That's quite interesting about Julliard. My dream cetainly doesn't extend THAT far, but a small, local college would be a wonderful place for me to grow.

And I would like to say that I wholeheartedly agree that an adult brain works much differently that a child's brain. All those neural pathways take longer to develop, but many of them can develop with persistance. I don't really think the sky is the limit anymore, but it doesn't stop me from working and dreaming about reality-based (I hope) possibilities.

I spent the last hour listening to Anne-Marie McDermott's CD titled Bach. I love the Menuet I from Partita No. 1 in B flat BWV825. It's on youtube if you want to see a sample. Oh my goodness--the joy, depth and inspiration of her playing will fuel me for days!

Gale Welden
a very adult student

Wouldn't that be a cool reality show for PBS? 40 or 50 or 60-something auditions for Julliard? And wouldn't it be cool and if he or she was selected and to watch the freshman year with all the brilliant youngsters? I'd watch it.

There was a guy I knew in college. As a freshman, he took the beginning piano class. By the time he graduated (with a chemistry/pre-med major), he was playing good literature (Mozart sonatas, Debussy preludes). I thought that was incredible.

This is something I also keep wondering about.

I am 51 years old and have a DMA in cello from a good conservatory. I've also played the piano on and off most of my life. My current working situation (not in music) is not very rewarding, but I don't really want to delve back into playing the cello professionally again (talk about a youth-oriented world ... string playing is it). I do like playing the cello, but the piano is musically more interesting for various reasons. I've wondered if I could possibly teach piano.

I've had glimmers of that feeling of fluency you have when things are working, but they are hard-won and fleeting. I haven't even been taking lessons and know I need to make more of a commitment if I ever want to get better.

Sigh.

gale, I know what you mean about wanting a structured situation. I've thought about applying to get into the local community college just to give it a try. But there are so many -- well, mean (for lack of a better word) teachers out there who will belittle anyone who is not a 10-year-old prodigy. It sounds like you have found someone who inspires you. I hope you continue to find joy in the process and meet encouraging people.