Deep Basic #1: Find your way with music.

This is the first in a series of posts on the core essentials of piano playing.

Don’t fall into the trap of expecting your approach to the piano to look like anyone else’s.

This applies to (among other things) what kind of music you like to play, your level of commitment, whether you enjoy creating your own music, whether you like to play alone or with others—even why you choose to play in the first place.

Now I’m not suggesting that you ignore what other musicians are doing. Far from it. Learn from players who inspire you—a teacher, perhaps, or a friend, or your favorite recording artist. No one masters a language (for that’s what music is) in all its nuances, without imitating good speakers.

But understand that your role models have created musical lifestyles based on their own likes and strengths. They have found, or are finding, their way of being with the piano.

Find yours.