Should You Teach Yourself Piano or Take Lessons? Expert Advice from 88 Keys Music Academy
Are you interested in learning piano but unsure whether to teach yourself or take professional lessons? With so many online resources available, it can be tempting to go the self-taught route. However, is that really the best way to make progress and develop proper technique?
In this exclusive interview, Felicity sits down with Annie, the founder of 88 Keys Music Academy, to discuss the best approach to learning piano. Annie, a seasoned piano instructor with a master’s degree in music from USC, shares her insights on the benefits of structured piano lessons, the differences between online and in-person learning, and why young beginners may struggle with virtual instruction.
If you’re considering piano lessons for yourself or your child, this interview will help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to discover the best way to start your musical journey! 🎹✨
Transcript from the video:
Felicity: Hi, my name is Felicity, and today I’ll be interviewing Annie Chen from 88 Keys Music Academy. She is the founder. Annie, do you mind sharing a little bit about your background and experience at 88 Keys Music Academy?
Annie: Of course! I received my master’s degree in music from USC a long time ago. We started 88 Keys about—oh my gosh—almost 12 years ago. Since then, we’ve taught many students, and it’s been incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling to help so many young musicians grow.
Felicity: That’s awesome! I have a few questions about piano lessons. Recently, there’s been an increase in people looking for piano lessons, but they’re unsure whether to take lessons at a music academy or teach themselves. What are your thoughts on this?
Annie: While teaching yourself can be a more affordable and flexible option, if you’re serious about making progress and avoiding bad habits, taking lessons with a qualified teacher is really the way to go. Professional piano lessons provide a structured learning environment, personalized attention, and guidance tailored to each student’s needs and goals.
At 88 Keys, our teachers don’t just show students how to play; we help them understand the music, develop proper technique, and build a strong foundation that supports long-term progress. Plus, with in-person lessons, students receive immediate feedback, which is crucial for improving quickly. We also foster a supportive and motivating community where students are encouraged to perform and grow in confidence.
Ultimately, if you’re serious about mastering the piano and enjoying the process, a music school like ours provides the resources, structure, and expertise to help you succeed.
Felicity: That’s a great point! Do you have any recommendations for choosing between online and in-person lessons?
Annie: It depends on the student. For adults, online lessons can work, especially if they have some prior experience. However, I still believe in-person lessons are the best because immediate feedback is so important.
For beginners, especially young children, online lessons can be quite challenging. It’s difficult to correct hand positioning, finger curvature, and posture remotely. If a student is very young, say three or four years old, online lessons are even more difficult. That’s why most parents prefer in-person lessons for their kids—it provides hands-on guidance that makes learning much easier.
Felicity: So for young beginners, in-person lessons are definitely the way to go?
Annie: Absolutely!
Felicity: That makes sense. Thank you for answering that, Annie! If you’re interested in starting your music journey or enrolling your child in piano lessons, 88 Keys Music Academy has two locations—one in Arcadia and another in San Marino. You can learn more at 88keysmusicacademy.com.
Annie: Thank you!