How old is too old for adult piano lesson
You are never too old for piano lessons. It’s too much fun to miss. Anyone at any age can (and maybe, should) learn to play their favourite music. The best time to plant an oak tree is 40 years ago, the second best time is right now.
What is the optimal number of lessons per month?
Once a week is the sweet spot. Weekly lessons put your music making in high gear. It’s intense but in a really good way. Some students prefer lessons twice a week because they are having so much fun playing so well and improving so fast. Music becomes a strong and rewarding part of your daily life. As in virtually all studios, my students and I take all the usual holidays.
If you can’t make once a week work, talk to your teacher about other options. Other schedules, like a lesson every two weeks, can work for you if your teacher provides you with the right kinds of supports. Video lessons that you can review can help a lot to make this work for you.
How much do I need to practice for my adult piano lessons?
A common myth about music practice is that more is always better and only those who are willing and able to sacrifice a lot of time will do well.
This is completely false. Quality trumps quantity in music practice. The focus of productive music practice is enjoyment and efficiency. If you are practicing well (which is the main skill you will learn in your music lessons) for 20 to 30 minutes a day, 5 or 6 days a week, you will enjoy satisfying progress.
Chances are that you will be having so much fun that your 20 minutes might turn into an hour!
Do I need to play hours of scales and exercises to be able to play well?
No.
Previous generations of pianists have been taught to practice Hanon studies and scales and other such drills in an effort to “train” the hands and fingers. Modern science-based piano pedagogy understands that the success pianists had then was in spite of these practices, not because of them.
Fortunately for us, informed teachers now understand that all the physical development we need can and will happen by playing the pieces we love.
I am a complete beginner. How do I get started with adult piano lessons?
Find a teacher and get started! Most good teachers love to start musicians from scratch. You don’t need any background at all. A good teacher will teach you everything you need to know to play the music you want to play.
I used to play years ago. What is the best way to get back into it?
A good way to get started is to get a professional assessment of your current level and your potential. I give interested musicians a free assessment including my recommendations for a clear path forward for you. I can tell you what you can reasonably expect from lessons over the first six months, one year, five years, and beyond.
What can I reasonably hope to achieve from adult piano lessons?
Truly, the sky is the limit. Some people progress faster than others, everyone’s experience of music is unique, but everyone who takes lessons and practices progresses steadily. It is such a pleasure to play the music we love and to be able to play music easily that was once too difficult. That happens to everyone who takes lessons with a good teacher.