How many years should you take piano lessons?
Answer: This all depends. If you'd like to learn how to play the piano very well, then you're looking at maybe five to seven years to really get yourself situated on the instrument. However, if you're just trying to learn some basic chords and basic skills, then maybe one or two years would be better suited to you.
The founder, for instance, Quinson Thomas has been playing from the age of nine years old and is well into his 30s. There's lots of things that he's still learning.
Here's how you can take advantage of your time learning the piano, let's say over the next 5 years.
First, commit to consistency from the beginning. Five years of steady progress is built on daily or near-daily practice. Even when life gets busy, maintaining a minimum practice routine keeps your skills from regressing. Over time, consistency compounds, and small daily improvements turn into major breakthroughs.
Second, build a strong technical foundation early. The first two years should focus heavily on posture, hand position, scales, arpeggios, finger independence, and sight-reading. These fundamentals may feel repetitive, but they make advanced pieces far easier later. Students who rush past technique often struggle in years three to five, while those with solid foundations progress smoothly.
Third, set clear short-term and long-term goals. Long-term goals might include playing advanced repertoire, accompanying others, composing, or passing graded exams. Short-term goals—weekly or monthly—keep you motivated and focused. Writing your goals down and reviewing them regularly helps you stay aligned with your musical direction.
Fourth, work with a good teacher and communicate openly. A skilled teacher accelerates progress by correcting mistakes early and providing structured guidance. Be honest about your practice habits and challenges. Over five years, your teacher can help you transition from basic playing to expressive musicianship and stylistic understanding.
Fifth, practice intelligently, not just longer. Break pieces into sections, practice slowly, and focus on accuracy before speed. Use tools like a metronome to improve timing and record yourself to evaluate tone and expression. As you advance, learn how to self-correct—this skill becomes increasingly important over long-term study.
Sixth, diversify your musical experience. Over five years, explore multiple styles such as classical, jazz, pop, worship, or film music. Learn music theory alongside repertoire so you understand what you’re playing. Sight-read new music regularly, play with other musicians, and accompany singers or instrumentalists when possible. These experiences deepen musical understanding and prevent burnout.
Finally, reflect on your progress annually. Review pieces you once found difficult and notice how much easier they now feel. Celebrate milestones, whether mastering a challenging piece or performing for others. Five years of piano learning is a journey of discipline, patience, and joy. When approached with intention, it can lead not only to strong piano skills, but to a lifelong relationship with music.
The Truth: it took about seven to 10 years for him to get into his stride, and this did include constant practice, choir rehearsals, and playing at church to get to that level.
So if you are committed to practicing, then we would say between seven to 10 years would be the time frame to become a really good pianist, but five to seven to be a strong player on the piano.
