How to learn piano fast: practical tips for busy adults

When you’re thinking about picking up a new skill as a busy adult, it’s natural to ask, “How long will this take?” The real answer lies in how many hours you can dedicate to focused practice, rather than a fixed time period.

With just 30 minutes of daily practice, you could start playing simple songs and basic chords on the piano within a few weeks. If your goal is to play more advanced pieces, it might take several hundred hours, spread over months or years. The key is consistent, deliberate practice.

But honestly? Don’t dwell on this question too much. I started playing piano in my 40s with a toddler running around, and it quickly became my way to unwind in the evening (thanks to headphones and a digital piano!).

The good news? Platforms like ArtMaster, with our structured approach, can make those hours more productive, so you’ll see progress faster—while still enjoying the journey.

As an adult, you bring focus and discipline to the table, two superpowers that make achieving your piano goals faster and more rewarding. Unlike children, who are often forced into lessons and practise reluctantly, you get to choose what excites you. That freedom is incredibly motivating.

Life experience is another big advantage. You’ve been exposed to music in countless ways—whether it’s your favourite songs or a tune that takes you back in time. Concepts like rhythm or phrasing often feel more intuitive because they’re already part of your world. And let’s be honest—after juggling work, family, or life’s ups and downs, tackling chords and scales feels like a walk in the park by comparison.

Here’s the thing: you’re probably better at sticking to a plan. Kids get distracted by the next shiny thing, but you’ve mastered the art of setting goals and working towards them steadily. And when you finally play a piece you’ve loved for years, it feels different. It’s not just practise—it’s personal, meaningful, and something you genuinely enjoy.

Before you start learning piano, take a moment to think about what you really want to achieve. When I began playing as an adult, my first goal was clear—I wanted to learn my uncle’s favourite song: "Let It Be" by John Lennon.

Is your goal to play a specific song you’ve always loved, unwind with music, learn to compose, or play alongside others? Having a clear, realistic goal gives your practice purpose and makes it easier to track progress. It’s measurable, and it gives you something to aim for.

Short-term goals are just as important. Focus on smaller wins, like mastering a single verse of a song or nailing your chord transitions. Each little victory builds momentum and keeps your motivation strong.

Try this: Grab a notebook (or your phone) and jot down one long-term goal. Break it into manageable steps—like learning one section of your chosen song at a time. Celebrate every milestone along the way—it’s all progress!

► ARTMASTER TIP: For a comprehensive look at

When it comes to practice, quality always beats quantity. Even 15–20 minutes of focused effort can lead to noticeable progress. The key is to approach each session with intention—don’t just noodle around. Focus on a specific skill, like scales, mastering a chord progression, or tackling a tricky section of a song. And don't be afraid to plug in headphones!

Try this: Divide your practice into three clear parts: a quick warm-up, a technique-building exercise, and something fun to play. This structure keeps things balanced and ensures you're improving across the board. Feeling stuck? Zero in on one small goal—like getting a smooth chord change or perfecting just one hand at a time.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Use a timer to break your session into focused chunks (e.g., 5 minutes on scales, 10 minutes on your favourite song). It’s a great way to stay organised and make every minute count. Discover more useful tips in our guide — The art of effective music practice.

Nothing keeps you motivated like playing music you genuinely enjoy. Start with simplified versions of your favourite songs to build confidence and keep practice fun.

The key is to focus on songs that mean something to you—whether it’s a tune from your childhood or a timeless ballad that stirs your emotions. When you’re emotionally connected to what you’re playing, practice doesn’t feel like work—it becomes something you look forward to.

Try this: Take a look at our 10 beginner-friendly songs to learn on piano or choose one of your all-time favourite songs. Find a beginner-friendly version, and break it down. Focus on mastering one section at a time, and enjoy the progress as it comes together.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Learn the piano with songs you love! David Bennett’s Piano 1 for Beginners includes classics like "Let It Be", "Clocks", and "Imagine". Perfect for building skills while having fun!

Let’s be honest—scrolling through random YouTube videos might seem like an easy way to learn piano, but it’s not the most effective approach. Sure, there are some great tutorials out there, but they often lack structure which can lead to gaps in your learning or frustration when you hit a wall.

That’s where platforms like ArtMaster come in. We offer structured courses tailored to your skill level, guiding you step by step through the basics and beyond—all at your own pace. To make your journey even smoother, we provide tools like a free online metronome and fresh articles designed to help you go from your first piano melody to your first chord.

And there’s more—our groundbreaking AI teacher 'Artie' is coming soon. Artie will bring interactive lessons to your smartphone, complete with real-time feedback and customised practice sessions, making learning piano both effective and fun.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Skip the YouTube rabbit hole. Sign up for a free trial on ArtMaster and you will get access to all our courses (including 4 full piano courses).

Chords and patterns are essential for quickly sounding great on the piano. Start with basic chords like C, If you want to sound good on the piano quickly, chords and patterns are your best friends. Start with the basics—chords like C, G, Am, and F are the foundation of countless songs. Practice moving smoothly between them until those transitions feel natural. Once you’ve got the hang of it, add a little flair with patterns. Broken chords, rhythmic accompaniments, or arpeggios can instantly make your playing more dynamic and interesting.

The real magic happens when you start combining chords and patterns. Experiment with creating your own arrangements or even improvising over melodies you love. Not only does this keep practice fresh, but it also builds your confidence as you realise how much you can do with just a few simple techniques.

Try this: Take two basic chords and practice transitioning between them for 10 minutes. Once it feels smooth, layer on a simple pattern—like playing the notes of the chord one at a time—and watch your playing come to life.

► ARTMASTER TIP: For an introduction to piano chords from the basics of triads to more advanced 7th and suspended chords (including chord diagrams), check out our guide to playing piano chords.

When you’re learning piano, it’s easy to lose sight of how much progress you’re making. A practice journal is a brilliant way to track your efforts, reflect on challenges, and celebrate wins along the way. Jot down what you worked on—whether it’s a song, chords, or scales—and how it felt. Did something click? Or was there a tricky bit you’ll need to revisit? It’s all part of the journey.

As an adult learner, why not make it feel special? Treat yourself to a beautiful bound notebook—something that feels personal and inspiring. After all, this isn’t homework; it’s your creative outlet.

A journal isn’t just about keeping notes; it’s a motivation booster. When you flick back through your entries and see how far you’ve come, it’ll remind you of everything you’ve achieved—even on those days when practice feels a bit slow.

► ARTMASTER TIP: At the end of each session, write down one thing that went well and one area to focus on next time. It only takes a few minutes, but it keeps your progress crystal clear and makes the process more rewarding.

Regular and consistent practice sessions, even if brief, lead to more skill retention and greater motivation. Around 15 minutes each day, five times a week, is better than sporadic, marathon sessions that can lead to burnout. Analyze your daily routine and find the best time to practice, even if it’s not the same hour every day.

Patience is a virtue that comes with age—use it to your advantage as you steadily build your skills.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Choose a consistent time of day, such as after breakfast or before bed, to build a lasting habit.

Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re proof that you’re learning. Every wrong note or misstep is a chance to uncover what needs work and improve. So, don’t shy away from them or let them frustrate you. Instead, lean into the process and see mistakes for what they really are: stepping stones to progress.

One of the best ways to learn from your mistakes is to record yourself. It’s like having a second set of ears. When you listen back, you’ll spot areas that need attention—whether it’s timing, dynamics, or a tricky transition. Over time, these recordings become a great way to track just how far you’ve come.

The truth is, mistakes reveal your weak spots, and working on them is what helps you grow. Celebrate the effort you’re putting in, because every small fix gets you closer to the player you want to become.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Set aside one practice session a week to record yourself. Pick one thing from the recording to work on in your next session—whether it’s smoother transitions, consistent timing, or a stronger rhythm (you can also try playing to a metronome)

Finally, having the guidance of a great teacher can make a world of difference. At ArtMaster, we’re proud to feature courses by David Bennett—a professional pianist, composer, and popular YouTube educator with over 1 million subscribers. Known for his approachable teaching style and deep musical knowledge, David’s lessons make even complex topics feel accessible.

With his video courses, you can learn at your own pace, revisit tricky sections, and steadily build your skills. Whether you’re starting as a beginner or refining your technique, David’s structured approach ensures you’ll progress with confidence.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Check out David Bennett’s piano courses for free on ArtMaster and start building the skills you’ve always wanted.