Adult Returning to The 88's

[DormantDon]

Hello- I just happened back to this great forum after a bit of a hiatus.  And I know this topic has been discussed before so my apologies in-advance if this topic is redundant.
I'm a 50 year old professional who first took serious piano lessons alomst 30
years ago which included studying Bartok's Microcosm's and other classical
pieces. Quit after about 3-4 years due to pressures of engineering school. Took
up piano again about 3 years ago and have gone through a few teachers. Been
"lying fallow" for alomost 18 months now and feel guilty that I haven't played
at all for the most part. I love the piano so I hope anyone can direct me to other threads on here or share any advice.
Dormant Don

[Siberian Husky]

just browse the forum and educate yorself this place is a fountain of knowledge...

[jeremyjchilds]

if you made it through engineering school, then you definitely know something about discipline. USE IT!!

 If you really want to get ahead..View your practicing as an investment. the payoff comes when you play well, the most common mistake that I see is people expecting the practicing to be the payoff...it's not. 

But nobody said delayed gratification was a bad thing.

Wish you all the best

[teresa_b]

Hi Dorm,

I am also 50 and studied piano quite seriously in college, but went into medicine instead of engineering.  My piano lay dormant for a long time, too, needless to say.  But I went back to it around 20 years ago and never quit again (although I've had fallow periods, too.  Sometimes "real life"    gets in the way). 

If you're like me, you need a goal to work toward.  I would try to find a teacher you really like, and whose philosophy agrees with yours.  For example, my teacher simply waits for me to choose whatever I want to play, and she coaches me on that whenever I feel I need it.  You may want more guidance, at least as you begin again.  But the key for me is, I can play nothing but Mozart if I so desire, or I can throw in some Rachmaninoff, whatever.  No need for any repertoire I don't LOVE!

Make a goal, like a solo recital after working on pieces you love for 6 months, or a year.  (I've done this playing with the score to ease pressure, as I have a hard time memorizing.  No point in making it stressful instead of fun!) 

If you have any connections, get together with a couple of other musicians and play some trios, etc.  Or easier, get together with another pianist and play some duets.  Improves sightreading and is great fun. 

I got to know the conductor of a local chamber group, and I've had the unbelievable good luck of playing 4 Mozart concertos with them.  This year will do Beethoven Trio op 1 no 1, and next year maybe Mozart again, K271. 

Best of luck!  Teresa