Hi everyone,

Newbie (at least to the forum) here. Not to beat a dead horse, but I have a little twist on the question of being too old. Rather, what are realistic expectations for a late starter.

My background: Took piano lessons in third grade, hated it despite doing well, then played clarinet fourth through eleventh grade, then drums from twelfth grade through college and a few subsequent years, then took a break for a few years, then another one plus year of piano lessons (about 8 years ago), then another break, then about a year ago took guitar lessons for about six months, and, since September, back to piano lessons (whew!)

I like to consider myself fairly talented (don't we all:)), as I've done well on all the instruments I've attempted and had positive feedback from teachers and, in the case of drums, bandmates. I know I'm no prodigy, though. I usually practice 1/2 hour in the a.m., and another 1/2 hour in the evening (basically, before kids wake up, and after they go to bed). When I started again with piano, we skipped the first Faber book, and started with the second. I got through the first half in about a couple of weeks, then slowed down, so that was more of our starting point. I'm finishing up the second lesson and performance books and should be starting the third one soon.

Anyway, my hope is not to be a concert pianist, nor a jazz pianist (although I would love to be able to), but I would like, at some point, be competent enough to accompany the chorus at my kids' elementary school, eventually be able to play in variety-type bands, and *really* eventually be able to play piano bars. But, I don't know how realistic that is. Oh yeah, and I'm 37.

I know there's really no way to judge someone's musical potential just from reading their self-assessment on a message board, but I would appreciate any feedback based on your peronsal experiences.

Thanks, and I apologize for the long-windedness. I promise that any future posts will be more brief!

kateriniparalia,

That is one of the most wonderfully worded responses for playing the piano. I am 32 and just began studying the piano a couple months ago. You are exactly right: while I may dream of one day being 'great', the real joy comes from the little advances that are made each week and the struggles to achieve them. Some days, I will work fervently to hit a specific chord or trio, failing repeatedly. Amazingly, the following day, sometimes I'll find success and wonder how I ever had problems the day before. While every day isn't likely to be like that, these little rewards make it all worthwhile.