{"id":8791,"date":"2022-09-07T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=8791"},"modified":"2024-09-19T14:26:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T21:26:28","slug":"classical-piano-lessons-vs-modern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/classical-piano-lessons-vs-modern\/","title":{"rendered":"Classical Piano Lessons vs. Modern Piano Lessons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What\u2019s the best way to learn piano? Classical piano lessons or something more modern, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/learn-piano-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online lessons<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a common question beginners ask. And like lots of things, the answer is \u201cit depends.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I\u2019ll explore the differences between the modern approach used by Pianote and a traditional approach like the Royal Conservatory of Music. Hopefully, this will help you decide how to approach learning piano!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#disclaimer\">Disclaimer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#rcm\">Classical Piano Lessons: The Royal Conservatory of Music<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#modern-lessons\">Modern Piano Lessons: The Pianote Method<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#interlude\">Interlude: Late Bloomer Pianists<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#classical-to-chording\">From Classical Piano Lessons to Chording (A Personal Opinion)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"disclaimer\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Before we start&#8230;a disclaimer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone is biased, so I want to be upfront about mine by sharing a little about my background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I earned my Associate diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam program. (The RCM is the national conservatory in Canada.) I\u2019ve also tutored young people to help prepare them for their RCM exams, so I\u2019m pretty familiar with the traditional classical approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, I learned guitar in my teens. Learning guitar introduced me to chord charts, improvising, and blues scales. Then, in 2020 I started working with Pianote and became even more familiar with the \u201cchording\u201d approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having experienced a little bit of both worlds, I can confidently say that there are pros and cons to each. I\u2019ll further discuss my personal opinion at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rcm\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Classical Piano Lessons: The Royal Conservatory of Music<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conservatories are institutions where students study music and then graduate with a credential. I\u2019ll discuss the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada (RCM) because it\u2019s the one I\u2019m most familiar with. But another well-known conservatory approach you may want to check out is the UK\u2019s Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.abrsm.org\/en\/\">ABRSM<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/b\/be\/College_and_University_location_72dpi.JPG?20090619185850\" alt=\"Old fashioned black and white illustration of a medium-size academic building with the caption &quot;The Toronto Conservatory of Music.&quot;\" style=\"width:600px;height:467px\" width=\"600\" height=\"467\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Toronto Conservatory of Music (precursor to the RCM). Image provided by the <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:College_and_University_location_72dpi.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Royal Conservatory of Music<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-the-rcm-exam-system-work\" style=\"font-size:28px\">How does the RCM exam system work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The RCM offers traditional in-house teaching, but it\u2019s best known for its examination system, which is used by students across North America. There are 10 levels in the exam curriculum, Grades 1 to 10. These are followed by two additional levels, the Associate (ARCT) and the Licentiate (LRCM). Students can also earn an Associate diploma in pedagogy (teaching).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The practical RCM syllabus includes components like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Repertoire: <\/strong>pieces from variety of musical periods (Baroque to contemporary)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical drills: <\/strong>scales, chords, arpeggios etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ear testing: <\/strong>identifying intervals, chords, and progressions by ear; playing back melodies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sight-reading:<\/strong> clapping and playing new music on the spot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The RCM theory syllabus includes topics like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Basic theory:<\/strong> naming notes and intervals, writing cadences, identifying and writing chords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harmony:<\/strong> reading, writing, and analyzing chord progressions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Counterpoint:<\/strong> completing fugal exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Analysis:<\/strong> understanding large-scale forms like sonatas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>History: <\/strong>the Western canon of music, from the Middle Ages to the Modern era<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>FYI:<\/b> he RCM curriculum is updated regularly. This article is accurate to the best of our ability and reflects requirements at the time it was written. But students interested in the RCM programme should refer to official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmusic.com\/learning\/examinations\/academic-resources-and-policies\/syllabi-and-syllabi-errata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RCM syllabi<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/9\/9f\/Retrato_de_Domenico_Scarlatti.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/1\/1c\/Milij_Aleksejevi%C4%8D_Balakirev_%28%D0%9C%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87_%D0%91%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%CC%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B2%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mily Balakirev (1837-1910)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31125405\/49874795131_f56896e7cc_o.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31125405\/49874795131_f56896e7cc_o.jpg 360w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31125405\/49874795131_f56896e7cc_o-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Florence Price (1887-1953)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>The RCM method can introduce you to classical composers throughout time, from Baroque (ie. Domenico Scarlatti) to Romantic (ie. Mily Balakirev) to Modern (ie. Florence Price).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-rcm-method-pros\" style=\"font-size:28px\">The RCM Method: Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of benefits to a traditional classical approach. It\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A tried and true method:<\/strong> people have been learning piano like this for generations, and the syllabus is put together by music subject experts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Well-rounded and foundational: <\/strong>levels build in intensity bit by bit. It\u2019s a very graded approach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emphasis on technique: <\/strong>you\u2019ll drill all the foundations: scales, arpeggios, chords, inversions, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wide range of repertoire: <\/strong>students are required to play all eras of music, from Baroque to contemporary. However, jazz and pop are often not included.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ear training and music theory: <\/strong>you\u2019ll learn how to play and clap back what you hear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International recognition: <\/strong>the RCM method is recognized throughout the world as one of the gold standards of music education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-rcm-method-cons\" style=\"font-size:28px\">The RCM Method: Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being quite thorough, the RCM approach does leave out some areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fewer practical skills: <\/strong>improvisation, using lead sheets and chord charts, and playing with others don&#8217;t get much focus, but the most recent syllabus update has more options for substituting improvisation and lead sheets in some exam areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-classical genres:<\/strong> the vast majority of the RCM repertoire is classical, but the most recent syllabus allows students in grades 1-10 to substitute a popular piece from a pre-determined list of arrangements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> exams can be expensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Old-fashioned approach<\/strong>: for example, history exams rely on rote memorization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intensity: <\/strong>the syllabus is <em>very<\/em> demanding (I can speak from experience!) and exams can last for hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, my biggest critique of the RCM method is the emphasis on exams. Because while exam scores are useful for things like applying to university, in my humble opinion, a good grade shouldn\u2019t be the end goal of your musical journey. Music is also subjective\u2014what one person deems as an incredible interpretation of Chopin might be mediocre to someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/f\/fe\/Croce_MozartFamilyPortrait.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leopold Mozart was Wolfgang and Nannerl&#8217;s teacher, but his method would have been considered &#8220;modern&#8221; then!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-is-the-rcm-system-for\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Who is the RCM system for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, most people who participate in the RCM system are youth because students can earn high school credit by completing certain RCM levels. But musicians of any age can enroll in the system. The classical method is best suited for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>People who love classical music (of all eras)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students who want to pursue music in higher education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Musicians who wish to earn a credential, whether for academic, performance, teaching, or other reasons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Younger learners who benefit from more structure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those interested in mastering highly technical, athletic skills like fast runs, leaping arpeggios, and large chords<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Important note: RCM certification <em>isn\u2019t<\/em> required for many post-secondary institutions. Auditions are preferred in many academic programs. So be sure to check your program\u2019s entrance requirements!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weekly-email\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"modern-lessons\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Modern Piano Lessons (ie. The Pianote Method)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s face it: classical piano lessons were designed in a completely different time. Needs (and tastes) have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern piano methods tend to emphasize chords and ear training. This is because understanding chords allows you to play from chord charts, which are often used in popular music and widely available. And understanding chords and chord charts makes it possible to play piano <em>without reading sheet music at all<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31142024\/scott-with-ipad-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8804\" style=\"width:608px;height:406px\" width=\"608\" height=\"406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31142024\/scott-with-ipad-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31142024\/scott-with-ipad-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31142024\/scott-with-ipad-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/31142024\/scott-with-ipad.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Today, you can learn piano online!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is a <em>huge<\/em> advantage! Learning how to read sheet music can be time-consuming and frustrating for beginners. So, the modern approach is practical, efficient, and saves you time and money. In fact, you can play a large number of pop songs with just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/four-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four chords<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-modern-piano-learning-ie-the-pianote-method-work\" style=\"font-size:28px\">How does modern piano learning (ie. the Pianote Method) work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern piano learning methods will vary in their approach, but many put an emphasis on chords as the foundation to everything.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest difference between the RCM method and the Pianote method is that at Pianote, we introduce different concepts in each level. Here\u2019s a summary of what you can expect to learn if you follow the Pianote Method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Getting Started on the Piano<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 2<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Keyboard Confidence &amp; Control<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 3<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">The Key to Beautiful Music<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 4<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Playing Chords Like a Pro<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 5<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">How to Read (and Write) Music<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 6<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Developing Your Musicality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 7<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Common Piano Player Problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 8<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Exploring Musical Styles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 9<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Composition and Songwriting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#f61a30;font-size:24px\"><strong>Level 10<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Go Anywhere on the Piano<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more details about the Pianote Method <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/#method\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparing the Pianote Method and the RCM method is honestly comparing apples to oranges. The Pianote Method is more about giving you the tools to progress in whichever direction you want, whereas the RCM method gradually intensifies technique through harder and harder classical pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>Modern Method + Classical?<\/b>\n<p>If you like classical music but are intrigued by the modern Pianote approach, we&#8217;ve got you covered! The Pianote Method includes a classical learning path taught by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/beginners-classical-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Victoria Theodore<\/a>, who traces her teaching pedigree to Claude Debussy (yes, that Debussy!). Not ready to be a member? Try Pianote for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">seven days<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"modern-methods-sound-awesome-so-what-s-the-catch\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Modern methods sound awesome! So what\u2019s the catch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are pros and cons to everything. There is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alphapianostudio.com\/post\/what-s-the-difference-between-classical-pop-and-jazz-piano-lessons#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20main%20differences,musical%20material%20on%20the%20spot.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">argument<\/a> that modern methods can lead to a plateau of skills, while classical methods are better at building technique. The classical method is arguably more \u201cphysical.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classical education also emphasizes sheet music literacy. And while sight-reading isn\u2019t a mandatory skill (fact: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicfm.com\/discover-music\/famous-musicians-who-cant-read-music\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Beatles couldn\u2019t read music<\/a>), it\u2019s an extremely useful one. Being able to play anything someone puts in front of you is just convenient!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it\u2019s not too difficult to fill in the gap with whichever method you choose. Classical players can take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/chord-theory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chording lessons<\/a> and pop players can do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/technique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">technique workouts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Who should take modern piano lessons?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The chording approach that Pianote uses is best suited for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hobbyist musicians who just want to play the music they love<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those interested in pop, jazz, and improvisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Musicians who want to play with other musicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Songwriters and budding composers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singers who want to accompany themselves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-motivated adult learners who want flexibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28110249\/lisa-and-kaitlyn-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28110249\/lisa-and-kaitlyn-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28110249\/lisa-and-kaitlyn-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28110249\/lisa-and-kaitlyn-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28110249\/lisa-and-kaitlyn.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>Interlude: Late Bloomer Pianists<\/b>\n<p>The classic story of a successful pianist begins in early childhood. They\u2019re a child prodigy whose talent gets discovered when they can barely read. The prodigy is then paired with a renowned classical teacher and made to practice hours upon hours a day, becoming a touring concert pianist when they grow up.<\/p><p>But not all professional pianists share this story.<\/p><p>For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/kevin-castro-musicians-mindset-podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kevin Castro<\/a> (one of our in-house Pianote Coaches and an incredible professional musician!) started piano as a child but quit soon after. He rediscovered the instrument in his teens and learned through YouTube tutorials. The summer before university, he decided to pursue music for good and studied as much as he could to fill in knowledge gaps. He later became one of the few students to successfully graduate on time from his university\u2019s jazz program.<\/p><p>Also consider these other \u201clate bloomer\u201d professional pianists who buck the standard narrative:<\/p><ul><li>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glenngould.ca\/about-james-rhodes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">James Rhodes<\/a> took lessons between ages 11 and 18, he stopped for a decade. Then he rediscovered the piano at 28 and has since released seven albums!<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/music.psu.edu\/spotlight\/albert-frantz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Albert Franz<\/a> is famous for being a late bloomer\u2014he started playing at 17 after suddenly falling in love with classical music. Now he&#8217;s a well-known pianist with numerous accolades.<\/li><li>Revered pianist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/deceptivecadence\/2015\/03\/19\/393778706\/sviatoslav-richter-the-pianist-who-made-the-earth-move\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sviatoslav Richter<\/a> was largely self-taught until he caught the attention of a master teacher at age 22.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"classical-to-chording\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>My Personal Experience: From Classical Piano Lessons to Chording<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I was an unusual child\u2026I adored classical music and would beg my parents to play Mozart and Tchaikovsky in the car. Piano was challenging at times, but I was motivated to keep going because I wanted to play the pieces I heard in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, as a teenager, I became interested in classic rock and picked up the electric guitar (as teenagers often do). I learned how to read chord charts and this opened up a brand new world for me; I couldn\u2019t believe how much you can do with just chords!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/01090518\/piano-and-guitar-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/09\/01090518\/piano-and-guitar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/09\/01090518\/piano-and-guitar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/09\/01090518\/piano-and-guitar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/09\/01090518\/piano-and-guitar.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What I learned playing guitar turned out to be indispensable, because I use that knowledge every day at my job with Pianote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That being said, my classical foundation definitely comes in handy. Having spent years drilling chords and scales, I already had the tools to improvise and play other genres. All I needed to do was use those skills in a different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, my biggest advice is to <strong>play what you love<\/strong>. Go in the direction of your favorite music and <em>that<\/em> will be your perfect learning method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h3 style=\"font-size:22px;\"><b>Master the Piano YOUR Way \ud83d\udd25<\/b><\/h3><p>As a Pianote Member, you\u2019ll get access to our 10-step Method, song library, and growing community of piano players just like you. Plus: get coached by world-class pianists and learn whenever you want, wherever you want, and whatever you want.<\/p><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Classical piano lessons vs. modern piano lessons: which is better? A balanced discussion of the pros and cons of each approach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":8844,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132,1108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-musicianship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8791"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17152,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8791\/revisions\/17152"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}