“How to play piano” is not something that you are just born knowing. No one is. Even the greatest musicians of all time took years to perfect the art, practicing and practicing. You must not expect playing the piano to be instantly and effortlessly easy. It is, however, a lot of fun, and it can be at every step of the way.

1. Just Try It. Before you pour a lot of money, resources, and time into it, make sure that playing piano is something you'll enjoy. Sit down at a piano at a music store or classroom or at a friend's place. Hit the keys. Try making up your own melody. Hit several keys at once. Try it with the pedals. Pick out a song you heard on the radio. Most of all, make it fun and enjoy your explorations. There are so many things you can do with a piano—you'll never run out.

2. Start Learning. Pick up a beginner's book or schedule a piano lesson with a teacher. This broader exposure will teach you more about whether the piano is right for you. The first thing you'll need to practice is how to sit on the piano bench. Your back should be straight, your shoulders level, your feet placed to balance you. Your upper arms should remain mostly aligned with your upper body, while your forarms stretch out to the piano. Hold your fingers as if cupping an invisible ball. Keeping your body in the correct position will make playing the piano much easier, especially in the future when you start learning difficult pieces.

3. Make a Schedule. Once you've decided that you want to keep learning the piano, you'll need to schedule regular lessons, whether with a teacher or with yourself learning from a book or a program. Between the lessons, practice every day, or at least most days. Steady, persistent practice and learning is the key to success. It will seem slow at first, but every step is important. You'll need to own a piano or a keyboard, or have one somewhere you can visit frequently.

4. Share Your Progress. As you continue, if you're like ninety-five percent of the human race, you'll need encouragement. Piano is wonderful and fun to learn, but there will be times of frustration, times you'll think you'll never be good at this. A big boost is to have someone supportive who wants to see you succeed and will celebrate every success you have. A good teacher is great for this, or a friend or family member who loves you. Play each song you learn for this person and enjoy the pleasure you both get from your musical skills.

Learning how to play piano is a long and complicated process. Unless you're a musical genius, it will probably take you years before you feel truly skilled. But you can find fun and diverse musical pieces to play at every step of the way, which makes it easier. Keep it enjoyable, keep it steady, keep it strong, and soon you'll be able to feel the sense of great accomplishment that comes with knowing how to play piano.