1) Ease of Learning: Right now, learning to play the piano is incredibly easy! With the advancements in communication and the easy availability of multi-media, there really are no obstacles in your way. Consider professional teachers, online tutorials or you can even learn now by watching a DVD!

2) Cost: The cost of learning to play has also gone down considerably over recent years. For the cost of a good meal in a restaurant, you can buy a really good standard instruction DVD or a tutorial book. Personally, I prefer the DVD route, as you can learn to play at your own leisure; you can pause to make a cup of tea whenever you want, and you can learn at your own pace. Think of the DVD as your own private teacher at your beckon call 24 hours a day! Also, you’ll find that the vast majority of the good standard course books are accompanied with their own audio cd, which is always a help.

3) Use As Gift: It’s a wonderful gift to give someone. It’s a real treat to be able to share music with those around you, loved ones such as grandchildren, children or that very special someone.

4) The music: Got a favorite song? Play the piano and you can hear it any time you want! How many times have you listened to a song you particularly liked and then thought to yourself, I wish I could play that? What, exactly is it that is stopping you from doing so? A quick visit to your local library will present you with sheet music for all levels of expertise. You can even go online and print off sheet music; some websites even let you listen to the music online as you play. This way you can get a real feel for the song.

5) Bonding: There’s really nothing better for that bonding experience. For hundreds of years the music of the piano has brought people together; imagine if you could initiate a sing along with your family! Believe me when I say, it really is a special experience for all the family. To take it a level further, get them to join in! There is a great deal of music that can be played by two people (called a duet) at once.

6) Music Basics: It’s very much like riding a bike – when you know the basics, you
are off and riding! Piano playing can only get better with practice and longevity (unlike riding a bike, which can be a bit challenging as you get older). The more frequent you play, the more you will learn.

7) Depth of Sound: It’s like having your own mini-orchestra! The piano is a wonderfully versatile instrument. You can play simultaneous notes (treble and bass, usually right hand and left hand) on it without too much difficulty. Most other instruments are restricted to a single sound which is why it stands out from other instruments.

Learn Music Language: You will find yourself understanding how music is put together, and this, in itself, will give you a much better idea of what exactly the composer was trying to get across. When you play an instrument such as the piano, you will find you have a much better understanding of the music you hear every day. You may even surprise yourself by thinking up better ways to play, or even to improve it!

9) Body Fatigue: The piano does not require the physical exertions of, for example, the accordian or the bass violin! Physically, playing the piano is much easier than some other instruments and other activity– it doesn’t take such a toll on the body. Some people continue playing to a very late age.

10) The Tradition: Since it first appeared on the musical scene over 250 years ago, the piano has influenced just about every genre and style of music, and has even prompted the rise of many new styles. Any musical concert you go to, of practically any genre, has a keyboard somewhere on the stage.

Learning the piano is a wonderfully gratifying experience, and when you learn properly you won’t regret it. The above list is only a very few of the countless reasons why you should learn to play the piano. There are many more; I’m sure that you could even think of a few more yourself! It really is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself.