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"Am I too old to begin adult piano lessons?" Many people ask the same question. The short and simple answer is: Of course not; it's never too late! You can begin piano lessons as an adult, teenager, or child- any age is fine.
This article will examine the benefits and advantages of learning piano as an adult. And, you know? It's quite a lot!
No. It's a myth that you must be very young to start piano lessons and learn to play the piano.
Unless you have aspirations to become a world-class famous piano virtuoso. Then as in a highly competitive, athletic sport - the earlier you start in life, the better chances you have in the ever-increasing worldwide competition.
How much can you learn as an adult?
Well, that is up to you entirely. Both how hard you work and what your goals are. Plenty of successful pianists; professionals and amateurs, started piano lessons as older beginners.
So, let's dispel this myth once and for all: You are never too old to learn to play the piano! You can start learning piano at 3 or take adult piano lessons at 90 - any age is fine!
If you're an adult beginner learning how to play piano on your own, you might want to check out Piano For All. It's a resource that offers self-paced lessons so you can learn piano on your own schedule.
With its user-friendly approach, the resource provides a fun and engaging way to learn the basics of piano, such as reading sheet music, playing chords, and understanding rhythm.
Actually not.
Although a kid absorbs information quickly compared to an adult who usually reflects, questions, and analyzes more - an adult may still learn faster than a small child.
It also depends on what you want to learn, how determined you are, and how much you practice. The adult chooses to start piano lessons by themselves and has more motivation. An adult also has the patience to practice with more focus and for a longer duration.
So, what are your goals?
Learning to play well depends on many factors. Let’s say your goal is to play “Fur Elise” by L. van Beethoven. This might take only a few hours (the first part) or a few years. Even if you learn the piece very quickly, you might polish it over the years and play it better and better.
On the other hand, if your goal is to play Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto with a major orchestra, you have to work very hard for many years, have an unusual aptitude for the instrument, study with the right teachers, and have the right connections.
Factors that play a role are your aptitude (how easily you take on a new skill) for music and piano playing, pure stubbornness, discipline, your teacher and how you get along, the quality of your instrument, and much more.
Learning to play the piano well is a never-ending quest. Even the most outstanding pianists would never call themselves ready. A lifetime is not enough!
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”
Sergei Rachmaninov
Everybody has some form of talent. Something we are really good at.
Traditionally the word talented has been used to sort up piano students with convenient labels. Like this is a gifted student, or this one has no talent.
It is misleading for many reasons.
For example, one piano student may have superb eye-hand coordination and quickly grasp sight-reading. So it seems that the student learns unusually fast and well. Label: Talented.
Another student struggles with the same issues (Label: Not talented) but finally, after learning to play the piece, can play it with superb expression and beauty- many times better than the other so-called talented student.
Some people (regardless of age) indeed seem to learn the piano faster than others. However, more is needed to ensure that they will become successful pianists!
I have seen many piano students with no apparent "talent" but with dedication and willpower turn into amazing musicians (amateur or professional). As well as so-called "talented" and even "prodigal" piano students who quit playing piano altogether because it was boring to them.
However, comparably only a few piano beginners actually plan on becoming famous pianists.
Remember that, as with any instrument, learning the piano is not just about making a career; it's so much more!
Mr. Shinichi Suzuki, the man behind the Suzuki method, believed that learning music and studying an instrument makes you better as a person. I agree. It enriches your life in a way that nothing else can.
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
Shinichi Suzuki
Learning an instrument is actually good for you! There are many benefits of learning to play the piano. Some of which are improving your:
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.”
Plato
Starting adult piano lessons actually has quite a few advantages as well:
Finally, let’s not forget that aside from all the benefits and advantages of adult piano lessons, the pure enjoyment of playing the piano and making music …
… who needs any other reason than that, really?