It’s easy to think that adults learning the piano is a ridiculous notion; if you didn’t learn the piano when you were young you’ve surely missed the boat. This is not true!
While children of course make fantastic students, adults can be just as goal orientated and motivated, and often have better levels of concentration. These are all great attributes for learning.
Another barrier can be that we think we are not talented enough, and any potential that may have been there as a child has now gone. This is not true either!
Everything is learnable, and the barrier is generally not level of talent but level of commitment, because everyone has potential.
Perhaps you think your issue is not talent, but time. But it’s recommended that you play for just 15 minutes a day when starting out, that’s less time than your average TV show.
We understand that learning a new skill as an adult can be daunting though, and maybe you need just a little nudge of encouragement.
Meet Katie & Ben – inspiring us that it’s never too late to learn!
Katie, 67
“I started learning the piano a year and a half ago! I had started to learn as a little girl (7) but had to give up as my parents were unable to pay for the lessons.
There was always an old piano in my house as my mum used to play a little, but I was most encouraged by my Uncle Alex who used to play in jazz clubs under the name of Barry Kane!
He worked in the meteorological office in Reading and used to record thunder clouds and storms on his cine camera. He would then come to visit us and play the films onto a white sheet that he had hung from the wall and play the piano as I watched and listened in awe!!
I was determined that one day I would learn to play and buy myself a beautiful piano! It took a while, but I am not one to give up easily!
My grandfather also played piano on the stage when black & white movies with no sound were shown in the cinema - so music is very much in my blood!
I have no idea whether it is more difficult to play as an adult as I never really learned as a child. However - learning to play definitely brings out the inner child in me!
I suppose my expectations are too high sometimes and I get frustrated that it takes effort to become more accomplished. I am still at the early stages of trying to use 2 hands but am determined not to give up.
I have weekly lessons with a lovely piano teacher, who actually taught my children!! Her name is Julie Turner and she is so encouraging and makes sure that I have great fun too when we play simple duets together, like the Charleston and the odd nursery rhyme!!
Julie says that I am an inspiration!! I broke my wrist last year, so Julie wrote some pieces just for the left hand to keep me going and not give up!
I don’t practice the piano - I PLAY the piano almost every day! Practice can feel like such a chore and so boring and the word itself reminds me of school! I play for pleasure!
I have taken my grade 1 (and passed) but I was so nervous. it did really help me to focus on scales, arpeggios etc which are incredibly useful. But performing pieces for a stranger took me way out of my comfort zone!! But I did it and have a certificate!! I am now working towards grade 2!! May have a G&T before I go for the exam this time!! Good thing about being an adult!!
I love my piano! Going to buy it was such an amazing experience! Everyone at Coach House Pianos were so helpful and encouraging! What a joyful day that was.
Learning to play has changed my life. I play just for me - I don’t ever expect to become a virtuoso, but the pleasure of learning to play is wonderful. I cannot encourage others reading this enough - just do it!!
Happy playing!”
Ben, 50
“My name is Ben, I turned 50 in June and I started piano lessons for the first time in my life two months ago.
My motivation is simple. I have three children (aged 8, 10 and 12) and have watched them initially enjoy learning the piano but latterly ease off. By taking it up myself I can share the practice sessions with the one who still plays, and it’s been a great motivator for both of us.
From a selfish point of view, I am also acutely aware of the need for new challenges as I age. I see the piano as a marvellously enjoyable form of brain training and of therapy. It’s a great way to take my mind off the day to day Sturm & Drang of a reasonably high stress job.”
If you would love to learn the piano, do get in touch with us as we know piano teachers all around the country, and have a fantastic selection of new pianos and used pianos available for sale – no matter what level you are.
