Playing the piano proves very satisfying and fun because of the creativity it brings with music. However, it does require much patience and practice at the initial stage when trying to learn the basics. Just as in any other new thing, starting small goes a long way in shaping your skill.In this article, we will present some of the most basic and indispensable tips and techniques for any beginner pianist at the beginning of their musical journey. 
Learning the Basics
One of the most important things for beginners is learning basic music theory. Learning about musical notation, key signatures, time signatures, and the names of notes will give you a strong foundation upon which to build. Notes are the basic building blocks of music. Knowing which note is on the staff and which piano keyboard is key. Learning basic scales and chords will also give you an understanding of how notes work together. Another important building block is rhythm. Recognizing and playing different note durations like quarter notes, half notes, and whole notes is important for playing songs correctly. In addition to theory, proper hand positioning is essential for beginners to learn. It’s important to develop good habits from the start to avoid injury down the line. Your hands should be arched with your fingers curved, not flat. Most teachers recommend slightly raising your wrists from the keyboard as well.
For proper hand positioning, your fingertips should lightly touch the keys, not hitting them with the pads or sides of your fingers. The thumb is the pivot point with both hands, and the other fingers reach across. Remember to relax your hands and wrists to avoid tension as you play. If you’re unsure how to start playing piano, mastering proper hand positioning is an essential first step.
Getting Acclimated to the Piano
Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to start playing some very simple songs. This is where the fun begins for the novice. To start with, nursery rhymes, children’s songs, folk tunes, and hymns are suitable materials to select. They contain well-known melodies and often are repetitive, using mainly one chord. Look for music published that has been specifically arranged for beginner pianists. As you become more experienced, you can introduce more technically difficult pieces.
Break large pieces down into smaller sections and focus on just that much at a time. Do not try and play or learn an entire song at one time. Focus on the 4-8 measure phrases separately and combine them once you have mastered the smaller sections. Be sure to learn the correct fingering for each hand as marked in the music. As you practice often, using the correct fingers to play each note will come automatically. Also, it is very important to pay attention to the accuracy of the rhythm. 
Developing Good Practice Habits
Perhaps the most important tip of all is practicing regularly. Practicing daily in short periods makes more sense than long practice sessions. Even 15-20 minutes daily make a huge difference in progress. You establish a practice routine and stick to it. To begin your practice with relaxation and warm-up exercises—the good old scales and arpeggios work wonders. This will help prepare your hands, getting your muscles and fingers limber.
Once you are warmed up, try focusing on ‘trouble spots’ in pieces with different techniques, such as repetition or slowing down the tempo. Remember, dynamics are always what makes the passage expressive. Also, phrase and breathe every so often between your musical thoughts. Use a metronome as a guide to keep time within yourself and ensure you can play with it. Take frequent breaks to avoid injury due to overuse.
Mark up your sheet music with fingering, metronome markings, dynamics, and all the other sorts of things that you might wish to remember. Ensure you round off each session with scales or cool-down exercises to relax your hands. It’s incredibly important for beginners to stick with it and have an organized, routine approach to practicing.
Building Confidence
After practicing regularly, it’s time to build your confidence at the piano. The best way is to begin sharing your playing with friends and family. Their encouragement and support will motivate you to keep improving. Record a video of yourself practicing pieces to track your progress over time. Another confidence-boosting option is to perform at a recital or talent show for other students. Taking regular piano lessons can also build self-assurance, as playing for an experienced teacher takes courage. Ask for their advice on interpretation or how to overcome challenges in pieces. They may suggest entering local competitions as skills develop.
Don’t forget to choose pieces that excite you and fit your current abilities. Playing music you enjoy will inspire practice. Take on new challenges gradually to continually stretch your abilities. Celebrate each small success along the way, which brings you closer to your larger goals. Making music with others through duets or ensemble playing in a community group adds social and musical enrichment. 
Final Thoughts
Practice remains a critical factor in the life of any early beginner pianist. This must be done with patience, for it is not easy to master skills. Furthermore, technique will be emphasized, especially proper hand position, fingering, and rhythmic accuracy, because it is only with such underlining that long-term success is assured.
The basics give you the theoretical tools to understand how things fit musically. Sharing your playing with others and gradually challenging build confidence over time. Keep yourself motivated by choosing personally meaningful music. This will keep you on the road to playing like a pianist.
