5 Things That Make Piano Playing So Hard!

Welcome to LivingPianos.com—I’m Robert Estrin. Let’s face it: playing the piano is hard. It takes years of practice and dedication to build the kind of security that makes the instrument feel like an extension of yourself. Over time, you develop a deeper connection with the keys, but getting to that point takes effort and perseverance. So, what exactly makes the piano so difficult?

1. The Complexity of Piano Music

The first thing that comes to mind when we think about why piano playing is tough is the sheer complexity of the music. Unlike other instruments, the piano requires you to use both hands independently, often playing completely different parts. The hands cross over each other, switch roles, and even pass parts back and forth between them.

While other instruments, like the clarinet or trumpet, present their own challenges—like tone production, breath control, and finger placement—the piano is unique in that every piece you play requires new hand positions, finger patterns, and movements. You’re constantly adapting to new challenges, even if you’ve been playing for years.

2. Reading Music vs. Watching Your Hands

Another big challenge pianists face is the struggle between reading the music and watching your hands. You want to be able to read the sheet music while also being aware of what’s happening on the keyboard, but how can you look in two places at once? Sure, you can memorize the music, but memorization takes time, and it’s not always an option, especially when playing chamber music or accompanying others.

The key is to develop familiarity with the keyboard through your ear and feel. Over time, your connection with the instrument will allow you to find your way without needing to constantly look at your hands. The more you practice, the more your reading skills will improve and help you play with ease.

3. The Anatomical Challenge of Playing the Piano

The way your hands are built is actually a bit backwards for piano playing. Ideally, you want your stronger fingers to handle the melody and bass, the notes that need to stand out. But instead, your powerful thumbs are in the middle, which isn’t really what you need. Most of the time, you want the melody in the higher notes and the bass in the lower notes to come through clearly. Think about it: it’s the top and bottom notes that need to be heard most, and your weak 4th and 5th fingers are called upon for this purpose. So, the challenge is overcoming the natural way your hands are built and focusing on bringing out the melody and bass, where you really want the emphasis.

4. The Difficulty of Sustaining High Notes

Another inherent challenge on the piano is the difference in the way high and low notes decay. The lower notes tend to resonate and last longer, while high notes fade almost immediately. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to bring out the melody, which is often in the higher range of the piano.

You need to exaggerate the weight and arm support in those higher notes to make them sustain long enough to be heard above the accompaniment. This is crucial when playing pieces with a delicate melody, like Chopin’s Nocturnes, where the melody is often slower and needs to be clearly heard over a faster-moving accompaniment. Without adjusting your touch, the melody will quickly disappear under the more persistent bass notes.

5. Adapting to Different Pianos

Finally, one of the most unique challenges of playing the piano is that, unlike portable instruments like the guitar or flute, you can’t simply pick up your piano and take it with you. Whether you’re performing a concert or just playing at a friend’s house, every piano you sit down at will be different. The touch, the sound, the pedals—they all vary from instrument to instrument, and you must adjust to each one on the spot.

This is a problem unique to pianists. Other musicians can bring their instruments wherever they go and know exactly what to expect. But pianists? They may find themselves playing on an unfamiliar instrument just moments before they perform, needing to quickly adapt to its nuances.

If you’re working through these challenges, know you’re not alone!

Every pianist has been there. Keep practicing, and you’ll continue to build that connection with the piano, one note at a time.

If you find these insights helpful and want to take your playing to the next level, be sure to check out the Living Piano Mastermind Club. It’s packed with resources to help you further develop your musical skills!