About

About Living Room Keys

Living Room Keys is written under the pen name Sam, an editorial persona for an adult-learner enthusiast who writes for people starting piano later in life. Sam isn't a conservatory teacher and doesn't pretend to be one.

The guides here are researched rather than autobiographical: they draw on standard beginner piano methods, published course materials, teacher advice and what adult learners commonly report in reviews and forums. Where something really needs a teacher, we say so.

What this site is

A practical notebook for adult beginners: routines, chord charts and song lists, written plainly. The voice is friendly because starting an instrument as a grown-up takes some nerve, and a little encouragement goes a long way.

Some links point to the Pianoforall course, which is covered in detail on this site. If you buy through them I earn a commission. It doesn't change the price, and there's an honest review including its drawbacks. Details are on the disclosure page.

No course will make you play overnight, and nobody can promise you will get to a certain level by a certain date. What we can say is that, for most learners, fifteen minutes a day adds up faster than you'd think.