Piano Practice Can Be Fun Too!

Let’s be honest—most people don’t dream of practicing the piano. They dream of playing it. There's a reason “play” sounds joyful and “practice” sounds like a chore. It takes us back to childhood—some poor kid stuck inside, drilling scales while the other kids are outside playing in the sun.

So how do we flip the script? It starts with changing how we see practice.

Practice = Progress

Think of practice as the fuel that powers your ability to play freely. When you only play songs you already know, you're not challenging yourself. You’re polishing, not progressing. But when you deliberately tackle new, unfamiliar territory, you grow. Fast.

Here’s the golden rule:
Practice what you can’t play, not what you can.

Define Your Goal

Start by asking: What do I want to achieve?
Do you want to know your chords instinctively? Understand inversions? Explore chord substitutions?

Whatever your goal is, build your practice around it. Practice becomes powerful when it’s intentional.

Structure Your Sessions

Split your practice time into two halves:

First Half: Tackle the tough stuff. Your mind is sharper at the beginning.
Second Half: Reward yourself by playing some enjoyable—but still challenging—tunes.

Make it enjoyable and physically comfortable:

Use a proper piano stool at the right height to avoid back strain.
Ensure your piano is in tune.
If you’re serious, invest in a good-quality instrument. It will make a difference.

Smart Practice Habits

Stretch every 15 minutes – arms, shoulders, neck. Look up some yoga for musicians.
Use the “3x Daily” rule – if something is hard, practice it at least three times a day. Mastery takes time.
Don’t play for the neighbours – find a quiet time when you don’t care who hears. Mistakes are part of progress.
Organize your sheet music – don’t keep playing the top of a random pile. Use folders or shelves to rotate your pieces.

Be Realistic, Be Patient

Anyone can learn to play the piano at an enjoyable level. But no two people are the same. Some may be naturally gifted, but for most of us, consistent practice is what moves the needle.

Now and then, try playing with your eyes closed or without looking at the keys. It sharpens your ear and touch. And above all—organize your life so that practice is possible.

Mindfulness helps. Often it’s not that we don’t have time. It’s that we haven’t made time.

How Long Should You Practice?

That depends on your goal. You don’t need to be a concert pianist. If you're just playing for yourself—enjoy it. Focus on the journey, not the prize. Some days you’ll feel off. That’s okay. Walk away and come back fresh.

Piano vs. Keyboard – Which Is Better?

Both have pros and cons.

Piano: Great sound and feel, but you can’t turn the volume down. That means you’re always playing for an audience—wanted or not.
Keyboard: Plug in some headphones and go wild. Play, experiment, mess up, repeat—nobody will hear a thing.

Ideally: Get both.

If you’re buying a piano, look for an overstrung model, not straight-strung.

How to tell:
Lift the lid. If the strings run vertically and parallel, it’s straight-strung. If the strings cross in an X shape, it’s overstrung.
Pro tip: always get a tuner to check a used piano before buying. Loose tuning pins = disaster.

Choosing the Right Keyboard

Ask yourself: What do I want from this keyboard?

Want it to feel like a real piano? Get one with weighted keys.
Want portability? Go for a keyboard, but again—weighted keys make all the difference.
Avoid anything with fewer than 61 keys. You'll regret it within a week.
Buy a sustain pedal. Without it, your keyboard will feel lifeless. It’s essential.

Final Thoughts

Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Reframe it as purposeful play. Celebrate small wins. Be patient with mistakes. And above all—keep playing.

Because at the end of the day, playing music is what it’s all about.