Small question for all

[urzica]

Hello,

I am 17 years old, and I learned guitar (a year) two years ago. I became pretty good. The thing is, I'd really like to start piano, but I thought maybe I'm too old to start (I know that anyone can start. I mean I'd like to get to a significant level of playing..)

In short, do you think 17 is ok to start piano? Will i get anywhere?

Thanks
P.S. I know it all depends on practice frequency etc. But still, a 7-year-old who begins playing has much more potential than a 17.

Jonathan

[cadenz]

one of the biggest problems with starting late in life is that one has too much responsibility and stress on their hands. whereas a child generally has much fewer distractions. but don't be discouraged to start at 17. if you can find the time to put into it there's no reason you can't get to a very high standard. if you don't, when you're 20, you'll be thinking.. damn, i wish i got into it more seriously at 17, just think how good i'd be now?
i kind of made that mistake. i'd been "playing" for a long time, but when i was about 17 i put off taking it more seriously because i felt it too late. now i'm 20 i regret that decision. but i see myself with plenty of time to develop yet
i'd fully advise getting a teacher unless you don't want to get any better than mediocre, and i kind of doubt that the case if you're worried about starting too late.

[urzica]

Thanks, yeah of course I'll get a teacher, thanks again for the advice

[janne p.]

I was 19 when I started taking lessons, I'd only been fooling on the piano for a year or so before. That was five years ago, and this is my final year at a music college with piano as my major instrument. So it's not impossible!

[jeremyjchilds]

Hello,

In short, do you think 17 is ok to start piano? Will i get anywhere?

Jonathan

Of course you will get somewhere, just think of your guitar practice as a precurser to your piano studies.

Just think...
1) you automatically think of things in terms of chords, so memorizing songs will be easier once you analyze the chord structure,
2) You know about notation
3) You are likely versed in many popular styles
4) You have nurtured a rythmic awareness taht is based on strumming patterns. Easily transferred to the piano

by the way, where do you want to go....

[freakofnature]

If you put enough time into piano practice there's no reason why you couldn't become a very good pianist... I've started a lot later than you - with 26, one and a half year ago - and I'm getting constantly better! Don't hesitate - just try it and if you feel a deep love for playing piano you will become good...

[tinkertanker]

Hello,

I am 17 years old, and I learned guitar (a year) two years ago. I became pretty good. The thing is, I'd really like to start piano, but I thought maybe I'm too old to start (I know that anyone can start. I mean I'd like to get to a significant level of playing..)

In short, do you think 17 is ok to start piano? Will i get anywhere?

Thanks
P.S. I know it all depends on practice frequency etc. But still, a 7-year-old who begins playing has much more potential than a 17.

Jonathan

Not too late, I'm starting at 26! So long as you can put the time in (and practice efficiently during that time) you should be able to acheive all that you want.

[fiasco]

Paderwski didn't start studying until his mid-20's, and he played well enough to become Prime Minister of Poland.  So, there you go.

[shadogi]

Most music majors start playing piano for the first time at 18!!!!

If it's not too late for us to learn, I think you'll be ok.

It's all about what you put into it.