What you will learn

Level 1

  • Introduction to Western music notation
  • Introduction to Scales and Chords
  • Western Rhythmic patterns
  • Introduction to Carnatic rhythmic patterns
  • Introduction to different styles of Western music
  • Sight-reading

Level 2

  • Introduction to minor scales
  • New time signatures
  • Articulations and Dynamics
  • Introduction to new genres

Level 3

  • Finger Strength and independence exercises
  • New Scales, Chords and Arpeggios
  • Improving speed with scale patterns
  • Ear training

Level 4

  • New Scales, Chords and Arpeggios
  • Playing Chord Progressions
  • Intermediate Ear training

Level 5

  • More Complex Chords and Scales
  • Introduction to Improvisation
  • Introduction to cadences
  • Identifying Chords and Cadences

How does it work?

  1. Click on Book now.
  2. You will be directed to fill a form with your details. Please fill this and click on Submit. A Riyaz educator will get in touch with you to schedule your first class.
  3. After understanding your requirements, our expert will recommend a suitable learning level for you/your child.
  4. Fix class timings that are suitable for you and attend your first class.
  5. Pay only if you like the first class. If you are satisfied, welcome to a rewarding journey towards becoming a Pianist.

Who can learn?

Anyone interested in learning key instruments...

Age no bar!

Prior knowledge of music not required!

Benefits of learning the piano

Improves dexterity

Increases finger strength

Sharpens focus

Improves memory power

Boosts confidence

Enhances self-expression

Contact Us

+91 93 5421 1706

enquiry@houstonpianoguy.com

Mon to Sat

What our students are saying

It was informative and also enlightening. Pushed boundaries and opened up an endless canvas and immense possibilities for creating and learning.

- Aparna Vijayan, Workshop attendee

The Masterclass covered a diverse range of topics, targeting both the musicians and the audience. It also answered practical questions related to all levels, including beginners which I found very helpful. The anecdotes Aruna ma'am shared taught me the struggles one faces as they grow as a performer and how to consistently practice and improve to overcome these struggles.

- Mythreye Venkatesan, Workshop attendee

Types of pianos

There are three broad categorisations of pianos:

  1. Grand Piano: This is the largest and most expensive type of piano. It has 88 keys and has the characteristic four-feet wide horizontal soundboard. Here, other types of grand pianos include petite, baby grand, parlour grand, medium grand, ballroom grand, and the concert grand, the largest of all the grand pianos.
  2. Upright Piano: This is a compact acoustic piano with a vertical soundboard that can fit in your drawing room though it also has 88 keys. The hammer returns to its original resting position with the help of springs (whereas the grand piano’s hammers return to position because of gravity). It is typically less expensive than grand pianos. Other types of upright pianos include spinet and console pianos.
  3. Electric/Digital Piano: This is perfect for beginners. The differentiating factor is that it requires power supply to play. The touch sensitivity of this piano is similar to that of an acoustic piano.

Other electronic keyed instruments that pianists may use include:

  1. Synthesiser: This has 61, 76, or 88 keys but looks like a keyboard but with several sound and output features.
  2. Keyboard:Again, ideal for beginners, the keyboard typically has 61 or 76 keys. Basic keyboards have even fewer while some digital keyboards have 88 keys - as many as a piano has. However, as keyboards have a softer touch with unweighted keys, the sound quality and dynamic range is not as good as that of a piano’s. It is easier to play though.

Difference between a piano and keyboard

A piano is an acoustic instrument and its sound is produced manually while a keyboard is an electronic instrument and you can play recorded sounds as well as play manually.

A piano has only one type of sound while you can play a variety of different sounds on the keyboard - keys, strings, and percussion.

A piano has more keys than a keyboard. It follows that the songs you play on a piano have more dynamic range than a keyboard; dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and softest passages of the pieces.

A keyboard’s keys are lighter than that of a piano’s. So, you need to use more finger strength to play the piano. The technique of playing varies and a piano’s sound is warmer and richer as a result.

Pianos may need tuning at some point while keyboards do not.

Why Riyaz Music Classes?

  1. One-on-one classes - Learn at your own pace with personalised classes
  2. Learn at any age - The right time to learn the piano is now!
  3. Lessons by professional musicians - Riyaz’s educators have vast practical experience as they are also performers
  4. Structured & standardised syllabus - Progress systematically from basic notes, chords, and scales to songs
  5. Flexible timings -Choose a time that suits you
  6. Student showcase - Selected performances are featured in our Social Media pages with about 3 lakh followers
  7. Specialised Training - Get certified, perform, or simply LEARN - we cater to all your learning goals
Book a session now

I still have some more questions

Yes! We have piano classes for beginners that will start you off with the basics. Age no bar. Knowing music is not a prerequisite. In fact, for those who do not have musical experience, key instruments are a perfect place to start as placement of notes is fixed.

The curriculum of the piano classes includes both theoretical and practical elements of Western music, in general and the piano, in specific. At Riyaz, we start off by teaching you Western notation, basic notes, scales, chords, arpeggios, fingering techniques, and, ultimately, songs - in a structured manner and at a pace that suits you.

Classes for piano and keyboard for beginners might be similar at first. As you progress, while the keyboard will use the left hand primarily for chords, the piano will involve playing notes on the left and right hand independently and together. Also, since the piano typically has more keys, the songs you can play on it will be different from that of a keyboard. If you like group performances, the keyboard is a good instrument to learn while the piano can be played solo on stage.

Basic songs are part of the beginners’ curriculum, so you can pick it up within a few months. Of course, this will depend on how long you practise.

Yes, you can! Riyaz’s syllabus ensures that you get solid fundamentals first, and progress systematically towards more complex pieces. And, of course, you must practise regularly; then, give wings to your dreams of playing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart.

You can start learning on a keyboard; however, we would advise that you quickly graduate to a piano or digital piano with weighted keys, as the keys of a piano are heavier and it would help to adapt to pressing harder sooner than later. Also, the sound of a piano is different. Training your ear early on is also a good idea.

Once we learn your preferences based on your interaction with our expert, we will be in a better position to judge the right educator for you. So, we will allocate an educator for you. You don’t have to worry as all our educators are well-qualified, experienced, and friendly. :)

Absolutely! It would also depend upon whether the song is at the level of your learning. But, do request your educator and play away!

Performances are of different levels. You can perform basic songs within classes and small functions in, say, a few months. If you are looking at performing in front of a larger audience on a bigger stage, it would depend upon your hours of practice. Give it a year and see your progress. If you would like to do this professionally, a lifetime would probably be ideal!

Must seem hard to envision but classes were going on online throughout the pandemic! And students and teachers had a great time learning! All thanks to Riyaz’s teachers who ensure that students ‘enjoy while they learn’ - Riyaz’s vision of music.

Once you have signed up for the course, a Riyaz representative will reach out to you, after which the classes will be scheduled by Riyaz on platforms like zoom or skype.

Currently, we have both online and offline classes going on. Some classes have shifted to our physical centres. Please get in touch with our expert to find out how you can learn the piano.

If it is for an emergency, Riyaz’s educators will definitely accommodate requests to reschedule classes. If possible, do inform your teacher a little in advance, say, 24 hours.

As soon as you are able to move your fingers! Some children play the piano from the age of 3. Whenever you feel like learning is the best time! We have a curriculum that matches age-appropriate learning goals. Contact our expert and see how piano classes can work best for you.

Yes. Don’t worry, it goes along with the territory of a performer. Our educators are themselves performers, and so, can offer you practical tips and exercises to overcome stage fright. We also teach you how to place a mike, how to have stage presence and connect with your audience while playing, and many more technicalities that go into a performance. We will help prepare you completely to handle the multiple aspects of a performance!

Book a session now!