Before you jump into the learning pages read the 5 important rules on how to study music. First of all you need to know the difference between Theory and Practice.

Theory: The general principles, ideas and rules that relate to a particular subject, in our case to music. Example: Explanation of a treble or bass clef.
Practice: The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories. Example: Practising the C-major Scale on the keyboard with your right hand.

Theory and Practice belong together. That is why you usually have a Theory and a Practice (Performance) book when you learn how to play the Piano. Here the 5 rules:

1. Be sure that you know every word and symbol when you read a text or musical notes. If you are not sure about a word or symbol, clear it with a common dictionary or a music glossary. Don’t study with leaving question marks in your mind. Example: It says “Allegro” in the beginning of a song. Allegro means “in a quick and lively tempo”. Some people might tell you that theory is boring and unnecessary. This is nonsense.  True is that theory only can be properly understood if all the words and symbols are known. Therefore use a dictionary or music glossary to clear words and symbols.

2. When you study always find a balance between Theory and Practice. Let’s say you are studying about major and minor chords. Sit in front of the piano with your hands on the keyboard and play the chord while you are studying. Learning is easier and makes more fun when you apply the data as you go.

3. Use a proper Gradient (the degree of steepness) when you study a subject. Let’s assume you just started to play the piano and want to master Beethoven’s “Für Elise“. This might be a too steep of a gradient. It would make sense to learn some easier songs first, do some finger exercises, learn how to read the notes and so forth. The most common too steep gradient is the tempo (speed) when practising a song. Most students exercise too fast, play some notes and then stumble.

4. Always study and practice with a goal. Arrange your daily practising schedule and try to achieve a target that you set yourself. Remember: Playing the piano always should be fun. But you need to use some discipline and determination to get the most out of it. Be your own advisor, be diligent and follow your ambitious goals.

5. Be self-confident and don’t invalidate yourself. Thoughts or statements such as “I’m not such a good piano player”, “I will never get that”, ” I’m so bad in reading notes”, etc. are not productive propositions. Think positive and act with certainty and intention. This is the road to prosperity, success and fun.