Beginner question/health related

[outin]

This is my first post to the forum, but I visit Piano Street a lot, it’s such a great source of information. I have recently started playing again after 25 years without a piano. I’m starting lessons next week. I have a digital but I soon realized that I want an acoustic piano. It’s just not the same, maybe because my interest is solely in 19th century music. I’m also pretty badly addicted now, I tend to sit on my piano for at least an hour every day, mostly more. I guess I just did not realize how much I missed it. I was never good as a kid, because the “music” I had to play did not interest me much. It’s so different now that I know what I want to learn.

Unfortunately I have some health issues, being in mid 40’s. My doctor says I may have either early arthritis in my hands or rheumatic issues (runs in the family). My question is: Is it possible to keep on playing the piano (as a serious hobby, not professionally) with arthritis in the hands? I figured there are so many people on this forum, that someone might have personal experience on this type of thing. I will keep on anyway of course, but it would be nice to know which limitations are expected in the worst case scenario.

[jimbo320]

Hey Outin,
Welcome to the forum. You're right Piano Street is a great place to visit, learn and chat.
I commend you on your re-finding love for the piano. Sorry to hear of your condition. Don't let that stop you.
I understand the want for an acoustic and all the pluses. But if you don't mind a bit of advice hang on to your digital. If you stiffen up a lot it might be easier to play.
I love playing my friends C5 but I play better and faster on my digital because for the same reason. Plus I need portability for gigs.

Good luck, Jimbo

[richard black]

Yes, it's possible to keep playing the piano with arthritis and many people find it beneficial. I've heard of people with quite bad arthritis still playing the piano well, and I have friends who don't find it much of a hindrance. Your fingers don't actually move very far, so it's less of a problem than one might imagine. Personally, I would expect that a real piano would be less trouble than a keyboard, at least a 'weighted' keyboard - a very lightweight action stage synth might be OK.

[outin]

Thank you for the encouraging replies! I won't worry about it then. My goal is just to be able to play some of the music I like.

My digital piano is rather cheap (Yamaha P70). I got it from my brother after he discovered that his kids would never start playing it. It has weighted keys. But I have issues with it. The keys make a very annoying noise when played, don't know whether it's normal for the digitals or if it is just the cheap ones. So I would have to upgrade anyway. I'm planning to buy an acoustic with the silent function, that would be perfect for my needs.

[asiantraveller101]

Outin,
I applaud you for picking up piano playing. Though I do not suffer from arthritis, I have heard that the exercises that you get from piano playing may be beneficial. I know some days may be harder than others, but if you keep at it, I think eventually you will accomplish what you set out to do. My neighbor who is a violinist and amateur pianist, suffers from Parkinson's for many years. She cannot play the violin anymore because of the incessant shaking, but she can still play the piano. She says that it helps and trains her to control her arms. I have heard her played often, and she sounded good.
So, good luck and best wishes!
Ps. Perhaps soaking your hands in warm water, and some gentle massages before and after playing will help?

[outin]

Actually I don't have any real problems yet, just some slight aches in my joints, especially in the morning (had them for a couple of years now). Playing the piano feels very comfortable and I never get sore afterwards, although I think I might overdue it sometimes (considering I have only played regularly for about 2 months). After a long session my left hand tends to feel a bit stiff. I'm sure my new teacher will tell me if it's because I do something wrong.
Or maybe it's the Chopin predule with large chords I'm learning although it's a bit over my present level

[richard black]

Mechanical noise from keyboard keys is indeed typical for cheap models, and also for worn-out old ones. Drives me nuts too!

[jimbo320]

As the old saying goes. You get what you pay for...

[brogers70]

Mechanical noise from keyboard keys is indeed typical for cheap models, and also for worn-out old ones. Drives me nuts too!

In the case of "worn out old ones" the problem may be fixable. Depending on the model there should be a strip of felt that the key strikes when it comes back to resting position. If that felt gets worn out, the keys make an annoying click when they are released. If you get that strip of felt replaced, the clicks go away.

[yarnold]

I am a 67-year old 'returner' to the piano;-the last time I had a lesson I was 12 years old, and I haven't touched a keyboard for 20 years  until recently,- but I am doing ok, progressing, and practicing for an hour every day. I have a digital piano which is all I can afford. My problem is that after 5 weeks practice, I am getting 'tennis elbow' type pains in my right arm. Is this due to too much practice, wrong posture, or what? i don't want to have to give up playing when I enjoy it so much. The arm was fine before I got the piano! I have a decent bench and a music light, as I was hunched over the piano at the start.