What to Expect From Your First Piano Lesson in Southampton

Are you planning on learning to play keys and wondering what might be involved?

On this page, from River Recording Studios in Southampton

Whatever your age and musical stage, learning the piano is a valuable skill. We have the lowdown on what to expect from your first piano lesson in Southampton, so that you know what to expect and can prepare, to get the very most out of your session time.

Read on for all the information you’ll need to get ready for your session.

What to expect from your first piano lesson in Southampton

Taking your first piano lessons in Southampton is very exciting. But first, you’ll need to find a suitable teacher. You have a few options here.

Your choice will depend on your location, budget and preference. Learning to play the piano via video call is quite tricky. So a face to face option is usually best if you’re able to make it happen. Click here if you are looking to book a Piano Lesson in Southampton near you.

What happens on the first piano lesson?

The specifics of what’s covered in your first lesson will vary from teacher to teacher, as each has a different style. It will also depend on your age and pre-existing musical experience. But we’ll cover the most likely and generic scenarios when beginning. If you don’t already know your teacher, you’ll spend some time getting to know them during this first lesson.

You’ll begin with some basic posture; how to sit on the stool, hold your hands place your wrists and curve your fingers onto the keys. Then, there will be an explanation of the different keys (black and white) and where to find the Middle C.

Free piano lessons in Southampton

Get two free piano lessons to all new students if you pay for three as a “taster” to ensure the piano is the right instrument for you! If you would like to book a free piano lesson, please just contact River Studios by calling us now on 023 8065 8373.

How do I prepare for a piano lesson?

If you’re learning at home, you’ll need a suitable piano or keyboard for a beginner (unless your teacher has said that they’ll bring one along). You’ll likely need to prepare ahead of each session – your tutor will provide homework to practice in your own time ahead of each lesson. Setting aside a set time to do this each week will help you keep to the routine and stay motivated. Finding songs you enjoy playing, or making up your own will make the process more enjoyable. Remember, the more work you put in, the more you’ll get out of the experience.

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What should I know before learning piano?

Understanding a little music theory and rudimentary rhythm will be helpful. You can prep for this using YouTube videos, or books.

You can also learn the musical alphabet (the names of the notes). Otherwise, this will be covered in your first piano lesson.

If you’ve bought a new keyboard or digital piano to learn on, it will help to understand its functionality ahead of your first lesson. They are a little more complex than acoustic versions, so working out which buttons do what will be useful. Piano lessons are pricey, so if you’re on a budget, you don’t want to be wasting that precious time getting to grips with your kit.

Piano teachers in Southampton

The piano teacher will assess any existing skills during this first lesson. They will use some basic scales, rhythm exercises (using clapping) and if suitable, a very basic tune. If the student is a child, this will also enable the tutor to assess how far their motor skills have developed, so they can form an appropriate plan. They may also introduce music books, with notes to follow. It’s important to find a piano teacher who is used to working with other students of the same age.

Beginner techniques will vary from child to adolescent and adult. For example, with younger children, the teacher may choose to use a number or name system for the notes – and even stick them on the keys, or write them on the child’s fingers. This wouldn’t work for an adult with musical experience though!

How long should beginner piano lessons be?

They can be anything from 20 minutes to an hour and a quarter. Younger learners may find shorter sessions more manageable. Those wishing to fast track their learning will benefit from longer sessions. Either way, the more practice you put in outside of your lessons, the faster you’ll improve. Of course, another significant factor that influences what length of lesson you choose, if your budget. The longer it is, the more it will cost. Although, on a minute per minute basis, a lengthier session may transpire to offer better value.

Piano and guitar are arguably the best instruments to learn, providing a great amount of versatility. If you sing, you can self-accompany. If you compose, you can use them to write melodies and accompaniment. And once you’ve mastered either, it’s usually easier to move on to another instrument. Not everyone suits the piano though, so if after a few lessons you find it’s not for you, do try learning another instrument like the guitar.

To book piano lessons in Southampton, check our online availability below;