What's Stopping You From Learning Piano?

I don't think I've ever played piano in public where I didn't have at least one conversation with someone who said to me "I wish I could play". Or, "I always wanted to play". Or, "I played years ago and wished I had never given it up". And my typical response to those statements was, "what's stopping you"?

A typical response from them might be, "I don't think I can at my age" or "It's to late now". I would usually ask them why they wanted to play piano. 99% of the time the answer was that they just wished they could make music and that it would make them feel so good. Never did anyone say they would like to become a professional musician and start a career in music.

That's the typical desire of adults who want to play. So I would put on my psychologist hat and begin asking a series of questions. One question might be, "do you cook"? Many would say "yes". "Do you plan on becoming a professional chef"? Some people learn to drive well into their adult years. I'm sure it's not because they want to run the Indy500. People begin all kinds new skills and learning at all ages, yet when it comes to playing the piano, there's an intimidation factor involved.

I usually tell that I'm sure if you started your lessons, your plan would not be to become a Van Cliburn, or Roger Williams or Oscar Peterson, or Billy Joel. "Right"? And they say, "of course not, I just want to play for enjoyment and relaxation". Then, "time's a wastin. Find the nearest piano teacher and get goin"!

But why is so tough for so many to take the step? What's the intimidation about? Many are all tied up in a couple of myths regarding playing piano at an advanced age. (Advance age meaning 30 to 80) Here a couple of those myths with an argument to dispel it.

MYTH #1: "I don't think I could learn at my age"
As stated above, it's about enjoyment and relaxation... and maybe even health! You see, the problem arises because comparisons are made. They listen to professionals and think that they will never play like that. Well guess what? It's most likely true. But remember, THAT'S not the goal. The comparison of how they think they will play compared to the professional intimidates them. There's an old saying; "compare and despair".

Actually, one can make some pretty nice piano music at any age..... that' right, I said any age. They can reach a level where they could play a variety of song's and styles at a very enjoyable listening level. And that's the goal. To be able to look at some sheet music and be able to transfer the written notes on the page to the keys of the piano. I've had students from 50 to 80 who were thrilled at what they accomplished—because they approached it from the fun, hobbyist point of view...... no pressure to become something they need not become.

MYTH #2: "I'm not musically inclined"
If a person can dance, hum or whistle, or tapped their fingers to a tune they love, then they're musically inclined enough to learn to play at an enjoyable level. The primary ingredients needed to begin playing the piano is their love of music and how it makes them feel. The combination of all of the above is all it takes. Then learn to transfer those feelings to the piano keyboard.

Great piano finger technique is not needed. The majority of my adult students have never performed a single finger exercise throughout their complete learning experience. Whatever technique they needed was developed from within the songs and styles of music they were learning. It was all that was needed to fulfill their goal.

So, if you're a player, encourage any friends or relatives who had expressed a desire to play, to do so. To go for it. To make it fun. To go for it. If you've come across this article and you don't play but want to, find the nearest teacher in your city or town and make the move...... remember; "compare and despair".