If you’re just starting out on the piano, chances are you have a lot of questions. You’re not alone! In fact, these are exactly the kinds of beginner piano questions that Dr. Ryan Kelly—piano professor turned online teacher—loves to answer.
With his innovative Piano by Pictures method, Dr. Kelly has taught thousands of students around the world how to play the piano in a way that’s fast, simple, and rewarding—even if they’ve never touched a keyboard before.
In this article, he tackles some of the most frequently asked questions from adult beginners in the Piano by Pictures community.
How Do You Structure a Beginner Piano Lesson?
Another of the most common beginner piano questions comes from Jennifer, who asked:
“How do you typically structure a beginner’s lesson?”
Dr. Kelly explains that traditional lessons often start with learning finger numbers and a basic song like Ode to Joy or Happy Birthday, followed by a deep dive into note reading. Unfortunately, this can overwhelm beginners and even discourage them from continuing.
With Piano by Pictures, the approach is completely different. Instead of struggling through sheet music, students learn by connecting chords, melody, and visual cues. In their first lesson, students are shown how to play with their right hand, add basic left-hand chords, and—if they know the song—they can usually play it right away.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taGvE9R2tY8
What Method Do You Use to Teach Piano?
The method Dr. Kelly uses is called Piano by Pictures. Unlike traditional sheet music, this method uses visual guides and familiar songs to help students play real music faster.
Most adult learners aren’t trying to become professional pianists—they just want to enjoy playing music. For that reason, the Piano by Pictures method skips formal music theory and note reading in the early stages.
That said, for students who do want to pursue music professionally, Dr. Kelly adjusts his approach to include sheet music reading, music theory, and classical repertoire.
Can I Learn Piano Without Reading Notes?
Yes, absolutely.
Juanita asked:
“How will I be able to learn if I don’t read notes?”
Dr. Kelly emphasizes that reading sheet music is not a requirement for playing songs you love. Most people just want to play hymns, popular songs, or tunes they already know. And for that, Piano by Pictures is often much more effective—and faster—than traditional methods for leaning easy piano songs.
If you’re curious, you can try the method yourself by grabbing a free book and some bonus resources (just cover shipping). There’s even a quick video that explains how it all works.
How Do You Play With Both Hands?
Mary Scott asked another big question:
“How do you get both hands working together when they’re doing different things?”
According to Dr. Kelly, this is a common struggle for beginners—and even advanced pianists sometimes.
The key? Start simple. Most students try to do too much too fast. Instead, start with just one chord change in the left hand while playing a melody in the right. Practice that tiny section slowly and repeat it until it feels smooth.
It’s normal to pause or fumble at first. Over time, you’ll reduce those pauses and develop coordination. The smaller the chunk you practice, the more progress you’ll make.
How Do You Stay Motivated When Your Fingers Won’t Cooperate?
Lily asked:
“How do you stay motivated when your fingers act like they’ve never met each other?”
Dr. Kelly says it comes down to two common mistakes:
- Not spending enough time practicing hands separately.
- Not playing slow enough when combining both hands.
His advice?
“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”
You need to give your brain time to process each motion. Think of it like baking a cake—you can’t just throw flour and sugar into your mouth and expect a delicious dessert. You need to mix, bake, and let it cool. Slow, deliberate practice is what “bakes” your piano skills.
Is It Normal to Feel Stage Fright… Even in Your Own Living Room?
Another great question from Lily:
“Is it normal to feel stage fright when I hit record or try to perform—even at home?”
Yes. 100% normal.
Even experienced pianists feel nerves when they perform. Dr. Kelly suggests recording yourself as a low-pressure way to practice performing. You can stop and restart as needed, but that little red light triggers your performance instincts and simulates the feeling of an audience.
This type of “performance practice” builds confidence over time. Play for your spouse, your kids, or a supportive friend. The more often you perform in low-stakes situations, the better prepared you’ll be for higher-stakes ones—like a recital or live stream.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve had some of your own beginner piano questions answered. Learning piano as an adult doesn’t have to be frustrating or slow. With the right method and a little patience, you can be making music faster than you ever thought possible.
Whether you’re dealing with stage fright, struggling with your left hand, or just wondering where to begin, remember: you’re not alone—and you can do this.
