Improving without a Teacher: A Guide for Self-Learners of Piano

Many piano learners believe they are much better than they actually are, often because of encouraging but unknowledgeable relatives. This overconfidence can lead to a false sense of progress, making it hard to recognize real improvement in one's skills.

Breaking the Barrier to Real Improvement

The turning point for me came when I was around 13 and got accepted into the Royal Academy of Music. Having been in an environment where pianists were of a lower standard, I thought I was much better than I actually was. However, it was a hard reality check when I heard the performances of younger, more trained pianists during my first student recital at the age of 14. This experience should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re ahead of the game without proper guidance.

The best advice is to attend student recitals and listen to performances by other similar-aged pianists who have taken lessons. It’s crucial to have a clear yardstick to measure your improvement. This can easily be done by recording your piano practice and listening back to it periodically.

Regular Self-Assessment Through Recording

Scheduling regular recordings, ideally once a month, is a valuable tool in gauging your progress. Use your smartphone’s simple voice recorder, which will suffice for this purpose. By comparing recordings from different time points, you can clearly see your improvement and understand what you’ve been working on.

Seeking Professional Feedback

While recording is a great tool, it is even more effective when combined with professional feedback. If possible, playing for a professional every so often can provide invaluable insights. If this isn't feasible, recording yourself and comparing performances over time is the next best option. Alternatively, you can sit down and analyze your playing, noting down your self-evaluations and comparing them over a period.

Routine Evaluation and Reflection

Regular self-evaluation can be done through written reports. Keeping detailed notes about your practice and performances will help you track your progress over time. These self-reports can be invaluable in recognizing areas of improvement. Remember, the absence of a recording machine in the past meant self-evaluation and feedback were often the only ways to measure progress. The most effective method is still having a good teacher by your side, but these steps can certainly help.

Putting It All Together

Record the pieces you play, whether it's a simple digital device or even your smartphone. Comparing your recorded performance with a professional recording, such as one from a CD, can clearly highlight your improvements. Simply by listening, you’ll be able to recognize progress and the impact of your practice.

Without a doubt, regular self-assessment and self-evaluation are fundamental tools for anyone learning to play the piano without a professional teacher. By taking the time to regularly assess your playing through recordings and written reports, you can ensure steady improvement and a deeper understanding of your progress.

The journey to mastering the piano is challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, you can make significant progress even without a teacher. So, pick up that metronome, grab your recording device, and start tracking your progress today!