Beginning piano students must learn to memorize the notes on the staff and not simply calculate the distances between them, says London Piano Institute.

Celine Gaurier-Joubert, founder of London Piano Institute, observes that a major problem for beginners is learning to calculate the distances between notes without having to mentally count as one would do simple arithmetic or use the alphabet. For instance, reports London Piano Institute, students know that to get from C to G on the alphabet, one would alphabetically calculate C-D-E-F-G to find the G note, which is five steps. The same applies to music, and even the same term “step” is used.

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Q: Isn’t learning how to play the piano a daunting task?

Celine Gaurier-Joubert, London Piano Institute: It is, of course. The new student will likely feel confused by the keyboard at first. The most important initial lesson is that a piano consists of only seven white notes and five black notes for a total of 12 piano notes. The white notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Depending on the key, black notes are either C#, D#, F#, G#, A# or Db, Eb, Gb, Ab, Bb. The beginner will encounter a few unfamiliar musical symbols along the way, but knowing the basic notes of the piano is a terrific start.

Q: How does this technical knowledge assist the student?

Celine Gaurier-Joubert, London Piano Institute: It’s critical to understand the intricate nature of the piano for more enjoyment. Piano students who gather a wealth of knowledge about the piano and how it works will invariably make greater progress than those with little understanding.

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London Piano Institute helps adults realise their dreams of playing the piano. As a premier learning venue, the Institute sees numerous students on a regular basis, each of whom are eager to learn from Celine Gaurier-Joubert, a renowned pianist whose love for the piano shows through in each lesson.

Many students arrive for their first lesson with no knowledge at all about the piano, but the London Piano Institute believes that there is great value in having an understanding of the basics. Prior to signing up for lessons with the Institute, students should learn as much as possible about the instrument, such as its history.

Before that first lesson, the London Piano Institute recommends spending time listening to some of the world’s greatest pianists. Artists like Sergei Rachmaninov and Vladimir Horowitz provide a taste of the piano at its best, but the Institute also recommends taking in the work of such greats as Artur Schnabel, Alfred Brendel, Glenn Gould, Alfred Cortot, Arthur Rubinstein, Dinu Lapatti, Wilhelm Kempff, Martha Argerich, and Evgeny Kissin. This music can help students get a feel for great piano music, as well as allowing them to eventually developing their own ear.

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The London Piano Institute calls chamber music the “music of friends,” since it’s rather like a conversation—each voice is important and adds something to the whole. Playing with other musicians is an essential skill, and one that is absolutely recommend to all learners, explains the Institute.

Q: Explain to us what chamber music is?

London Piano Institute: Chamber music is music is performed in a chamber, or room, as opposed to a concert hall.

Q: What are some common types of chamber music?

London Piano Institute: String quartets, piano trios, and woodwind quintets.

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I have been taking lessons with Celine Gaurier-Joubert at London Piano Institute since May 2013. Although I took lessons when I was very young, I had basically forgotten everything, and so I was quite worried I would not be able to pick up piano again. Although it hasn’t been easy, Celine Gaurier-Joubert and the staff at London Piano Institute have been very patient. Celine Gaurier-Joubert has structured my lessons in a way that makes it fun and allows me to learn at the same time. I strongly recommend London Piano Institute. – Nigel

My experience at London Piano Institute has been a joy! What has impressed me the most about Celine Gaurier-Joubert and London Piano Institute is the focus on learning piano for adults. She understands my lifestyle and the amount of time that I can devote to practice each day.

The London Piano Institute gives me an opportunity to participate in a concert each quarter. In only 5 months, I have had the chance to perform in two concerts – an amazing accomplishment I would never have believed possible!

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