| As a piano teacher, I talk a lot about what I do. And I'm | | | | decision to devote the part of your everyday routine |
| always amazed when adults tell me they've dreamed | | | | to piano practice. If piano is low on your to-do list, you'll |
| of playing piano, but believe it's too late for them to | | | | end up practicing only on weekends -- which will lead |
| learn. I wish I knew where this belief came from -- it's | | | | to a disappointing experience for you. Really. |
| simply not true! | | | | So carve out just 10 or 15 minutes a day to totally |
| Adult piano lessons can be a rewarding process for | | | | devote to piano. It will work wonders! |
| both the student and the teacher. And playing piano is | | | | #4 -- Be a student. |
| certainly a wonderful stress-reliever for busy lives. | | | | Ask yourself: are you truly willing to be a student, and |
| If you're an adult who is ready to play piano, here are | | | | be taught? |
| some helpful tips as you find a teacher and become a | | | | One of the most difficult things for my adult students is |
| student once again. | | | | releasing control of the learning process. I understand -- |
| #1 -- Find a great teacher. | | | | as adults, we need to make decisions, solve problems, |
| Find a teacher who is passionate about and | | | | and decide the best way to do things. But piano |
| experienced with teaching adults, and who has adult | | | | lessons are different. |
| students in her studio. If a piano teacher's experience | | | | You're a beginner. Accept that, enjoy it, and allow your |
| and specialty is starting young children, and her studio is | | | | teacher to guide you in the learning process -- even if |
| full of 5-15 year-olds, she may not be the best choice. | | | | you don't understand why she might be asking you to |
| Why? As a teacher, all her preparation, repertoire, and | | | | practice a certain way, or you're just sure you can do |
| teaching tools are geared towards children. That's not | | | | it faster or better. After all, who is the expert? If you |
| to say she couldn't teach adults -- but her studio is | | | | knew the answers, you'd already be playing piano! |
| geared for a younger age group. | | | | #5 -- Patience! |
| #2 -- Choose your method. | | | | Lastly, patience is a virtue. Learning to express |
| Are you really wanting to play classical? Or is jazz | | | | yourself fluently at the piano is like learning a new |
| more what you're looking for? Maybe you're not even | | | | language: it takes time. Be patient! Play each and |
| interested in learning to read music -- you just want to | | | | every piece, from the first one you learn, with intention |
| be able to improvise on chords and read lead sheets. | | | | and beauty. |
| Why not take lessons that are giving you exactly | | | | Don't ignore the journey by focusing on the destination. |
| what you want? | | | | You'll miss out on enjoying all the simple pieces if you |
| There are so many ways to go about learning to play | | | | believe anything less than Chopin isn't really playing the |
| piano. Talk to prospective teachers about the methods | | | | piano. From the moment your fingers touch the keys, |
| they teach, and find one that will teach you in a way | | | | you're playing. Enjoy it! |
| that makes you excited to play every day. | | | | Your piano lessons, and the time you spend every day |
| #3 -- Make the time. | | | | at the piano, can bring you happiness from the |
| Adult piano lessons are a commitment of time and | | | | moment you start. |
| resources in a busy life. It helps to make a conscious | | | | It's never too late to learn to play piano! |