Learning piano as an adult can feel overwhelming—traditional sheet music looks complicated, fingerings seem confusing, and most methods take years before you can play something enjoyable. But what if there was a simpler way to learn piano fast? That’s exactly what Piano by Pictures Notation, created by Dr. Ryan Kelly, is designed to do.
Picture Notation is a brand-new method that helps adult beginners and even seniors learn piano quickly and confidently. Instead of relying on traditional sheet music, Picture Notation uses easy-to-follow visuals that show you exactly what notes to play, which fingers to use, and how to put songs together step by step.
How Picture Notation Works
When you open a piece of Picture Notation, you’ll see everything you need to get started at a glance:
- Title, Key, and Beat Pattern – So you know the song’s foundation.
- Notes and Finger Numbers – Every note you’ll play is laid out clearly. Numbers above the notes tell you exactly which finger to use (1 is your thumb, then count outward).
- Chord Bar – Shows you the chords to play and when to play them. If you don’t know a chord yet, the Chord Zone provides a quick reference guide.
For example, in the beginner favorite Mary Had a Little Lamb, you’ll only need four notes: C, D, E, and G. That’s it! First, you learn the melody, then the chords, and finally, you combine the two.

Beyond the Basics
Picture Notation isn’t just about playing simple melodies. Once you’ve learned the song, the real fun begins. You’ll start to explore creative variations like:
- Playing arpeggios in your left hand
- Adding octaves to your right hand
- Using jazz block chords like Barry Harris’s six diminished scale
- Building your own arrangements step by step
This method helps you do more than memorize a tune—it trains you to think and play like a real musician.
Learn the Music You Love
Maybe Mary Had a Little Lamb isn’t your style. That’s okay—Picture Notation works with any genre. Whether you love Motown, blues, jazz, or even want to play for your church, this system adapts to your goals.
It’s especially effective for:
- Adult beginners who want to play music they enjoy, fast
- Seniors who want a fun and rewarding hobby
- Anyone who has struggled with traditional sheet music in the past
For more on how to learn piano fast, check out our tutorials for more easy piano songs!
Start Your Journey With Piano by Pictures
If you’re ready to learn piano fast in a fun, visual, and beginner-friendly way, Piano by Pictures is here to help. Check out our beginner tutorials on YouTube, and explore our online academy, where you’ll find structured courses, badges, and interactive features to keep you motivated.
Most importantly, remember this: learning piano doesn’t have to be stressful. With Picture Notation, you’ll be playing songs you love faster than you ever thought possible.
👉 Subscribe to our channel and visit our online academy today to start your piano journey!




