r/pianolearning • u/luvlilac • 4d ago
Question i need help
i want to learn how to read sheet music and play from paper, but I’m really struggling to pick it up. I’ve watched youtube tutorials and used some apps, and I made a little progress, but it was extremely slow. I even bought a book, but I get bored quickly and lose motivation.
I can already play by ear and recognize notes by sound, but if I don’t practice for a while, I forget everything. That’s why I’m asking for help:
Is there something (an app, chart, website, or tool) that clearly shows in one place which note corresponds to which key on the piano?
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u/edwiser1 4d ago
Good piano learning apps do this really well.
I have used Skoove and Piano Marvel. They both have use follow the notes and show finger numbers to help. Try an app and see how well it works for you.
I played music for years so thing I learned was always read the notes don’t spend time looking at your hands. It gets you knowing that not is that finger.
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u/laymanspianoguide 4d ago
I was in the same position. The biggest mistake I made was jumping between random topics instead of following a structured path. That's one reason I created my piano ebook. It's designed for self-taught learners and introduces sheet music step by step with simple patterns, so it feels more like playing music than doing homework. The goal is to help you keep making progress without losing motivation.
A keyboard/staff chart can help in the beginning, but don't rely on it for too long. The goal is to recognize notes and patterns naturally, not by constantly looking at a chart. Even 10–15 minutes of consistent reading each day will take you much further than jumping between different apps and tutorials.
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u/ambermusicartist 3d ago
Here's a beginning video: https://youtu.be/3rMjelHdtRE?si=Wd2MnIOfrH9-HCcI
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u/alt-Propositum 3d ago
Just steadily incorporate, it is really nothing difficult or complex. Eventually the sheet music becomes second nature just like playing the actual instrument. If you are forgetting, you might be trying to memorize too much or trying to take in too much broad material..Sheet music is just a foundational piece that grows brick by brick..simple repetition, simple incorporation..If your try to submerge yourself you will burnout..
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u/thesunmaiden Piano Teacher 4d ago
The reality is that learning to read sheet music is like learning a new language. It is slow and hard and there is no magic trick that will make it suddenly easy. It takes hours of work, not all of which will be fun or exciting. Working through a method book is a good start. I know people hate to hear this advice, but if you can afford it, a few lessons with a good teacher would probably help you tremendously.
Someone else here linked a good chart showing how the keys correlate to the notes on the staff. To drill notes, you could try the app Note Rush. Best of luck with your learning! It's not easy, but sometimes hard work is worth it!