love popular music too. Learning both Ray Charles and Rachmaninoff makes for a well-rounded pianist.

A free email newsletter on exciting piano chords and chord progressions from Duane Shinn is available free at “Pop Piano”

Pop Piano

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Tags: group piano, jazz rock, piano courses, piano instructors, Piano Lessons, piano teachers, pop piano

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