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The piano is versatile - ideal solo and in a duo, ensemble or band. Pianist Christiane Dehmer answers our questionnaire for your choice of instrument.
4/17/2025

Learning to play the piano – 20 Questions with Christiane Dehmer

(27.05.2021)

Christiane Dehmer |

Christiane Dehmer began learning piano at the age of 9. She is a freelance pop and jazz pianist, singer, and composer. ...

REQUIREMENTS


What is the perfect age to start?

You can start learning piano whenever you feel like playing and practicing. The best age range to start is between 5 and 50 years – ideally, you should begin learning piano after starting school and up to the age of 15, but really, it doesn’t matter how old you are as long as you enjoy playing the piano.


Do I need to learn to read music?

If you like playing in different styles, learning to read music will open up many possibilities. In pop and jazz, you can play well using chord symbols, but not exclusively. If you play pop or jazz and develop only a limited love for reading music, you can still get quite far if you know the note names and the relationships between keys and chords to interpret chord symbols correctly.


Are there instruments that are played in the same way?

All electronic keyboard instruments such as keyboards or synthesizers, which are mainly used in pop and rock music, are related to the piano, as well as the organ or harpsichord, which are classical music instruments.

There are different types of electronic keyboard instruments, such as electric pianos or stage pianos, master keyboards, and typical "keyboards" with auto-accompaniment. If you want to learn the keyboard, it's best to start with the piano. The special thing about synthesizers is that you can create your own sounds.

The organ has registers that you can set for different timbres, and organ pedals on which you play the bass line with your feet.


What physical requirements are advantageous?

Your fingers should fit comfortably on the keys. For children under 5 years old, the normal key size of the piano is usually too large. If you have long fingers, it may be easier in some places. As an adult, you should be able to span an octave (the distance of eight white keys) with one hand. Your fingers don't necessarily have to fit between the black keys, but if they do, you have more options for finding the right fingering.


How do you know if you are ready for the instrument?

Important prerequisites are being able to concentrate well for extended periods and practice independently. It is also important to regularly schedule time for practicing.


FINANCIAL ASPECTS


How much does the instrument cost?

You will enjoy an instrument whose sound inspires and pleases you. It's worth trying out instruments, preferably with the support of your teacher.

An acoustic piano (or if you have large financial resources and plenty of space at home: a grand piano) is also available second-hand. You can find a used instrument starting at €500, a decent one from €2,000. For €6,000 – 14,000, you can get a good new piano.

Good digital pianos start at around €1,000. They should definitely be equipped with hammer mechanics to feel like acoustic pianos when playing. After purchase, the value of a digital piano decreases somewhat more than that of an acoustic piano.


Are there additional costs?

It is worth buying an adjustable piano stool (approx. €50 – 200). Pianos and grand pianos need regular tuning by a piano tuner. Ideally, this is done once a year, costing between €100 – 150. The condition of the instrument and the frequency of use determine how often maintenance or an overhaul is needed.

Music books are purchased as needed. If you have a portable electronic keyboard instrument (electric piano, keyboard, synthesizer), stands and carrying cases are recommended.


How demanding is the maintenance?

A piano is sturdy but should always be treated with care. After several years of intensive use, the hammer felts may wear out: If you see deep grooves from the strings and perceive the sound as hard, you might consult a piano tuner or builder.


How is the instrument transported?

For electric pianos, there are transport cases. Wheels on one short side of the transport case are practical. Hard shell transport cases are suitable for transport when instruments or equipment need to be stacked but are heavier than padded plastic bags.

Covering the keys when not playing prevents dust – even on electronic instruments.

An acoustic piano feels comfortable if it is not placed against an exterior wall and if the room humidity is between 40 – 60%. If you want to move it occasionally, it's best to place it on piano wheels. It is best not to move it too often.

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT


Can you teach yourself the instrument?

In piano lessons, you learn playing techniques that allow you to play relaxed, expressively, and with a pleasant sound, with individually suitable fingering. If you have already mastered this and ideally also know the basics of general music theory, you can choose music to play without lessons and find inspiration.

Learning to play the piano entirely without lessons is not recommended. Mistakes, such as in posture or playing technique, can easily creep in. For improvisation or accompaniment, it is also advisable to know more about voice leading and voicings. Once trained incorrectly, relearning is difficult.


How do you choose suitable practice material?

Based on what you want to be able to do: If you only want to play classical music on the piano, choose appropriate piano pieces. If you also want to learn to improvise, accompany songs, or play in a band, it is important to learn the connections between keys and chords and practice this with appropriate exercises.

Warm-up exercises and general technique exercises are good for starting a practice session. Rhythmic exercises are also very important – to train the independence of both hands and to be able to play grooves. Depending on what you are working on, you can sometimes practice multiple aspects simultaneously with exercises, such as playing technique, harmony, chords, keys, rhythm/grooves, phrasing, improvisation...

Suitable practice material covers several technical aspects and prepares you for the music pieces you want to play. You should also study music theory.


How much do you have to practice?

Starting with small steps, a goal could be 15 – 20 minutes of practice daily.

More playing time is not automatically more helpful, but longer practice sessions are sometimes necessary. Better to practice in small, focused steps than to repeat the same mistakes for hours. Try to practice regularly: if not daily, then at least 4 – 5 days a week.

More effective than practicing a piece for a long time all at once is practicing individual, challenging sections multiple times. This way, you will see progress much more quickly.


What are the typical difficulties?

A typical difficulty is using the right fingering to reach the right notes comfortably and evenly. Additionally, the left hand often feels weaker and more untrained. Certain playing techniques, such as rolling chords or octaves, initially seem unnatural to the fingers and need to be practiced to become effortless.

The more you familiarize yourself with musical structures such as scales, chords, and keys, the easier it is to read new pieces. Understanding rhythmic aspects can also be challenging. Some rhythms are unfamiliar to us and must be practiced.

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