Elderly Student

[ChristmasCarol]

I have an 84 year old student who is great fun.  He's a writer/scupltor/photographer and so embraces a creative process easily.  Does anyone have suggestions in dealing with physical limitations at that age?  He can't play Hanon for long without aching wrists.  He's working on an inexpensive keyboard so the pressure required is minimal.  

[Daevren]

You really need some guts to start playing keyboard/piano at age 84, much respect.

I don't know how one can get around the physical limitations, but how about not letting him play Hanon?

Ok, I must say I don't have the authority to critizise Hanon myself but it is kind of controversial.

What about no technical studies at all? What about just focussing on the strong points? Playing real music. This obviously isn't some kid whose physical movement and technique is easily molded in the correct way using technical studies.

Just some suggestions.

[janice]

What about no technical studies at all? What about just focussing on the strong points? Playing real music.

I agree 100%

[monk]

Why torture this poor old man with Hanon???

As if life at 84 would not be difficult enough...Hey man, he could hop into the grave next week already, so let him have some fun in his last time!

Best Wishes,
Monk

[allchopin]

As if life at 84 would not be difficult enough...Hey man, he could hop into the grave next week already, so let him have some fun in his last time!

Best Wishes,
Monk

That's pretty grotesque, but it's a good thing you saved yourself with the cheerful 'Best Wishes'.  Somehow I find it superficial.

[Swan]

I couldn't agree with everybody more - let him set his Hanon alight!

Instead, write up a list of pieces he has really loved over his life - not just Classical.  Then do everything in your power to get access to versions he can handle, even if it means writing them yourself!  And don't be a snob about it - if he loves a piece that's too difficult for him, get a simplified version. If it has the melody and he can play it, it's a buzz.  

If you've made it to this age you have the right to play any damn thing you want!  And if you have to teach him by rote, then so be it.  You want to get into him as many pieces as you can.  

Don't worry about technique, especially if he only has a keyboard anyway.  Piano for Pleasure should be your main emphasis.  If it aint pleasurable, it shouldn't be a part of his practise.  

Wow! 84 and learning the piano!  Now I want one too!

[janice]

That's pretty grotesque, but it's a good thing you saved yourself with the cheerful 'Best Wishes'.  Somehow I find it superficial.

I think what Monk wrote was perfectly fine.  Try to see the true message behind the words that you dislike.  He said basically the same thing that Swan said (you didn't see Swan's post, his was after yours)

[ChristmasCarol]

Interesting reply everyone,
My 84 year old is not a candidate for a nursing home.  He went to China recently with a grant to take photographs with his grandson.  He is rarely home.  He does slide presentations, has a party boat in his backyard which he uses to give tours on the lake we live on.  And on and on.  I think i would have trouble keeping up with him.  My question was more on the lines of experience with older pianist's bones n' stuff.  He does quite naturally play his favorites over and over.  However, he is a very sophisticated guy and likes being treated like any other student.  He enjoys challenge and learning to work with his hands and arms in this way.  He is a sculptor... so I'm not beating an ole guy to make him work here.
I'm taking notes from this guy.  I want to be boogeying when I'm 84 too!

[aisling_7]

My mother was an adult student, so I have heard more than an earful of her frustration with piano teachers.  She wanted to play all her life, but never had the money or opportunity.  Her biggest resentment towards piano teachers concerned their condescension, albeit unintentional.  Most teachers want to be "nice" to their adult students.  Many adult students are trying to accomplish something that they wanted to accomplish long ago.  Many of them want a challenge.  You are wise to respect this man's abilities!  He sounds like an ambitious gentleman.  Does he practice in 30min blocks?  This isn't necessary.  See practicespot.com for more info.  (I am not affiliated; I merely stumbled onto the site one day.  I wish I knew all those practice tips when I started.)  Perhaps, if he worked on Hanon in smaller time periods, it wouldn't hurt his hands as much.  Does he complain of pain with other pieces or his scales? If he doesn't, then maybe Hanon isn't right for him.  Not because it is too hard, but because a painful technical piece will cause tension that will worsen technique! Of course, you need to watch his hand placement to make sure he is not putting any undue stress on his hands, but I am sure your are all ready doing that!

Jackie