How Long Each Day Should I Practice Piano?

Playing piano adds a sparkle to your life that stays with you every day! 

The very popular Lessonface piano instructor Beverly Cashin kindly answered a few common piano questions. This is the transcript of our interview. - CC

How long until I can play the piano well?

That's a common question, but I don’t think it's the right one. I’ve heard someone play a simple piece that could practically move you to tears, and I’ve heard someone play very fast with little effect. So it’s not about how fast you play; it’s about how well you play.

For that reason, I think the best question is: how can I practice effectively? If you practice effectively, you’ll progress faster. It’s hard to say exactly how long it will take. There’s a satisfaction that comes from playing something over and over until it finally clicks. You might play it 10 or 20 times before you get it, and that rewarding moment is available right from the start. You’re doing well from day one when you experience that. Progress happens one task at a time by mastering each one.

How long per day should students practice piano?

For kids, a general rule is their age times two. So a six-year-old doesn’t need to practice for half an hour; they probably can’t handle that amount of time. However, as you get older, you might aim for half an hour to an hour. For young kids, I often give them three specific things to work on during practice. If they accomplish those tasks by playing each of them three times, that counts as practice.

You can achieve a lot without spending a lot of time practicing. As you advance, you may want to increase your practice time. Think about great musicians like Bill Evans, who practiced three hours a day as a kid and six hours a day in college, continuing that level after graduation. Most people won’t do that, but starting small and gradually increasing your practice time is ideal. The key is consistency. Practicing 20 minutes a day, four or five times a week is better than cramming two hours in once a week.

Some people practice half an hour a week. Some people practice 45 minutes every day. Obviously that gives a very different result. The main thing is to have a consistent practice routine and to be very focused when you practice so that you make progress every time you sit down. If you do that you just keep getting better and better and you don't have to play complicated music to sound good. You can play simpler music, and if you're making a good effort it's going to sound good.

Making steady progress on the piano makes you feel good about yourself. When you practice the piano it stimulates your brain and your nervous system so it just provides a boost and a lift in these different ways. Playing piano adds a sparkle to your life that stays with you every day! It's a very good thing.
 

What is the best age for starting the piano?

I think personally that it’s six or later in general. I believe it’s possible to start too young, but not too old. I’ve had students who were three, four, and five, and while it’s possible to make some progress at those ages, it’s very slow. For younger children, music classes like Kinder Music can be beneficial because they involve jumping around and engaging with music in a playful way. Starting at six or seven is good because it stimulates the brain, which is excellent at that age.

Another factor is that there’s a certain personality trait that aligns well with learning the piano. It requires the ability to sit alone and work out details. Some people naturally have that disposition. For instance, I once had a student in his 40s who had never played the piano before, but he picked it up quickly because he had the right mindset. So, you can start at any age; it will build new pathways in the brain and provide various satisfactions, but my opinion is that six or later is ideal.

Is it okay to use a keyboard?

Yes, most people start on a keyboard these days. They are inexpensive and easy to acquire, so you can try it out and see if you like it. It’s common to start on a 61-note keyboard, but as students progress, they often move around the keyboard more. At first, they stay in a static position in the middle of the keyboard, so they don’t need the extra notes. However, eventually, they should upgrade to an 88-note keyboard or a traditional acoustic piano. A full-size keyboard with weighted keys is better for developing hand strength. Starting on a keyboard is very common, and there’s no shame in wanting to start with something easy and affordable.

Do you have a beginner instrument recommendation?

Piano is generally considered a good instrument to start on because it provides a clearer understanding of the keyboard layout and the theory behind it. You can see how the notes fit together and how scales progress. On other instruments, while you can find the notes, it’s harder to visualize the patterns. The piano is also referred to as the "composing instrument." Many famous musicians, including Miles Davis, learned piano to understand what they were hearing when improvising on their primary instrument. It’s a great way to gain insight into music as a whole.

What is your teaching approach?

I emphasize building a strong foundation. Developing finger numbers is crucial; using the right fingers when playing is so important. If students don’t master this, they’ll hit a wall eventually. We focus on that through engaging methods, teaching them the keyboard layout and rhythm counting.

Once they’re reading music, I incorporate exercises to ensure they’re counting rhythms correctly, as this is often neglected. I also provide opportunities for them to play music that involves moving around more. If a student expresses interest in a specific song, we can work together to figure out how to play it. My approach combines solid foundational skills with students’ interests, allowing for a tailored learning experience.

How do you tailor lessons to suit each individual student?

I create individual collections based on each student’s level and interests. Initially, I use some beginning materials, but as I gauge their progress, I customize lessons to fit their unique needs. I ask students about the types of songs they enjoy—some prefer happy tunes, while others are drawn to minor, more dramatic pieces.

I have a large collection of music that I’ve created—literally thousands of songs—so I can build lesson materials around what they need. This individualized approach may take more time, but it ultimately works better for their learning experience.

Do you have any advice to keep students motivated?

One way to keep students motivated is to incorporate songs they like. For beginning students, I have methods for them to play familiar songs right away, like "Jingle Bells" or "Happy Birthday," before they even learn to read notes. This excitement can drive them to practice and engage more deeply with the music.

It’s also important to provide the right amount of challenge. Research shows that the most motivating tasks are those that are incrementally more challenging than what students can currently handle. If students are moving too slowly, they can get bored; if the material is too difficult, they may feel demotivated. Striking that balance of challenge while being attentive to their interests is key.

What do you like about teaching piano lessons online?

Everything! It’s so convenient. You don’t have to drive anywhere, pack a lunch, or worry about overhead costs associated with a physical studio. Before, I had to invest in furniture, additional keyboards, and business insurance, which added extra expenses. Now, I enjoy fewer costs and can deduct some expenses on my taxes because I work from home.

I also appreciate the flexibility of scheduling. I can have a couple of hours of lessons, take a break to manage things at home, and then return for more lessons. I love the lifestyle that online teaching allows.

What do you think your students like about taking piano lessons online?

I believe they enjoy the technology aspect because they’re so accustomed to it. Online lessons provide convenience and flexibility, allowing them to learn from the comfort of their own homes.

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