piano after college

[scandenavius]

How does a person continue on with there piano education after college. Right now I struggle with the idea that six years down the road (the time I will hopefully finish my undergraduates degree) I will be some unenlightened bum with minimal piano skills and knowlege that won't be able to continue his musical education. I've seen that many members on this sight are long gone from there college years but have still continued to play the piano. I would like some insight (from these members) as to how they continued to play once there college years were over.

[go12_3]

I think *piano education* is a lifetime quest, irregardless of how many years of college a person has.  If you are going to think you will be *an enlightened bum with minimal piano skills and knowledge* then you need to change your attitude because no matter what level of pianistic skills you have acquired there is always something you can contribute. I only had 2 few years of college as a piano performance major and quit, because of personal reasons, but that didn't stop me from learning new pieces, plus starting to teach piano because it was something I wanted to do.  Music has to be an important part of your life in order for you to be succuessful as a pianist, but the confidence and abilities to continue on, is up to you. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[quantum]

I think *piano education* is a lifetime quest [...]

Quite so!

The purpose of taking piano lessons - additionaly if one chooses to study music in college - is to gain skills in self-education.  That is: to learn how to teach oneself to play one's instrument rather than depending on someone else to do so. 

Most learning happens out of the classroom, and is more attached to personal experiences than sitting in a lecture hall. 

You should come out of college with the premise that you have been given tools to start learning, rather than having magically acquired all skills needed to play the piano. 

[dan101]

So much piano practice is dependent on how secure you are with teaching yourself. It's quite possible that a busy lifestyle might mean putting practice and lessons on hold for a while. Of course, it's not ideal to take a complete break from playing for a long period of time, both from a physical and from a mental standpoint.

I've had a lot of 'after college' and 'retired adults' come to restart piano studies with me. It's never too late.

[Bob]

A lot quit going into college.  After that family and career take up time. And you're busy with that until you retire.   

If you want it as part of you life, make time.  If you need some help, just find a teacher. 

[dr. j]

I have a wonderful group of adult piano students most of whom never studied piano in college.  They are lifelong learners who want to play the piano (or organ) for the sheer joy of it.  They make their own goals and challenge themselves to continually improve.  It is very exciting to work with these students and indeed is also my privilege to share music-making with them.

Dr. J