Is is really true that I can learn to play the piano at the age of XXXXX? What am I up against?

Hi 1234, welcome to the forums.

Take a look at this site. It's written by a teacher who specializes in adult students:

http://www.musicalfossils.com/

I would guess that you are looking at taking lessons. It is important to have a good idea of what you want to eventually be able to play when you go looking for a teacher. Also, how you will play it - by reading sheet music, by playing from a lead sheet (fake book), or by playing by ear.

I'm sure you will get plenty of other tips as well.

Rich

(1) Yes
(2) The weight of whatever negative expectations you may possess, and whatever obstacles to practicing that may exist.

Piano is one of the last great true meritocracies out there: If you put in disciplined practice, you will learn to play the piano. Period. Guaranteed. If you don't, you probably won't.

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the fourum 1234,

Repeat after me....YES, I CAN!

Your are going to love your piano journey.

For the last 9 months I have taken a one hour lesson each week, my teacher told me a couple of months ago that I had already advanced past her youth students that have taken lessons for 5 years or more.

Age just might be an advantage and not a pitfall, when it comes to the piano.

I was at the piano store yesterday, and the owner told us about an 89 year old lady that drove her buick up to the door a few years ago, and announced that she wanted to purchase a Steinway. She inquired which one was the best... wrote a check, and told them that: the truck could follow her home. (NO KIDDING) He went on to report that she has recently moved to assisted living, but that she did indeed learn to play that Steinway.

The most important thing that has to be addressed.... Have you located the right teacher?

Welcome to the forum 1234.

A benefit you have as an adult beginner is you will generally know what styles of music you like and would like to learn. A child taking lessons will usually end up on the classical track while adults can end up all over the place. A child may be learning because the parents want to expose them to music while we're exposing ourselves to leaning music because we WANT to. That can make a huge difference.

Age, for some reason people think you have to start as a kid. Only thing kids have over an adult is time. As an adult you will have to carve out your practice time, however, you probably will be better motivated and stick with it better than the kids.

I took up keyboard at 73, and am having a lot of fun. Course I come from a guitar background. Took up guitar at the early age of 65. Don't let age stop you.

Ditto the right teacher. The lady down the block will normally teach classical play by rote piano. You need some of that to get the basic fingering and scale work behind you. Our Daughter helped me with that and after I got the basic down I jumped on lead sheet music and have not looked back.

Decide what type of music you want to play and then be very specific with your teacher. That's probably the one great advantage adults have, we are not intimidated by our teachers and we expect result, as it's our money we are spending.

Welcome to our World.

Have fun.

Malcolm

Hmmm,,, I don't know,,,
the age of "XXXXX"?
The smallest number (of "age") that has 5 numerals is 10,000.
You might be to old!

Mike

LOL at mdsdurango!

As many have mentioned, if playing the piano is a skill, then it only requires time and effort. Sure, some people will have natural talent, but it is something that is learned.

Children don't have jobs, responsibilities, or the same pressures as an adult. Adults are also very critical of themselves (I can't say I'm not the same, and I'm only 19!).

Do it because you want to. If you want to play like a 13 year old who began when they were 3, then play and practice for 10 years. It's as simply as that. And if you don't want to put in the 10 years, ask yourself if you are doing this for someone or something other than yourself. If the answer to that is "Yes," then don't bother. Music is a personal journey. You'll impress others down the road, but start with yourself.

PS
Don't let roadblocks stop you! I hit a rough patch with a simple version of "The Can-can" over the summer. I was completely discouraged and I barely practiced. Suddenly, I realized how immature and stupid I was acting. I began to take it slow, study and try, and now it's another song in my repertoire.

ll has hit the nail on the head and appears wise beyond his years. At age 50, I would have said exactly the same thing. The only other thing I might add is the words "commitment, dedication and determination." If you're the type that easily gives up on life's challenges, this won't be for you.

Its a lifestyle. You must do it everyday, just like brushing your teeth and combing your hair.

On the upside, I think you'll find the journey extremely gratifying. You'll create a world that you can escape to a for an hour a day (or however much time you dedicate for practice), away from the pressures and worries of the real world. After a while, you'll be able to play a few songs, which can only get better over time, and create a sense of enjoyment for yourself (and perhaps others too, if you decide to play for them).

Don't be afraid to pull the trigger. If its not for you, then move on. But, there's only one way to find out if it is for you...

So..... 1234, Have you had your first lesson yet? Or should I ask, when will you have your first lesson?