After more than 15 years of teaching, there is one question I’ve heard so often that I almost had a standard answer for it:
“Do I need to know how to read music to learn how to play the piano?”
Let me be honest right away: the answer is not as black and white as you might think. But I understand where the doubt comes from.
The myth of reading music: why so many people doubt
Many people dream of playing the piano, but give up when they think they first have to learn ‘all that sheet music’. It seems as if you can’t even start otherwise. Especially parents (who want the best for their child), but also adults who may have had a bad experience with music lessons, ask me this question. And I understand them.
That old belief — that you can’t play the piano without reading music — is persistent. It comes from the classical system: for generations, piano playing was taught by first learning music notes, and then playing. Parents who grew up this way often unconsciously pass on this image.
But times have changed. And yet, many people still have that nagging doubt:
“Can I still participate if I don’t read music?”
“Won’t my child fall behind?”
“Isn’t it a bit of cheating if I approach it this way?”
That insecurity, that feeling that you’re ‘too late’ with something, I recognize it in many parents and adults.
Can you learn to play the piano without reading music?
Absolutely, you can!
And I see it happening daily in my studio in The Hague. So many beginners — children and adults alike — step in here without having ever seen a note on paper. And believe me, that’s perfectly fine.
How I approach it
Instead of overwhelming you right away with the whole music notation and all the rules, at Studio MusicalMente, we take a different approach. I have my own, proven method whereby you learn to read music notes step by step, without stress. But first? First, you just start making music. You feel the keys, hear the sound, and notice that you’re actually doing something. Then, I add one new element each time. Without overload or confusion — just calmly and logically progressing.
Some people sometimes say:
“But if you don’t learn all the theory at once, can you ever really play music?”
That thought comes from the old system, where you had to endlessly memorize theory before you could finally play.
But from experience, I know: precisely by doing first and explaining later, my students experience more joy, more confidence, and they grow faster. So you really do learn to make music for real — just in a way that feels more natural. You don’t get overwhelmed so quickly, and before you know it, you’re playing songs and naturally beginning to understand how music fits together.
A small story from practice
Once, I guided an adult student with a brain injury. She always thought reading music would be impossible for her. But precisely through working step by step — and especially by making a lot of music — she managed to do it. Not to become a concert pianist (that was never the goal), but to play music with joy and confidence.
And honestly? If she can do it, I believe 90% of people can learn it. You don’t have to be a prodigy or super young. What you need is an approach that suits you — and a little patience.
The advantages of reading music — and when it doesn’t work
Of course, reading music has its advantages:
- You can play more music, from classical to pop
- You understand music better and can play more easily with others
- You have access to thousands of pieces, methods, and arrangements
But: for beginners, it sometimes works the other way around, especially if you approach it too quickly or too academically.
- You get frustrated by the complexity
- The joy fades away
- You feel insecure, or ‘too late’
That’s why I — and many colleagues in The Hague with me — believe that joy and moments of success should always come first. Reading music? That comes later. Or only if it really suits your goals.
How are piano lessons at Studio MusicalMente in The Hague?
My approach? Learning by doing.
I don’t believe in endlessly cramming theory, but in getting started right away.
What can you expect?
- Directly making music: After the first lesson, you’ll already be playing a song, even without reading music.
- Learning to listen & experiment: We discover music, rhythms, and sounds together.
- Reading music step by step: Want to learn sheet music later? No problem — we incorporate it calmly and practically.
- Personal guidance: Everyone learns differently. I look at what you (or your child) need, and tailor the lessons accordingly.
- Playing together: You’re not learning alone — making music together motivates and inspires.
Your start is more important than sheet music
So you really don’t have to wait until you can read music to start. Whether as an adult you finally want to fulfill that dream, or as a parent you’re looking for the best for your child: motivation, joy, and success always come first with me.
Want to play immediately? You can.
Want to learn music notes? You can too — step by step, without stress.
It’s all about making music, moving forward together, and growing at your own pace.
Ready to start? Book a free introductory meeting!
Curious about how it works — for you or your child? With or without notes?
Then click the button below.
Who am I?
I am Luca Ridolfo and I founded Studio MusicalMente in 2018. I’ve been driven by music since I was a child. But I wasn’t a Musical Prodigy. I enjoyed making music and had a drive to learn more about it. My music teachers always supported and encouraged me to keep going.
And indeed, I continued until I completed a music education at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. And even now, I never stop learning.
I firmly believe that everyone can improve their musicality and that this shouldn’t be reserved only for children. That’s why I decided to open a music school for adults in The Hague.
I believe that learning creative hobbies with experienced role models is one of the best ways to develop new skills and learn more about yourself.