I would very much appreciate comments from those of you familiar with the RCM Celebration series on its suitability for an older (59) beginner who has completed three years of lessons using a number of elementary methods (Bastien, Alfred, Faber, Thompson). I recently finished Thompson's Adult Piano Course Book One and it is now time to decide whether to continue with Thompson or to change to the RCM method. I played a few pieces in the Introductory volume of the Celebration Series and found them challenging, but not impossible. The RCM method appears to be very serious and worthwhile, but is it suitable for an older person learning an instrument for the first time? Are there other methods I should consider? My teacher seems to like to bounce from book to book, while finding a stable path would give my confidence a much needed boost right now. My work ethic is good, but progress is slow. Any advice or comments any of you can offer would be deeply appreciated.

I started with Faber's Adult Piano Adventures book 1 and 2 as well as a Faber Christmas book. I have been playing six months and yes the Celebration Series is difficult for me as well. I think the fact that I listen to the CD first adds to the stress factor. So don't think it is just you having the problem. I think the series has a lot to offer but it is not going to be smooth sailing, I plan to stick with it.

Stay in touch,
Steve (45 years young)

I would like to add to my post above that I think it is going to be imperative that we both find some other fun material to add to our work. I had a tough time with parts of the Faber metod books and the fun element of Christmas tunes helped me thru that.

Stay in touch,
Steve

Gary,
There's a fellow who posts here and in the Pianists' Corner named Frank58 (from Canada). I believe he's close to your age & know he's doing the Celebration Series (He could be in Grade 6 now). Why not search his name & send him a PM? Good Luck.

Gary,

If you contact Frank58 please post your findings here for all to see.

Many thanks,
Steve

Thanks Steve and Katie for your helpful advice. Frank58 did reply to the query I posted on the "Pianist Corner" and was very positive about his six year experience with the RCM method. It is beginning to look like my choice also. Now I just have to convince my teacher. I hope both of you are enjoying your affairs with the piano. It has been the best part of my retirement so far, although there are days when I wish I had taken up golf. Good luck!

Hello,
I'm a student in the midst of completing my grade 10 RCM. The RCM (or at least I think) is really the only way to get really good.

All the other books (ABC, Leila Fletcher...) can only serve as an introduction.

But what does grade ten mean? Being in grade ten means you can have your first taste at Beethoven sonatas, chopins more difficult wokrs, back prelude and fugues.

These are really difficult pieces. I don't believe you can get to this level unless you go through the RCM 1-9 before hand.

The other books aren't going to serve you as well as the RCM does. However the RCM requires a lot of work and time. I currently practice 2+ hours daily.

Hope this confirms!

RCM will be great! The teacher will have to chose the appropriate grade and you'll be fine with this program..

RedTop, I'm older than you and I'm studying away in the RCM Celebration Series, in gr.8 But I did take the Conservatory as a child. I quit in early high school unfortunately and then just played away on my own, with my own choices of music. ...mostly the type one would enjoy singing along with. After a long break ( many years without a piano and then only irregularly at when I finally had a piano)I started back with a good teacher just over a year ago. I had a lot of catching up to do but now I'm back and moving forward. It's exciting. Like the others say, it's hard work but personally the Conservatory is the way to really learn your skills. Your comment about your teacher liking to "bounce from book to book", does concern me. It's so very important to have a person instructing you with quality background and also the personality that you enjoy as your mentor. I may be jumping to conclusions here but perhaps you need to find a different teacher. Just my 2 cents worth.
Whatever you do, don't give up. It's a slow process, learning to play well. Good luck.