Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner - Non Classical Adults Don't Have Years to Learn

Yes BUT... Adults make the voluntary and explicit decision to seek out and get lessons, or to learn again. It's their choice. Children are forced into it. So while, yes children will learn via brute force, USUALLY their heart isn't in it like an adults is. It's the same as highschool graduates going to college compared to mature age students returning to college. The mature age students often do better because they apply themselves a lot more because they've CHOSEN to take that path. They are there to learn, while the highschool grads have no choice but to go - and will usually socialise, drink and not take it as seriously!

Also I keep seeing mentions of 'quick fix's everywhere. I'm sorry but there just isn't an excuse or a reason to contemplate this idea. It just doesn't exist, forget about it!

Also, I definitely don't believe that 'adults don't have the years to learn'. It's like absolutely ANYTHING learned, it takes practise, dedication and persistance. Sure if you'd practised since you were 8 you'd have a lot of years under your belt, but for every player that's practised an entire lifetime, there'd be 10000x more that gave it up, so you're not in a 'disadvantaged minority'. I dont think this excuse should be given much credence just keep practising!

PS - I agree with etcetra above about 'developing your own style'. I don't really see how you can do that until you have a solid and vast understanding of the fundamentals etc. You need to do the practise and be proficient before you can know the rules or techniques to add your own flavour/style.

I agree with what people have said previously. As adults, we constantly compare ourselves with others, and often we fall short when we compare ourselves to people who have been playing since 3, or to the virtuosos in youtube. Because we're busy, we are often too tired at the end of the day to practice. My best solution for this is to schedule piano practice time beforehand, so it becomes part of a routine. I can't say I follow my schedule religiously, but I follow it most days I also cut out other activities to give way to more practice time - the TV and Playstation 2 are gathering dust in my apartment right now. Now all I need is a way to keep myself from being in front of the computer for extended periods!

When I decided to pick up piano, I made sure that I had the right mindset and realistic expectations from the get-go: 1) Piano is not easy, 2) Piano takes a lot of effort and practice, 3) It would take years for me to be able to play my 'goal' pieces. My previous (very short) stint with piano as a teenager and the folks here at PianoWorld helped me form that mindset. So at times when I feel impatient, I just tell myself that it'll come with time and effort, but I'll get to that point eventally. Maybe it's a bit too early to tell, but right now I can't imagine quitting piano.

It all depends how much you want it. I practice everyday generally 1-3 hours and have seen gradual improvement (Still a hack though). I am enjoying late beginner early intermediate pieces. And if I keep it up for a few more years I might actually be a real player. It's just about the practice and putting in the time. It doesn't happen over night. No matter how old you are, just practice and play...everyday...and it will happen...