Piano lessons: what subjects should be included

There are a zillion piano teachers available, but by far the majority of them do

not cover all the basics of piano playing. They might teach you how to read music –

play the written music on a score or sheet music — but many of them leave out the

study of music theory, proper fingering, technique, chord studies, and so on.

Here is a list of subjects that should be included in piano lessons:

1. How to read music. It goes without saying that the ability to read music is one

of the top skills in piano playing, but often it is the only one covered.

2. Proper fingering of piano scale passages and chords.

3. Proper positioning at the keyboard for arms and fingers.

4. Development of a repetoire of piano songs in a variety of styles: classical,

pop, folk, etc.

5. The study of music theory including intervals, scales, chords, cadences, chord

progressions and etc.

6. At least a touch of arranging and improvisation so the student is not afraid to

venture away from the written music.

There are other subjects, but these six make a solid basis for long term piano

lessons.