When you take  piano lessons in DC, you will inevitably learn how to read music. When your child signs up, that is the first thing they need to know. You cannot interpret and reproduce music if you do not know how to read the notes.

Reading music, however, is completely different from reading a book. This is why you need a few methods that might help. Everyone is different, and there are a few ways that you can make this work depending on your learning style and/or preferences.

For what it’s worth, the writer believes that the Middle C method is the best approach to take because piano plays in both treble and bass clef. However, there are reasons for you to try all the methods on this list depending on what works for the student. If you are new to this, this is pure memorization. If your child is learning to read music, remember that they often need a tip, hint, or clue that makes their life easier. “Just memorize it” is typically not enough for a kid who is playing this massive and completely foreign instrument.

The Landmark Method

The landmark method that comes from the Alfred Piano Method books is based on learning a long string of notes with certain landmarks along the way. Now, the landmarks make sense because they will fit the student’s hands the moment they touch the keyboard for the first time.

The landmarks are F at the top of the bass clef staff, middle C, and G at the bottom of the treble clef staff. When you place your hands on the keyboard, you can easily make out all the other notes in between by counting. The note above F at the top of the bass clef staff must be G and so on. 

When you lay your fingers across the keyboard, the next finger is the next note. This means the next note is A and then B. Now you are at middle C. This is your next landmark, and you can count from there. The next note must be D, then E, then F, and now you are at G which is your final landmark. 

This works for some people because they memorize a few notes and can work out the rest of the notes as they go. The only problem with this is that it kind of requires you to look at your hands while you are playing. Yes, you’ll eventually figure it out, but there is a lot of back and forth.

Middle C

The Middle C method (in the writer’s opinion) is the best method for new students. Why? It makes the most sense. Middle C is called Middle C because it sits in the middle of the treble and bass clef staves. Yes, one ledger line above the bass clef staff and one below the treble clef staff are the exact same note. Now that you know that, it is easy to make out other notes. 

Because beginning piano music is so simple, you will learn five notes at a time. By the time you have learned those five notes, you have had some time to work out all the other notes on the staff. It’s a process of elimination. For example, a kid who learns Mary Had a Little Lamb knows five notes. It stands to reason that they can go just a couple lines down and learn a few extra notes. Before you know it, you know the whole staff. 

This is not memorization so much as it is “acquisition” of the note names and where they are on the keyboard.

Bass vs. Treble Clef

While this might not work for young kids, an adult can learn treble and bass clef separately. A lot of adults who start learning piano already know how to read one clef. You played, for example, trombone in high school. You know how to read bass clef. You just need to take a little time to learn treble clef. 

The same is true if you played, as the writer did, bass clarinet in high school. You already know treble clef, so you just need to spend a little time learning bass clef. 

Mnemonic Devices

If you want to use the elementary method, you can try some mnemonic devices to help students remember where all the notes are. The most popular (counting lines on the staff from the bottom to the top) are:

• Treble Clef—Every Good Boy Does Fine
• Bass Clef—Good Boys Do Fine Always

While you can make up your own saying or phrase, these are so common that kids might have already heard them in music class in school. If an adult is learning to play piano, they might remember these tips or have heard them through their child’s music teacher. 

Give Piano a Try Today

Piano lessons in Alexandria, VA will teach you how to read music. These tips make it a little bit easier to navigate sheet music before you feel comfortable. Everyone is different, and that is why you should try each method until you find something that works for you.

Whether you are looking for a used acoustic grand piano or a brand new digital keyboard, buying a piano is a big decision. Fortunately, we have a number of options here in the Washington D.C. area.

I’ve listed some local options below, followed by some general information on what to look for when buying a piano. Of course, if you are looking for piano lessons in Washington D.C. or piano lessons in Alexandria, VA, please get in touch!

Where To Buy a Piano In Washington D.C. 

Orpheus Music

Orpheus Music, one the region’s leading piano businesses, offers new pianos, used pianos, piano repairs, and more. They are members of the Piano Technicians Guild, and they are official representatives for the Schimmel brand (although they sell everything). They are an appointment-only business. More info:

Phone: (703) 534-0200

Address: 6224C Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA22101

Steinway Piano Gallery

Steinway’s showrooms are the best place to buy a new or certified used Steinway piano – you’ll be able to try out any make and model of Steinway, and you can ask the experts on hand anything you need to know. Steinways remain the world’s leading piano brand for a reason.

Phone: (703) 388-2482

Address: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd.

The Piano Company

Family owned and operated for three decades, The Piano Company is a great place to look for new or used digital and acoustic pianos. They also offer maintenance, tuning, and restoration services, and they carry hard-to-find hybrid models as well. Stop by if you’re undecided on what to buy – you’ll be able to try out numerous keyboards.

Phone: (703) 771-8119

Address: 206 East Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176

Do You Need To Buy a Grand Piano?

If you have space in your home for a grand piano, it’s certainly worth considering. Grand pianos are beautiful, have a sound that’s far superior to upright pianos, and elevate your home. The good news is that you can get a good (used) grand piano fairly inexpensively – if you aren’t in a rush to buy, keep your eyes on Craigslist and local piano dealership websites. If someone is moving and has to get rid of their piano, they will often sell it for much less than it’s worth. Also, contact and piano technicians in your area – they can help you find a deal on a cheap grand piano.

Upright pianos can be wonderful instruments too, though. If you have limited floorspace or need to spend less than $1.5K on a piano, you may need to get an upright piano. Spinets, the smallest model, will usually be the cheapest, followed by console pianos and studio pianos. For a great value, look around for a Yamaha upright piano – for the higher end of the upright market, look for Steinways and Schimmels.

How Much Does The Brand Matter?

Higher end pianos, like Bluthner, Bosendorfer, and Steinway, are certainly far nicer than a Kawaii for instance, but you don’t have to spend money on the best brand to get a fantastic value. Take Baldwin and Mason & Hamlin pianos, for instance. They are wonderful instruments, and Baldwins can be found in concert halls across the United States (same with Mason & Hamlin), they just don’t have branding power of a Steinway – therefore, you can find a very reasonably priced Baldwin.

Consider Yamaha pianos as well. They may be the best value on the market, because they have a beautiful sound, great touch, excellent look, and are trusted by recording artists around the world. You can get a Yamaha for much less than a Steinway, and it’s a great value.

Are Acoustic Pianos Better Than Digital Pianos?

That depends. Do you need to be able to practice late at night or early in the morning? Are you very tight on budget? If so, digital pianos come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, and they won’t necessarily inhibit your progress at the piano.

Casio makes an excellent line of cheap electronic pianos, and the Yamaha Clavinova brand is still the gold standard for affordable, high quality digital pianos. The Yamaha Avant Grand series is an incredible digital hybrid instrument that is worth a test – the full size version is $15,000, but it might be the most technologically advanced digital hybrid piano in the world.

The important thing is that your digital piano has weighted keys, 88 keys, a pedal, and has a sound that you don’t hate.

How Many Pianos Should You Try Before You Decide On One?

This depends on your goals – if you aren’t exactly bargain hunting, and if you are trying to find the perfect piano that you can use often and pass on to future generations, you should visit as many piano showrooms as possible. Test Steinways, Bosendorfers, Petrofs, Bluthners, Baldwins, and everything else. If you don’t play, you’ll want to take a pianist friend with you – you should never buy a piano unless you are sure that it’s as nice as the salesperson says. If you are buying a used piano, you may want to bring a technician with you as well.

If you are looking for great deals, you may not be able to delay – once you have a good idea of the piano market, if you find a great deal, you’ll need to move quickly or the piano will be gone before you know it.

Get In Touch For Piano Lessons At MEA Piano Studio

If you’re ready to give your children the gift of music, why not contact MEA Piano Studio about a free trial package? I specialize in pre-college piano lessons, and my classes and private lessons are fun, engaging, and will give your child a solid foundation in music. I’d be happy to speak with you – get in touch for piano lessons in Fairfax, VA.

Most parents want to know how long it will take for their child to learn the piano, and that question is justifiable – after all, it’s your time and money on the line! The question is reliant on many personal factors, though, and we’ll discuss those factors below.

I offer piano lessons in Fairfax, VA, piano lessons in Washington D.C., and serve the entire Northern Virginia area, so if you’re interested in signing your child up for a free piano lesson trial, I’d love to hear from you!

How Long Does It Take To Learn The Piano?

After one year of lessons, you should be able to read notes on both staffs, identify basic time signatures, and be familiar with the concept of sharps and flats. You may not be able to name advanced key signatures, but those will come a bit later. All told, after 12 months of lessons, you should probably be able to read two lines of notes simultaneously (in the right and left hands) within the five-finger pattern. Adults or older grade school children who are highly motivated will be able to exceed this.

By the end of year two, students should be able to play in 4-5 total key signatures, count in more complicated time signatures (like 6/8 time), and play a melody overlaid with a left hand chord structure.

In year three, students should be playing melodies and lines outside of the five-finger pattern – scales and crossover technique comes into play here.

By the time you reach the end of your fourth year, you should be able to sight read music somewhat fluently with two hands.

How Predictable Is The Piano Learning Curve?

The above timetable can be used as a rough guideline, but please note that this is impossible to predict. There are too many variables at play.

For instance, some parents like to start their children at the piano very young – four years old or so. They may not progress at the same rate as an older beginner. If your child is precocious, they may keep up with the steps outlined above, but it’s not necessarily likely.

Along those lines, let’s take a hypothetical situation. Student #1 starts the piano at age five and follows a pretty normal growth pattern at the piano. Student #2 starts the piano at age 8 and a half, and because of greater maturity and the awareness that they are “behind,” makes above average progress. Both students will end up at roughly the same skill level by the time they are in middle school.

Do Adults Learn The Piano Faster?

Adults have to unlearn more bad habits than children, and the adult mind can’t absorb information as quickly, but adults have two huge advantages: discipline and motivation. Adults can sit down and learn all of the notes on the staff in two weeks if they want two, they can learn their scales in the first year of lessons, and they can be learning intermediate repertoire by the end of year two. It all boils down to your dedication to regular, efficient practice.

How To Speed Up The Piano Learning Practice

The first thing you should do is get in touch with a qualified teacher. No app or self-study book can replace the influence of an experienced piano educator.

Secondly, follow your teacher’s instructions when you practice. The most valuable thing your teacher can do is to show you how to practice the piano, and if you follow the steps they prescribe, you will be ahead of your peers. It takes discipline, and most people are not disciplined!

Third, commit to regular practice, even in small amounts. Twenty minutes of piano practice per day is way more valuable than one 2-hour chunk per week. If you can commit more time, you will learn so much faster – it’s best to practice in 2-3 chunks every day. Each chunk can be only 15 minutes, but it’s a very efficient way to internalize information.

Fourth, remember that you can outpace your teacher! No teacher will be disappointed if you show up to a lesson having learned five more notes than they assigned.

Let’s Get Started With Piano Lessons Today

If you think my Alexandria, VA piano lessons will be a good fit for your child, please get in touch. I have 10+ years of teaching experience, and I offer classes and private lessons to pre-college students. I would love to work with your child at the piano.

Does it matter which instrument your child plays first, or is it beneficial to just get started with music in any capacity? Can your child play different instruments to pick a favorite? And will it set your child’s development back if they change instruments after a year or two?

As one of the leading destinations for piano lessons in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding area, we often help parents answer these questions around music lessons for their children. Keep reading to learn more, and please get in touch if you would like to enroll in a free piano lesson trial.

What Instrument Should Your Child Learn First?

If you are enrolling your 3-5 year old child in music classes, they will probably experience a variety of musical activities and instruments – this is for the best. Especially at the younger end of that spectrum, kids should be having fun, discovering musical concepts, dancing, and preferably using rhythm instruments like hand drums. It’s unlikely that your 3-4 year old will be able to have an effective piano lesson unless the teacher leads a significant amount of away-from-the-keyboard activities.

Things like bells, drums, and other percussion instruments can really help a child learn rhythm, and the voice can be used to train the ear and learn how to recall and reproduce tunes.

If your child is starting lessons after the age of 5, they probably have enough fine motor skills and discipline to jump right into piano or violin (or something else) lessons – although the lessons will still need to be specifically tailored for children.

Once Ready, Should Your Child Learn Piano First?

The piano is an excellent choice because it requires such a fundamental understanding of music and theory. It’s a foundation for a future in music, and whether your child decides to maintain piano studies or pursue a different instrument in the future, a solid understanding of the keyboard is very helpful.

The piano teaches both the bass and the treble clef, your child’s reading ability will be much better than non-pianists at that age, and compared to the piano, most other instruments will seem much easier. For instance, if you can play the piano, you can basically know how to  play the xylophone already, and you already know how to read music and recognize chords.

Many great instrumentalists started with the piano and picked up their brass, woodwind, or string instrument in middle school or high school (violin is usually the exception here), so starting on the piano does not mean they can’t learn other instruments later.

All Things Considered, What Is The Right Age To Start Music Lessons?

This varies from child to child, but you can start as early as you’d like – just realize that they won’t become a great pianist faster just because you enrolled them in lessons when they are three years old.

The earliest years should be spent galvanizing a love of music – if you can lead them to a discovery of the piano or another instrument, they will be happy to take lessons and practice without it becoming another chore. If they are handed a violin when they turn five and told to practice, it won’t be something they enjoy.

Our music classes for young children involve movement, rhythm instruments, teamwork, pre-recorded music, and more – we are trying to inspire kids and make them love music (while also learning!).

Unless your child is especially gifted and disciplined, starting them at the piano at age 4 won’t really increase the likelihood of them becoming an advanced pianist compared to a 6-7 year old who starts piano lessons. Even a child who starts piano as late as age 10 can catch up to the level of his or her peers by high school. It all comes down to practice and discipline.

Are Music Lessons Really Good For Kids?

Yes – music lessons strengthen the same part of the brain used for linguistic development, so one of the advantages of group piano class is that your young child will be more skilled at discerning language and communicating.

Music class also reinforces counting and logic, and it builds self confidence as students start to see that the work they are putting into music is resulting in greater ability at the piano or another instrument.

The social aspect of group music class should also be taken into consideration, and if you commit to practicing with your child, then it becomes a powerful bonding experience as well.

If you’d like to learn more about piano lessons in Alexandria, piano lessons in Washington D.C., or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we would love to hear from you.

Maybe you remember being forced to take piano lessons as a kid – and perhaps you don’t want to afflict your child with the same thing. Maybe you “burned out” because of a domineering teacher, or maybe the lonely hours at the piano started to wear on you. Or maybe, as a child, the last thing you needed in your life was another chore! Nothing sucks the joy out of an activity like being forced to do it.

And herein lies the question – should you make your child play a musical instrument? It’s not an easy choice, and plenty of well-intentioned adults have made the wrong decision both in favor or against the piano. Hopefully the thoughts below will help you decide.

And if you do want to enroll your child in fun, interactive classes or piano lessons in Fairfax, VA or Alexandria, please get in touch – I’d be happy to schedule a free trial for you.

Be Careful: You May End Up Causing Your Child To Dislike Piano

Forcing your child to play the piano probably won’t have the impact you think it will — they will most likely end up frustrated, they’ll stop playing as soon as they can (when they reach high school, college, etc.), and they won’t find any joy at the piano. And if they can’t enjoy the piano at all, what’s the point?

Your child probably won’t start playing the piano on their own when they are young, and it is certainly your responsibility to place them in a position to experience and try new things (piano being one of them). So the point isn’t that you should not try out piano lessons for your child; the point is that after giving it a shot, if the child really dislikes the piano, it may not be the right artistic outlet for them.

Does Your Kid Dislike The Piano, Or Do They Dislike Practicing and Work?

Discipline is a character and/or a learned skill. Young children, unless they are an outlier, will not have the discipline to sit at the piano by themself and practice the piano. So naturally, you’ll have to tell them to practice.

But if your child starts saying that they want to quit lessons, you need to get to the bottom of the situation:

1. Are they just frustrated that they aren’t seeing progress?
2. Do they actually dislike the piano, or the other stuff, like practicing?
3. Do they not enjoy the lessons or teacher?
4. Do they hate having to sit at the piano by themself?
5. Do they not understand that there are goals and accomplishments to be met during each practice session?

There are things you can do to remedy the situation. Firstly, talk to your child’s teacher. Are there clear expectations after each lesson? Does the child know why he or she must practice?  If you explain goals and progress to your child, they may understand. Give them items to accomplish during each practice session so they can feel a sense of accomplishment.

Secondly, you can sit and practice with your child. Making piano practice an activity with your child will make it more rewarding for them, you’ll learn the piano too, and they enjoy it. It will also keep their mind focused on practice.

Young Children Need Special Consideration

If your child has taken lessons for a while, and if they’re old enough to make an informed decision that isn’t reactionary, it’s worth considering their desire to quit. But younger children are different.

Firstly, if you force your 3-5 year old to take serious private piano lessons, of course they will complain about practicing – it would be rare for them to like it. There are two routes you can take. One option is to find a fun, activity-oriented piano class that involves rhythm instruments, multimedia, and engaged classmates. That’s what we offer at MEA Piano Studio for beginners.

Your second option is to help your child “discover” music naturally rather than forcing them to sit at the piano. Encourage their curiosity at the piano or keyboard, get them musical toys, and allow them to see you interacting with the piano. If they start to express interest in the piano on their own, you’ve already won half the battle.

Remember, You Have More Perspective On Life Than Your Child

Very few kids would study or engage with any subject in school if they weren’t forced to do so, and music is no different. If you believe that arts education is a worthwhile use of time that will lead to a happier life for your child, then you may need to make the piano a required activity. So many adults wish that they hadn’t quit piano lessons, so you may be saving your child from a lifetime of regret.

The key is to make piano an experience that they love in the first place. Find lessons that are inspiring and fun, get a teacher who loves working with students and brings out the best in each of them, and commit to spending time with your child at the piano. If you do those things, you’ll be off to a great start.

Much has been made of the differences between private piano lessons in Alexandria and group piano class, but which should you choose for your child? Will the young pianist in your home benefit from personalized private instruction, or a group setting with his or her peers?

The good news is that when your child is young, you can’t lose in either scenario – and that’s why we offer both options at MEA Piano Studio. Whether you want piano lessons in Springfield, piano lessons in Fairfax, or live online piano lessons, you’ll find exactly what you need at our studio.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of group piano class, or get in touch for a free trial lesson!

Benefits of Group Piano Class

We’ll talk about private lessons more below, but here are the top benefits of enrolling your child in group piano class in Northern Virginia.

Positive Peer Pressure

We often associate peer pressure with negative things – but not all peer pressure is created equal. When a child sees his or her peers practicing, performing, and improving at the keyboard, the student will very often start practicing on their own! Students in group piano class can encourage each other, learn from one another, and inspire each other to get better at the piano. They will also be relying on each other in duets and ensemble repertoire, so the peer pressure kicks in even more at that point.

Diversity of Activities

Piano classes mix classroom instruction with piano playing, and there are often games and away-from-the-piano activities involved. Students will drill things like key signatures and notes, apply what they’ve learned to the keyboard, and interact with one another.

Your child will enjoy mixed-media in piano class: materials on a screen, games and flashcards, audio in the form of recordings and midi files, and more. They will also play for one another and play with each other – wherever you enroll your child in lessons, they won’t have time to get bored.

More Musical Fulfillment At an Early Age

When a student first starts at the piano, they won’t play much “real” music at the beginning. It’s expected that the tunes will be very simple, and the student will be drilling notes and rhythms. However, in a group piano class, each member of the class can play a different musical line, and as a result, they will experience interesting music with a full sound. When you have 5+ students in a room, the individual parts don’t need to be advanced to create a beautiful piece of music! Your child will also experience pre-recorded accompaniments and beats, and there will be accompanying rhythm tracks as well.

Learn Rhythm At An Advanced Level

Believe it or not, rhythm is one of the most difficult concepts for young piano students to learn. That said, group classes are an excellent way to help musicians internalize a good sense of rhythm. Your child will enjoy group activities with clapping rhythm instruments, rhythmic backtracks and more, and the fact that everyone is playing together will help keep their sense of rhythm in check. After all, if you play to the beat of your own drum, you won’t be in time with your peers!

It Becomes a Social Activity

Kids enjoy playing with friends, so why should piano class be any different? They get to experience music with others, make new friends, and learn under the guidance of an expert teacher – it sounds like a winning combination to us. Your child will look forward to piano lessons, they’ll enjoy seeing their new friends, and your family will get to meet other like-minded families at recitals.

Overcome Performance Anxiety

Every pianist knows that playing in front of others can be incredibly stressful, but when students start performing at an early age, they can overcome this fear. In group piano class, young keyboardists will play each other and for each other every week, and they’ll be very comfortable with other people watching their performances by the time they need to give recitals or audition for school.

Why You May Need Private Piano Lessons

While there are innumerable benefits to group piano class, your child may also benefit from private instruction. Some children learn better in a one-on-one setting devoid of distractions; still other students may be too advanced to participate in group class. If your child is older than 10 years old, or if they are advancing at a rapid pace, they may need a teacher who can select repertoire specifically for them. Group class can help your child get better with positive peer pressure, but by that same token, then can also be held back by underperforming peers.

What Should You Learn In Group Piano Class?

Your child should learn all of the same fundamentals that they would learn in private piano lessons. They will learn how to sit correctly at the piano, how to play with correct hand position, how to pedal effectively, how to interpret music, how to count, how to read music, how to play by ear and compose basic tunes, and the fundamentals of music theory.

If you would like to enroll your child in in-person or virtual piano classes at MEA Piano Studio, we would love to hear from you. Get started with a free trial lesson at your convenience.