Can I be as proficient as I once was?

[flyinfingers]

Hello, first post here.  Looks like a great tool and a nice forum with some freebies for now.  Thank you.   
I just started taking piano lessons at the age of 53 and I haven't played piano on any type of consistent basis since the age of 14.  I bought a digital piano back in the yeaer 2000 and haven't mastered one piece that I used to play (didn't try, though).  I was once very, very good and quit (like a dummy) because I was a stupid 14 year old and no one tried to convince me otherwise (sad).  I wish to play like I once did or even better.  I'm impressed what I can play again after two weeks of lessons (new piece).  Dumped the first teacher immediately!  Now I'm hooked up with an 84 year old guy whom I think is on the same page as I.  My greatest piece I mastered after five years of lessons and at the age of 14 was First Modern Suite Praeludium by Edward MacDowell.  Just to give you a little background.  Thanks for your input!

[Bob]

Sure.  Go for it.

[werq34ac]

Not only can you be as proficient as you once were, but you now have almost 40 extra years of life experience you can put into your piano playing.


They say the true worth of a pianist is how well they can play Schubert and Beethoven at age 35.

[flyinfingers]

Yes, but when you're young you're oblivous to your suroundings and you can do STUFF that you can't imainge (reflecting back into childhood years years later).  I couldn't even play for my teacher because I was so nervous.   This is my biggest fear about taking piano again.  I'll never forget my first recital and how I felt sick to my stomach but I performed beautifully.  I can't even play for my husband at this point.  So 40 years of life experience = nerves beyond belief.  Yes, I wish to be able to particpate in some local recitals but I'm too scared to think about that for fear of failure, which is what I'm talking about being oblivious at a young age; you just do it and don't even think of being a failure.

[flyinfingers]

Thanks for your encouraging comments.  My husband said he'll buy me a grand piano if I stick with it for a year -- glad there's space for it!  YIPEE!