WHY LEARNING PIANO ONLINE USING AN APP IS A BAD IDEA

In the modern age of technology, we see the availability of digital learning revolutionized. Learning to play piano has extended from traditional learning to digital applications ("apps") that make "pie in the sky" promises, but often fail to deliver, as I hear so often from my students who previously tried these apps.

When learning the piano, it might seem appealing to go for the convenience of a piano app, but there are many compelling reasons why using an app to learn the piano is not a wise choice for aspiring piano players. Let's explore the difficulties of using piano apps and compare them to the tried and true traditional and comprehensive approach to piano education.

THE LACK OF A PIANO TEACHER'S GUIDANCE AND FEEDBACK

Online apps offer preprogrammed, automatic assessments of a student's progress. They do not replace an actual, experience, piano teacher who provides a specific piano program tailored to the individual student. This is like asking every piano student to fit into the same sized shoe! Every piano student is unique in their learning and has strengths and weaknesses that a piano teacher can assess to create the program and system that the student requires for success. An actual piano teacher offers support, encouragement, and guidance, which contributes to the positivity of the piano-learning experience and promotes the possibility that the student - whether child, youth, adult, or senior - will not become discouraged and quit.

Online apps do not provide the support, guidance, and assessment that is critical for a piano student, especially a beginner student, to become successful, knowledgeable, and have the strong foundation of piano concepts and technique. For example, one of my students, before coming to me, was using an online piano app. During my initial assessment of his learning, he could play a few popular pieces on the piano; however, while he managed to do this, his hand and body posture was incorrect. When I put the same piece of music in front of him as written on sheets, he had no idea of the notes - their names or values, the finger positions, the dynamics, the time signature, or any other element of the piece. He had learned to play a version of this piece geographically by watching a digital display and copied where the hands went. Not only is he now reading music and playing from the grand staff, he can enjoy the benefit of recognizing the elements of a piano piece and playing them because he now has the traditional foundation and technique.

THE LACK OF A MUSICAL STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY AND REGIMEN

When we learn a skill, work a job, or take a course, there is first and foremost the responsibility to be consistent, practice and complete tasks, and follow a regimen for a formula that promotes success and achievement. When learning the piano, it requires devotion and regular practice. If there is no guidance or motivation in reality, it does little to keep the student accountable or engaged.

Online apps rely on self-discipline, which is especially difficult for young children, those with limitations or challenges, or others. Many do not have the self-discipline and will lose the motivation to continue, especially if they encounter difficulties in understanding musical concepts through the app. A regular piano schedule with a tailored learning piano system geared to the student is the best way to foster piano learning and playing, and the willingness to continue in their journey of piano education.

At BPM, there is an expectation of progress and weekly goal-setting to ensure the student keeps committed and enjoys steady progress.

THE LACK OF PIANO THEORY, EAR-TRAINING, AND TECHNIQUE

Reading and writing music and developing a student's piano technique and ear-training are critical elements of learning the piano that accompany repertoire study. These are fundamental aspects of music education.

At BPM, all of my students - as young as 4 years of age - are taught and work with theory and ear-training exercises that correspond to their repertoire piano pieces. While doing so, they develop their ability to better understand piano music and enjoy the added benefit of developing their ability to play by ear and sing, even before playing the piece, and just by seeing the progression of notes on the staff while they clap first. Piano theory is the foundation that encompasses all aspects of playing the piano, from reading music, to composing, to improvising. These are invaluable skills that are often not learned via online piano apps.

A traditional piano education is the best route to a comprehensive and thorough musical education that will not leave the student limited, and resources, time, and money wasted.

THE LACK OF MUSICAL EXPRESSION AND ARTICULATION

Online apps may demonstrate basic notes and rhythms, they often don't teach musical interpretation and expression. Playing the piano is just like reading a story. It has emotion, depth, artistry, and the piano piece story must convey all of this through musical expression. A piano phrase is a musical thought or sentence. Musical elements such as dynamics (how loud or soft to play), timing variations (how fast or slow), or note articulations (smoothly-connected, detached, or staccato) must be expressed throughout the piece in order to tell the story.

BPM guides the student in developing these expressive skills and provide the necessary guidance and feedback. In comparison, online piano apps often overlook or underemphasizes musical expression and articulation.

Ultimately, contact BPM today to learn more about how I can assist you in a piano-learning journey that is personalized, traditionally-sound, dependable, successful, and enjoyable!

Sincerely,

Beth

BETH'S PIANO in MOTION

Tel: 647-349-5983 (Studio)

Email: beth.pianoteacher@gmail.com

Website: www.torontopianoteacher.ca