Click here to download your free Piano Practice Workbook outlining all my favourite techniques to help you get the most out of your time at the keyboard: mailchi.mp/bccb1e32807f/practice-workbook-giveaway
“Piano is a life long journey.” That’s certainly what I’ve realised as a late starter. It has to be one of the most complex skills that humans can master.
Totally agree with this idea of life long learning. As a former piano teacher/performing pianist, I find that having this never-ending beginner's mindset to learn something new helps piano progress dramatically. Being an adult piano learner keeps me humble, too. LOL.
As always diamond advice from one of the very few teachers on UA-cam who actually is the real deal. A gem of a teacher amongst the rest of the mediocre and frankly poor teachers! Take advantage and learn Thankyou so much for your advice.
Once upon a time you learnt to read “the cat sat on the mat”. Today, you can read read Milton and Tolstoy. Learning to play the piano is no different to learning to read. Le tells you wisdom.
Learning to play the piano is similar to learning a language. You might already sound like a native speaker but there is always something to learn, new vocabulary or idioms, etc. It really never ends and I think that is a good thing. I am really glad that Ms. Murphy takes this seriously unlike other youtubers who always claim that it is possible to learn all of this in 3 weeks or so just because they want to sell their courses. I mean yes, it is possible to play chords in three weeks but there is so much more to master than just playing something. I can't even begin to list, there is so much to do. Ironically, I get these ads right before Ms. Murphy's videos every time. 😅 It's like saying that people can lose 40kgs in 2 weeks and keep it. nah. I am really glad that there is someone on youtube who builds the actual foundation and mindset. I guess, there is a high incentive for youtubers to claim that it is possible in 3 weeks or 3 hours and I am glad that Ms. Murphy does takes the "boring, slow and hard" route but more fulfilling one.
Thank you for this. I am in tears ... because I am into piano learning for 4 years and am... nowhere... I do practice daily, but somehow I just am not "getting" "it"... But I want to be able to play so so so much ...
I am sending out a big thank you to all those on UA-cam who have offered great insight and information at no cost to me. Your channel and teaching manner has really helped my piano sight reading and music study. I don't have access to a teacher, so I am on my own and have been for much of my life with most of what I endeavor to learn and achieve. The internet has given me so much in the way of online learning and classes. You have helped me so much and I value you so much. Thank you. I am making huge strides and improving at such a better pace. And I have that motivation to stay with it.
You are so encouraging! Thank you. I practice regularly and I usually practice effectively. I need to get better at theory and sight reading and scales, etc.
Good advice. According to the teachers on Piano World most adults give up because of frustration => impatience with the learning process. You can’t jump your way up a mountain, it’s step by step. By the way, Google translated Le cheile as “together”, correct?
Fail on #5, playing pieces that are probably well beyond my level. I have never been discouraged by this, it takes longer but in the end I can play them pretty well, but of course there is room for improvement. Step by step, bar by bar. I’m sure this is the same whatever your level. I record myself, play for friends (musicians) who critique my playing. Yes I would love to have a teacher - finding a suitable one is way easier said than done.
Thank you so much for your positive and encouraging advice. Playing easier pieces has helped me a lot. There are lots of choices that are fun to play. In ten month of my journey I think I should be farther along than grade 2, but as you mentioned, there is always next year. I practice/play a lot (and make mistakes). Bottom line: I love it! (I'm 75 BTW and played a little in my youth). Hooked on your channel!
Thanks for these tips, Ms Murphy. I find that at my age which is quite advanced, I prefer to listen to classical music than play. I fell I have no idea of what time is left to me. Missing a day listening feels like a loss. Thanks, as ever!
Thanks for all your great videos. Always full of %100 good and useful advice. May I be so bold as to ask for a tip on this....what if you have been playing for say 4 years, in my case, and then something happened like a bereavement, in my case....then you are very busy, piano practice falls off and stops!! But you don't want to give up, but...in my case...you can't seem to get back into practice again. Or for people who played as children and stopped, but they would like to go back to it but don't know how to start again. So the question is..if you've stopped playing for whatever reason, how do you get yourself to start again...? Or is the answer..just do it? It's more of a mental thing I'm sure. It's like I use to have a practice mind set, and now I've lost it.. I have one idea, about why I lost the practice routine..it's to do with habits..I know the Atomic habits guy, I haven't read his book, but I get his emails every week...But I think when I use to practice I didn't practice at the same time everyday. I know of one piano tutor on youtube he says practice at the same time everyday. I'm one of those people who don't like routine, so I use to practice all different times of day, sometimes I'd always do evenings, but even then it would be different times..I think this doesn't make a strong fixed habit..so maybe then it's easier to stop? Think of bushing your teeth, it's always at the same points in the day, and you would never not do it...it's such a fixed habit. What do you advise? Do you think practice at the same time of day ? I read an interview with Rufus wainwright, he said he gets up, has a coffee then does one hour of piano practice everyday. But then he's probably been playing everyday since childhood, and has a fixed habit, like bushing his teeth! I do think it's harder when you start as an older adult. What do you think, and what is your advice as to starting practice again? Any psychological advice? It's all psychological really isn't it?? Thanks for all your help and great videos! From London Town.
Hi Sandra, great question, thank you! I think for most people, establishing a habit like the one you described, ie, tied to some other pre-established habit, can work really well, but doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, people with adhd for example. The other thing I find helpful is to figure out the very smallest step you can, and just committing to that. So that might be to just sit at the piano every day - once you’re there the rest often follows on quite naturally, but getting started is often the biggest hurdle! If all else fails, watching a video of someone playing music you love can be very motivating to go practice 😄 Best of luck with it!
@@LeCheileMusic hi! Thanks for the tips. Good idea to commit to small step, I will try the ..go to the piano and sit, or play one scale, I use to do that before when I didn't feel like practice and always works once you start you carry on. So I think going back one step and saying I'm just going to sit, hopefully I will then say, now I'll play one scale...and then that will get me started. Will try tomorrow. Thanks again, and thanks for your videos on youtube! All the best!!
I second what Miles says below. It can also help to go back to the very first things you played sometimes to see if they have become easier - I bet they have!
I’m 75 and have trouble remembering . I shared with my teacher whom I see about every two to three weeks . I think we are terribly hard on ourselves . Just enjoy the journey
Is this not true and awesome advice? Thank you! I find that no matter the level, we all want to get better! I spend hours at the keyboard daily. There is no doubt that determination is a helpful thing. Instant new subscriber!
Thanks for this - it’s not out of sync when I play it back and of course I wouldn’t upload a video with such an issue, so I wonder what’s causing it? 🤔
Hello Leah. I signed up for the free downloadable piano practice workbook. I’ve entered my name and email address, however I have not received it in my email inbox. Is there something that I’m missing? Or does it take time to enter my inbox?
Leah, wonderful advice. Thanks so much. Thanks also for the material on your site. By the way, you can make the link to it appear on your video description by adding at the beginning of the url ;)
Click here to download your free Piano Practice Workbook outlining all my favourite techniques to help you get the most out of your time at the keyboard: mailchi.mp/bccb1e32807f/practice-workbook-giveaway
“Piano is a life long journey.” That’s certainly what I’ve realised as a late starter. It has to be one of the most complex skills that humans can master.
Absolutely. 😃
Totally agree with this idea of life long learning. As a former piano teacher/performing pianist, I find that having this never-ending beginner's mindset to learn something new helps piano progress dramatically. Being an adult piano learner keeps me humble, too. LOL.
🎻
As always diamond advice from one of the very few teachers on UA-cam who actually is the real deal. A gem of a teacher amongst the rest of the mediocre and frankly poor teachers! Take advantage and learn Thankyou so much for your advice.
I'm blushing - thanks so much for your kind words. 🥰
I love to listen to your lectures they are so true and comfort your progress thank you!
Once upon a time you learnt to read “the cat sat on the mat”. Today, you can read read Milton and Tolstoy. Learning to play the piano is no different to learning to read. Le tells you wisdom.
Learning to play the piano is similar to learning a language. You might already sound like a native speaker but there is always something to learn, new vocabulary or idioms, etc. It really never ends and I think that is a good thing.
I am really glad that Ms. Murphy takes this seriously unlike other youtubers who always claim that it is possible to learn all of this in 3 weeks or so just because they want to sell their courses. I mean yes, it is possible to play chords in three weeks but there is so much more to master than just playing something. I can't even begin to list, there is so much to do. Ironically, I get these ads right before Ms. Murphy's videos every time. 😅 It's like saying that people can lose 40kgs in 2 weeks and keep it. nah. I am really glad that there is someone on youtube who builds the actual foundation and mindset. I guess, there is a high incentive for youtubers to claim that it is possible in 3 weeks or 3 hours and I am glad that Ms. Murphy does takes the "boring, slow and hard" route but more fulfilling one.
Thank you! ☺️
Thank you for this. I am in tears ... because I am into piano learning for 4 years and am... nowhere... I do practice daily, but somehow I just am not "getting" "it"... But I want to be able to play so so so much ...
Thank you so much I love your advice. It is so practical & compelling. 😊
Thanks Joan 🥰
Great video, When i started nearly 10 years ago I told myself the years will pass whether I play or not, but I am so glad I did!
I think you are fantastic! Anyone who shares their knowledge freely is. Thank you for a lovely video.
a great teacher...honest and encouraging...👏
I am sending out a big thank you to all those on UA-cam who have offered great insight and information at no cost to me. Your channel and teaching manner has really helped my piano sight reading and music study. I don't have access to a teacher, so I am on my own and have been for much of my life with most of what I endeavor to learn and achieve. The internet has given me so much in the way of online learning and classes. You have helped me so much and I value you so much. Thank you. I am making huge strides and improving at such a better pace. And I have that motivation to stay with it.
Thanks Jeannette, on behalf of myself and all the other UA-camrs, we appreciate your appreciation. Best of luck with everything! 🥰
I started one yr ago I have a teacher but I needed to hear this today . It almost brought a tear to my eye . Thank you so very much
You’re welcome, Janice, glad to help. 😊
Brilliant - I needed to hear this today! Thank you!
perhaps the best thing piano has taught me so far is nothing is impossible, and as you said ''to just keep the faith'' is important.
You are so wonderful !!! ❤❤❤
You are so encouraging! Thank you. I practice regularly and I usually practice effectively. I need to get better at theory and sight reading and scales, etc.
You're welcome, Beth! 😊
Thank you so much for this. Found it today and it really struck home. I'm actually doing all of those things and taking it slowly.
Wow! I am going to listen to this over and over!
You are amazing. .thank you.
Great encouragement, thanks
Thank you , I Am on the right track.. I’m do everything you have listed 👍🏼I just sent for you workbook.. but can’t wait…😃
Thanks Doris, let me know if you don’t receive it 😊
Good advice. According to the teachers on Piano World most adults give up because of frustration => impatience with the learning process. You can’t jump your way up a mountain, it’s step by step.
By the way, Google translated Le cheile as “together”, correct?
Yes, that’s correct 🥰
Amazing video and tips, thanks so much for sharing your passion and mastery with us! Cheers from Brazil!
I've just started on this exciting journey. Thank you for the encouragement and great advice.
You’re welcome, Elaine, best of luck!
Fail on #5, playing pieces that are probably well beyond my level. I have never been discouraged by this, it takes longer but in the end I can play them pretty well, but of course there is room for improvement. Step by step, bar by bar. I’m sure this is the same whatever your level.
I record myself, play for friends (musicians) who critique my playing. Yes I would love to have a teacher - finding a suitable one is way easier said than done.
Thank you for your wonderful tips!
Happy to help!
Thank you so much for your positive and encouraging advice. Playing easier pieces has helped me a lot. There are lots of choices that are fun to play. In ten month of my journey I think I should be farther along than grade 2, but as you mentioned, there is always next year. I practice/play a lot (and make mistakes). Bottom line: I love it! (I'm 75 BTW and played a little in my youth).
Hooked on your channel!
Grade 2 after only 10 months is excellent, Hella, you’re doing great! 😃
@@LeCheileMusic Thank you so much! 😍
Thanks for this post!
Thanks for these tips, Ms Murphy. I find that at my age which is quite advanced, I prefer to listen to classical music than play. I fell I have no idea of what time is left to me. Missing a day listening feels like a loss.
Thanks, as ever!
Lovely, Katie, what do you listen to?
Great inspiration
Thank you!
You are amazing! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Stop, I’m blushing! 😅
nice advise.
😊wim😊as always you made a valuable video,thanks😊
Thanks for all your great videos. Always full of %100 good and useful advice. May I be so bold as to ask for a tip on this....what if you have been playing for say 4 years, in my case, and then something happened like a bereavement, in my case....then you are very busy, piano practice falls off and stops!! But you don't want to give up, but...in my case...you can't seem to get back into practice again. Or for people who played as children and stopped, but they would like to go back to it but don't know how to start again. So the question is..if you've stopped playing for whatever reason, how do you get yourself to start again...? Or is the answer..just do it? It's more of a mental thing I'm sure. It's like I use to have a practice mind set, and now I've lost it.. I have one idea, about why I lost the practice routine..it's to do with habits..I know the Atomic habits guy, I haven't read his book, but I get his emails every week...But I think when I use to practice I didn't practice at the same time everyday. I know of one piano tutor on youtube he says practice at the same time everyday. I'm one of those people who don't like routine, so I use to practice all different times of day, sometimes I'd always do evenings, but even then it would be different times..I think this doesn't make a strong fixed habit..so maybe then it's easier to stop? Think of bushing your teeth, it's always at the same points in the day, and you would never not do it...it's such a fixed habit. What do you advise? Do you think practice at the same time of day ? I read an interview with Rufus wainwright, he said he gets up, has a coffee then does one hour of piano practice everyday. But then he's probably been playing everyday since childhood, and has a fixed habit, like bushing his teeth! I do think it's harder when you start as an older adult. What do you think, and what is your advice as to starting practice again? Any psychological advice? It's all psychological really isn't it?? Thanks for all your help and great videos! From London Town.
Hi Sandra, great question, thank you! I think for most people, establishing a habit like the one you described, ie, tied to some other pre-established habit, can work really well, but doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, people with adhd for example. The other thing I find helpful is to figure out the very smallest step you can, and just committing to that. So that might be to just sit at the piano every day - once you’re there the rest often follows on quite naturally, but getting started is often the biggest hurdle! If all else fails, watching a video of someone playing music you love can be very motivating to go practice 😄 Best of luck with it!
@@LeCheileMusic hi! Thanks for the tips. Good idea to commit to small step, I will try the ..go to the piano and sit, or play one scale, I use to do that before when I didn't feel like practice and always works once you start you carry on. So I think going back one step and saying I'm just going to sit, hopefully I will then say, now I'll play one scale...and then that will get me started. Will try tomorrow. Thanks again, and thanks for your videos on youtube! All the best!!
This woman must get 20mn+ subs.
Fingers crossed! 😄
I am practicing every day since Xmas, I feel I can never remember what I’ve learnt previously. I am 55 .
It has been the same for me .. just continue your habit of practising and you will progress. Ive been playing for 3 years now and am in my 60s
.
I second what Miles says below. It can also help to go back to the very first things you played sometimes to see if they have become easier - I bet they have!
I’m 75 and have trouble remembering . I shared with my teacher whom I see about every two to three weeks . I think we are terribly hard on ourselves . Just enjoy the journey
Is this not true and awesome advice? Thank you! I find that no matter the level, we all want to get better! I spend hours at the keyboard daily. There is no doubt that determination is a helpful thing. Instant new subscriber!
Thanks Bunny! 🙏
I’m also Becky; emailed you the other day. You responded, thank you! Really enjoying your tutorials!
@@bunnyhollowcrafts Oh yes, of course! Thanks Becky! 😊
Why is the sound out of sync in your videos? There are ways to easily fix that.
Thanks for this - it’s not out of sync when I play it back and of course I wouldn’t upload a video with such an issue, so I wonder what’s causing it? 🤔
Hello Leah. I signed up for the free downloadable piano practice workbook. I’ve entered my name and email address, however I have not received it in my email inbox. Is there something that I’m missing? Or does it take time to enter my inbox?
Hi Toviel, sorry to hear that! Can you email me at leahmurphyu@gmail.com and I’ll send it to you directly.
I wish you were my neighbor. Just because 😊
Aww 🥰
Play easier music
Leah, wonderful advice. Thanks so much. Thanks also for the material on your site. By the way, you can make the link to it appear on your video description by adding at the beginning of the url ;)
Thanks Maria!
Thank you!