What can I play after one month?
Let It Be by The Beatles: C, G, Am and F with the right hand, the root with the left, changing chords on beat 1 without stopping. At the end of the month you record it, playing with the original track.
What does the first year look like?
- Months 1 to 3: the four chords, pop rhythms, then all seven white-key chords. The first living-room concert is in month 3.
- Months 4 to 6: broken chords, 7th chords, the sustain pedal, 6/8 and waltz time.
- Months 7 to 9: the big switch of the year: melody in the right hand, chords in the left, and new keys.
- Months 10 to 12: ballad playing, richer harmony, and a year-end recital.
The songs and skills for every month are on the year page.
How much do I need to practice?
Fifteen minutes a day. At the end of every lesson I write down a practice plan for the week you actually have.
Am I too old to start?
No. I teach teens and adults, from age 12, and the program suits people who stopped years ago as well as complete beginners.
More questions
- How much do in-home piano lessons cost in McLean, VA?
- Can you learn piano without reading music?
- What are the four chords used in hundreds of pop songs?
- Do I need an acoustic piano for lessons, or is a digital keyboard enough?
- What happens at a first in-home piano lesson?
- Is a piano teacher better than a piano app?
By Eric Imhauser, piano teacher in McLean, VA. Published October 2026.