Do not be lead astray by anyone who says that children must start piano by age 5 to play well. While beginning at this young age was the traditional time for generations ago, early childhood development studies have shown differently. In fact, kids are never too old to learn to play the piano, and neither are their parents or grandparents.
You actually may start piano lessons at any age. Teachers often disagree about the best ages to start, but most will agree that an average starting age may be around 6 years old. The reason? This is when you start to read and write, and learning to read piano music is simply another language. You can learn to read and write your own language and music all together at the same time. And, the coordination it takes to navigate over piano keys starts to form around that time.
Starting when you are an adult means that you will basically need to acquire a new language, except that the language of music includes not only reading it, but playing piano too. This is really the most difficult part for adults, usually. The understanding of how to read the music comes very easily, but the coordination problems of actually playing the keys is often quite frustrating. Adults need to develop their piano skills at about the same rate as young children. Just keep that in mind when your fingers get tangled.
The frustration that adults feel when they practice piano is that their intellectual abilities are in stark contrast to their physical ones. Adult fingers can feel very clumsy when starting out on the keys. Adults simply need to be patient with themselves when developing their piano technique. Lots of slow and steady practice is important, but most adults master their fingers well enough to enjoy playing favorite tunes.
There are a few main issues to consider when starting late, though. Adults often encounter frustration with their eye to hand coordination. The learning process they must go through is the same as a young child. Adults do understand musical concepts more quickly than children, but understanding is not the same as doing. It will also be difficult to maintain regular practice times when work demands come first. Sometimes, the weekly family routine will not allow for uninterrupted practice. Dedication and organization will go a long way to over coming these things.
Helping an older student learn can be as easy as modeling good time management habits. Setting up an area to store piano music, theory workbooks, manuscript paper, pencils and erasers, and a lesson assignment notebook are the first step. Make sure your piano has good light so eyes do not become strained. Try different practice times over the course of one week, and choose what works best for everyone in the family. Stick to the routine until it becomes normal.
Another great plus for starting later in life is that you might be able to learn piano along with your grandchildren. Many active grandparents are taking time to help raise their grandchildren, and find that they are the prime transportation to and from piano lessons. Why not study at the same time? This plan works well because children often forget much of what is studied during their lessons. Having a grandparent to remember and review helps both to do better.
When your teenager, or high school kid tells you they would like to try piano, let them. They are never too old to learn to play if they are interested. Do not discourage older adults either. They get the same joy from learning as anyone else. Once their decision to try has been announced, be supportive. Applaud any progress, and enjoy their success. Piano music brings happiness, and age should not be a barrier to it. - 40724
You actually may start piano lessons at any age. Teachers often disagree about the best ages to start, but most will agree that an average starting age may be around 6 years old. The reason? This is when you start to read and write, and learning to read piano music is simply another language. You can learn to read and write your own language and music all together at the same time. And, the coordination it takes to navigate over piano keys starts to form around that time.
Starting when you are an adult means that you will basically need to acquire a new language, except that the language of music includes not only reading it, but playing piano too. This is really the most difficult part for adults, usually. The understanding of how to read the music comes very easily, but the coordination problems of actually playing the keys is often quite frustrating. Adults need to develop their piano skills at about the same rate as young children. Just keep that in mind when your fingers get tangled.
The frustration that adults feel when they practice piano is that their intellectual abilities are in stark contrast to their physical ones. Adult fingers can feel very clumsy when starting out on the keys. Adults simply need to be patient with themselves when developing their piano technique. Lots of slow and steady practice is important, but most adults master their fingers well enough to enjoy playing favorite tunes.
There are a few main issues to consider when starting late, though. Adults often encounter frustration with their eye to hand coordination. The learning process they must go through is the same as a young child. Adults do understand musical concepts more quickly than children, but understanding is not the same as doing. It will also be difficult to maintain regular practice times when work demands come first. Sometimes, the weekly family routine will not allow for uninterrupted practice. Dedication and organization will go a long way to over coming these things.
Helping an older student learn can be as easy as modeling good time management habits. Setting up an area to store piano music, theory workbooks, manuscript paper, pencils and erasers, and a lesson assignment notebook are the first step. Make sure your piano has good light so eyes do not become strained. Try different practice times over the course of one week, and choose what works best for everyone in the family. Stick to the routine until it becomes normal.
Another great plus for starting later in life is that you might be able to learn piano along with your grandchildren. Many active grandparents are taking time to help raise their grandchildren, and find that they are the prime transportation to and from piano lessons. Why not study at the same time? This plan works well because children often forget much of what is studied during their lessons. Having a grandparent to remember and review helps both to do better.
When your teenager, or high school kid tells you they would like to try piano, let them. They are never too old to learn to play if they are interested. Do not discourage older adults either. They get the same joy from learning as anyone else. Once their decision to try has been announced, be supportive. Applaud any progress, and enjoy their success. Piano music brings happiness, and age should not be a barrier to it. - 40724
About the Author:
Merriam School Of Music 75-3175 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y6 (905) 829-4489 http://www.merriammusic.com/ Music school and piano store in the Greater Toronto Area. Offers piano lessons for children and adults. Also sells instruments, music and related products. Visit our Vaughan location!
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