One
woman's thoughts and encouragement
on learning the piano at
an older age.
Kelly
L. Henderson
Everybody has his or her own reasons, of course, and no doubt you have yours.
For me, deciding to take piano lessons in midlife allowed me to address a long-held
regret. I had taken lessons as a child but dropped out prematurely. As the years
went by I regretted not studying music but I believed that one day I would begin
again where I had left off. This proved impossible of course, as the years had
taken a toll on my form and technique, but by the time I turned 40 I had found
my way back to the keyboard.
Some adult students decide to take up piano after enrolling their children in
lessons. They want to have a better understanding of what their kids are supposed
to be learning. Sometimes through monitoring the progress of their children they
develop an interest in the piano that is entirely their own. These adults may
continue to play long after their children have lost interest in piano.
Some adults are good players who decide they want to buff up their skills. Maybe
they've decided to change careers. Maybe they've decided they'd like to teach
or perform. Maybe they just want to play better.
Then there's the ubiquitous "midlife crisis". I suppose I belong to this group.
Most adults reach a certain age and start reflecting on their lives. They review
the things they've done and the things they haven't done. Learning a musical
instrument often ranks high on the "haven't done" list.
Midlife is an excellent time for adults to pursue their musical dreams. Often
they are freer. Their children are grown up and independent. They have more time
- more money too! Adults are usually more relaxed, have more confidence in themselves,
and less fear of looking foolish - excellent qualities to have when you decide
to take up a musical instrument.
How old is too old?
Last year I took the Grade 8 practical exam. The examiner was very encouraging
and commented that she had had four adult students that year take the Grade 10
exam. The oldest of these was 66. Grade 10, by the way, is the highest level
at the Conservatory and from what I know of it, not for the faint of heart.
If you think it's too late to learn piano, you're right - it is too late. If
you think it's NOT too late - you're right about that too! You, your beliefs,
and your attitudes will be the deciding factors.
When you decide to do something - anything - with effort and persistence you
can do it. This applies to the piano. This applies to anything your imagination
can dream up. So don't hold back - dream big!
Biography
Kelly L. Henderson is editor of www.NewPianoPlayers.com and
a piano student at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada.
