Returning to a wonderful hobby

[james1102]

I am 47 years old and have not played the piano since leaving school.   However I have recently purchased a new piano and have started taking lessons once again. My teacher has assessed me as Grade 4.  I am obviously not as advanced as most of you seem to be  but I am over the moon to have "rediscovered" this wonderful hobby. I am determined to make as much progress as I possibly can or do you think I have left it too late to be any good. I have only had a few lessons so far but I do feel I am making reasonable progress. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[allthumbs]

Greetings

Congratulations! I too took up the piano again after many years. See my previous post.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,8218.msg83805.html#msg83805

You will have a great time. Good luck.


Cheers

allthumbs

[dorfmouse]

Congratulations from another adult returner, well it was some time ago now but I have never regretted it. Yes of course you will make progress, why shouldn't you? I wish I'd had a forum such as this when I restarted, it's such a mine of information and help. Especially when you're feeling discouraged there is nearly always a post that will get you back on track ... or just shout for help!

I'd recommend reading everything you can find here on practice techniques and memorising, searching under those words and "Bernhard" will give you weeks of reading! Over the months I gradually distilled the most important advice (for me) down to a few main points and they're now on a small post-it note stuck on the piano. When I stick to "The Plan" it works .. but the human mind is very rebellious and I constantly find myself wandering back into old, inefficient ways .... 

Good luck and much joy!

[james1102]

Thanks for the inspiration. By the way, most of the people on this site seemed to based in the US. I am based in the Isle of Man in the British Isles. There seems to be a different grading system here.

[sharon_f]

Congratulations! I started playing again two years ago after a 35 year break. I don't think it's too late at all. I am sure you will discover, as I have, that you will progress over time. Finding a good teacher is key. And then finding, no, making the time to practice.  Enjoy.