Learning The Piano During Lockdown

Lockdown gave many of us a rare chance to slow down and start something new. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning an instrument, the piano is the perfect place to begin. It’s expressive, versatile, and easier to learn than you might think, even without in-person lessons.

Whether you’ve got a keyboard collecting dust or are starting from scratch, this guide will help you get going with confidence and clarity.

1. Start With a Plan

Before you jump into tutorials and sheet music, take a moment to structure your learning. Piano is all about practice and patience, so building a routine that fits your lifestyle is key.

You don’t need hours a day; just 20 to 30 minutes, three to five times a week, is enough for steady progress. Use that first week to understand the basics:

How to read music (check out musictheory.net)
Keyboard layout and finger numbers
Simple rhythm and note values

Tip: Set goals like “learn the intro to a song I love” instead of just timing your sessions. It feels way more rewarding.

2. Choose the Right Instrument

If you haven’t already bought a piano or keyboard, don’t worry; you don’t need a grand piano to get started. A digital keyboard with weighted keys (like Yamaha’s P-series or Casio Privia) is perfect for beginners and won’t take up much space.

Are you unsure of where to begin? Read reviews on Gear4Music, Andertons, or even user threads on Reddit’s r/piano for honest feedback.

Pro tip: Look for 88-key models with touch sensitivity and built-in metronomes; they’ll give you the closest feel to a real piano.

3. Find an Online Platform That Works for You

There are loads of piano learning apps and websites out there, but not all are created equal. Here are a few favourites among beginners:

Simply Piano – Super intuitive and visual, ideal for total beginners
Yousician – Tracks your playing and gives real-time feedback
Flowkey – Great for learning songs quickly, plus some theory

Try free trials before committing. Everyone learns differently, so find what clicks with you.

4. Practice Smarter, Not Harder

There’s no need to overdo it or stress about perfection. Instead, try these practical strategies:

Set a goal per session, like mastering the left-hand part of a song
Focus on small sections instead of whole pieces
Use a metronome to keep tempo there are free digital ones online
Track progress with a notebook or app; seeing growth builds confidence

And most importantly, take breaks! If you encounter an obstacle, take a break and return with renewed energy.

5. Play the Music You Love

Learning scales and theory is useful, but if you’re not enjoying the journey, it won’t stick. The best motivation? Playing the music you actually want to hear.

Whether it’s Taylor Swift, Ludovico Einaudi, or The Beatles, pick songs that make you smile. There are simplified versions of most tunes available for beginners, and playing them will help you stick to your routine.

Try this: look up “easy piano sheet music” on Musescore or 8notes—you’ll find free versions for every genre.

Final Thoughts: A Hobby That Sticks

Learning to play piano during lockdown isn’t just about filling time; it’s about creating something lasting. Music helps reduce stress, improve concentration, and spark creativity.

Even 10 minutes a day can transform frustration into flow. So go easy on yourself, play what you love, and let the learning unfold.

FAQs: Learning the Piano During Lockdown

Was lockdown a good time to learn the piano?
Yes. With more time spent at home, lockdown gave many people the opportunity to start learning an instrument or return to an old hobby.

Can you learn piano at home as a beginner?
Absolutely. Beginners can learn basic chords, scales, hand positioning and simple songs using online lessons, apps and video tutorials.

Do you need a real piano to learn?
No. A digital piano or keyboard is a great option for beginners, especially if space or budget is limited.

How often should beginners practise piano?
Short, regular sessions are usually more useful than occasional marathon practices. Even 15 to 30 minutes a day can help build consistency.

Is it difficult to teach yourself piano?
It can take patience, but plenty of beginners successfully learn the basics independently. Online lessons can also provide extra structure and guidance.