Learn Piano Online: Guide & Online Course Overview

The piano is one of the most popular keyboard instruments and has been proven to sharpen not only the ability to concentrate, but also emotional intelligence. Learning the piano online is very easy nowadays and has many advantages. Here you will find an overview of online piano course providers and useful information about learning piano online.

Online piano course – Learn your favorite songs while playing

Learning piano online is a wonderful way to learn your favorite instrument in our connected world! Piano music enchants people all over the world with its diverse spectrum. From light and playful pieces to passionate or sombre works, from classical music to pop – you can portray the most diverse facets and soundscapes on the piano.

The 88 keys of the piano offer you endless creative freedom. With the right combination of white and black keystrokes, you can play almost any song or melody. With a little practice, you will soon be able to play your favorite songs yourself, for example. But playing the piano isn’t just about enjoying music – you’ll even benefit from your new hobby in everyday life!

Online piano lessons also improve your ability to concentrate, train your stamina and even your memory! Research also shows that even your emotional intelligence is improved by playing the piano. Have we already convinced you to take an online piano course?

Then you will find the most important information about online piano lessons and what you need to get started here. You will also find out how you can benefit from online piano lessons compared to on-site music schools. Especially in challenging times, such as since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online formats are becoming increasingly popular compared to face-to-face lessons.

What do I need for an online piano course?

The most important thing to learn to play the piano online is first and foremost a piano, electric piano or keyboard with a sensitive touch. You should place the musical instrument in a sheltered corner or a separate room where you can find enough peace and quiet for concentrated practicing. If you already have previous knowledge and are familiar with it, it may also be a good idea to buy a metronome. Which model is right for you depends on the following factors:

• How much space do you have at home?
• What budget do you want to invest?
• What quality should your instrument have?

Keyboard: The entry-level model

The most affordable and space-saving variant is the keyboard. In contrast to a piano, it only has 66 keys and plays differently to a piano due to the plastic keys. With entry-level prices starting at 200 euros, the keyboard is a good alternative for you if you are just starting to play the piano and want to get to grips with your new hobby.

Electric piano: The best alternative to an acoustic piano

The electric piano is closer to an acoustic piano. It also has 88 keys, which are ‘weighted’ and can therefore be played almost like real piano keys. Modern electric pianos can also often be played with headphones, which is a real advantage in small rented apartments! Some devices can even be connected to your smartphone or special piano apps so that you can learn to play the piano online. Prices start from 300 euros per instrument.

Acoustic piano: the classic for music lovers

Although the acoustic piano is a real heavyweight in terms of size and price, digital instruments do not come close to the unique sound and playing style of the classic. Inexpensive entry-level models are available from 1,500 euros. If this price is above your budget, you should invest in an electric piano rather than spending a lot of money on an inferior piano.

The basics: technical equipment

You will also need some technical equipment to complete a piano course online. Depending on the learning method or provider, this may be an online-capable playback device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone and, if necessary, a microphone.

Is online piano learning only for professionals?

Online piano lessons are just as suitable for professionals as they are for beginners! The great thing about the online offer is that the courses are very varied and there is the right variant for every level. As a beginner, you have the opportunity to learn the basics of the piano from the very first step. You can even learn to read music in an online course if the black lines and dots still look like Chinese characters to you.

If you already have previous knowledge or are an advanced piano player, online piano lessons can still help you to improve your skills. You can learn special techniques or specific pieces that you have always wanted to play.

A common misconception is that only children can successfully learn to play the piano. However, the piano is an instrument for all age groups. Piano students and teachers often even find that adults find it easier to practice the complex movements in a concentrated manner. So it’s never too late to take an online piano course!

How does an online piano course work?

The process of learning piano online varies greatly depending on the piano course. There are basically three different ways to learn piano online:

• Online piano course with recorded videos
• Playing the piano online using an interactive program or app
• Piano lessons in a live stream with a music teacher

Online piano courses with recorded videos are usually available to buy as packages. The moving image then explains what you should practise or how you should play something. Although there is no direct interaction, you can watch the lessons as often as you like.

On the other hand, you can connect a program or app either directly to your electric piano or to your acoustic piano via a microphone. The software then analyzes whether you are hitting the notes and keeping to the rhythm while you play. This means you receive constant feedback on your playing during the online piano course.

The live connection of a music teacher via a video conferencing tool is the closest way to learn piano online than in a music school. Through contact via webcam, your music teacher can give you direct feedback on your playing and technique, resulting in a quick learning effect.

Why is online piano learning better than music school lessons?

In spring 2020, piano playing received a lot of international attention when professional and amateur musicians from all over the world delighted their neighbors with balcony concerts during the lockdowns due to the COVID19 pandemic. During these months, music schools also had to close their doors and were only allowed to reopen under strict hygiene and social distancing rules.

Many music students are still unsure whether face-to-face lessons at music schools are a good idea in light of the dynamic infection situation. If you want to play it safe to protect yourself and others, you should definitely consider an online piano course. This way, you can discover a new hobby for yourself and enjoy music without taking any risks.

How much does an online piano course cost?

The cost of online piano lessons varies depending on which learning model you choose. Your expectations regarding the quality of the lessons also play an important role when considering the costs. For example, you can find online piano courses that are offered free of charge on the well-known video platforms. However, especially as a beginner, there is a great risk that you will feel lost with these offers.

If you are just starting to play the piano, it is important to first learn the basics thoroughly and systematically. That’s why paid courses are often the better choice for piano beginners and anyone who values a didactically well-prepared and sensibly structured course.

However, the fees for online piano courses also differ depending on which course model you choose. While videos are often offered as a package, programs and apps are often billed according to usage time or subscription. Live streaming with a music teacher, on the other hand, is charged by the hour. Whichever option you choose, online piano lessons are usually cheaper than lessons at a local music school.

When should I take an online course to learn the piano?

Anyone interested can take a piano course or online training at any time to refresh their skills or acquire new ones. Especially if you have little time to attend a piano school due to your job, it is worth taking part in an online course. As there are courses for beginners and advanced students, anyone who wants to learn the piano online can start right away.

What are the advantages of such an online course?

You have the following advantages when learning piano from home:

1. cost

In most cases, on-site courses are more expensive than online courses. In addition, you don’t have to travel. With an online course, you usually benefit from lower prices, which are usually less than €100

2. time factor

In most cases, an online course offers flexible participation. This means you can choose when you want to take the tax course. An online course is also available at the weekend. Guidebooks and eBooks or audio books are free to use and, above all, can be used again and again!

3. convenience

While you save the cost of traveling, you also save the time and effort involved. Learning from home can therefore help you to use the time you save for other things – such as wedding preparation.

Online piano course – hitting the keys is fun!

Whether beginner, advanced or professional – you see, an online piano course is suitable for every playing level and every age! If you choose to learn piano online, you have the opportunity to move your music school to your living room, regardless of time and place. Especially in times of Corona, this is an unbeatable advantage over face-to-face lessons on site.

Since an online piano course is usually cheaper than music lessons on site, it also has a positive effect on your budget. After all, starting to play the piano is not a cheap pleasure due to the cost of the instrument. So it’s good if you can save on running costs and still fulfill your dream.

You may have to be patient until you become the next Mozart, but it’s worth the wait. The feeling of being able to play your first melody fluently or finally master your favorite piece is priceless!