What Are the Skill Levels for Playing Piano?

Oct 5, 2022

When you decide to get back into playing piano again, it’s helpful to know where to start, and knowing where to start is based on where your skills currently stand. Depending on how long it has been since you last sat down at the piano, you may have lost more of your technique and knowledge than you care to admit.

Luckily, piano learning apps like Clefer are a great way to successfully build your skills on your own schedule. While Clefer assesses your skill level and makes the appropriate recommendations, it is still helpful to understand where you land regarding your skill level so that you enter with appropriate expectations. So let’s review what are the skill levels for playing piano so that you can determine where you are!

Early Beginner

This skill level indicates prospective piano players with minimal experience playing, understanding technique and reading sheet music. They may be able to play by ear but don’t dedicate more than 15 minutes to practicing a day. Their knowledge of the keyboard, staff, note names and finger numbers is very basic.

Beginner

At these beginner levels, learners will be able to play with both hands while comfortably playing rhythms and keeping a stable beat. They have a better understanding of the bass and treble clef, tempo and dynamics and can play C, G and F key signatures.

Late Beginner/Early Intermediate

Late Beginner/Early Intermediate piano players can play more complex rhythms along with major and minor chords and some arpeggio patterns. At this level, learners are beginning to develop their skills in sight reading and musicality while developing their technique such as more complex left-hand movements. You’ll find that late Beginner/Early Intermediate players will also be those who dedicate more time to practice at roughly 30 minutes a day.

Intermediate

At the intermediate level, expect to see more developed skills in playing harmonies, melodies, scales and arpeggios as both the left and right hand can be played independently. Intermediate piano players will also have a solid understanding of notation and music theory as well as a much more developed level of technique and musicality. Their knowledge of progressions and chords is increasing and becoming more familiar as they generally practice upwards of 45 minutes a day.

Late Intermediate

Those who are learning piano at a late intermediate stage are skilled in sight reading piano scores, with a relatively thorough understanding of music theory, notation and terminology. They display technique and musicality at a much higher level and can play most musical compositions, including those at a higher tempo. You’ll find those that fall into this late intermediate level tend to be more dedicated to their practice, spending more than an hour daily.

Advanced

Advanced piano players will be fully developed in their understanding of music theory and masterful in their execution of all key signatures, rhythms and technique. They display advanced musicality and can play any song from any repertoire while sight reading.

Let Clefer guide you as you get back to learning piano online!

Clefer is a perfect option for learners with a foundation of knowledge and technique who want to build further. When it comes to assessing your skill level, Clefer continuously analyzes your performance and provides you with constructive feedback while recommending lessons based on where your skills currently sit and where you need to grow.

Begin your free unlimited trial with Clefer and start learning piano online today!

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