Too late?! Learning playing piano at 30...

[mike28]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

[keyboardclass]

With the right teacher sky's the limit.  They're rare though.

[ajspiano]

advising someone that they can't learn via an internet forum doesnt sound like the voice of experience to me.

I just took on a new student, he's 33. He's doing fine. The idea that adults can't learn is going to drive me insane.. They are just on average less inclined to learn, and that's a choice that they make - not a biological disadvantage vs children.

[thinkgreenlovepiano]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

You really shouldn't believe everyone you meet on the Internet. Who knows if they're really a teacher ?  Even if they were, well, you shouldn't let one person that you don't even know, tell you that it's too late. Piano lessons exist for seniors (as well as beginner ballet lessons, skating), why would you be too old?
I agree that the sky's the limit. I've been trying to convince my parents to take piano. Maybe once I move out and they have more time , they tell me

[keyboardclass]

Of course Leschetizky said the same of the 20 something Paderewski!

[brogers70]

What do you want to be able to play? You can definitely learn more than Anna Magdalena's Notebook or children's pieces. I started at 38 and worked really hard practiced 1.5-2 hours on weekdays, 3-4 hours on weekends. Drove my wife crazy. Wasted about 8 years for lack of an understanding of how to practice efficiently, but once I found the right approach to practice, I've done pretty well. I play things like the Bb Partita, a couple of the French Suites, and 3-4 Preludes and Fugues by Bach, 4-5 Mozart sonatas, some Brahms Intermezzi, most of the Schubert Impromptus, the Opus 14 #1 Beethoven Sonata. Not real ultra-virtuoso stuff, but certainly interesting music. All up to tempo with a few non-catastrophic mistakes and reasonable musicality. It's a lot of fun but it definitely takes a lot of work.

A good teacher is key. I've moved around a good deal and had many teachers. Only one or two really explained how to play and practice efficiently. Look for CC Chang's website and book and have a look at some of these old posts by Bernhard.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,5767.0.html

Good luck.

[flyinfingers]

Are you kidding me?  I would love to be 35 again.  Isn't that the ideal age where we're all perceived in heaven?  There's a reason for your 30s; take advantage of it; you still have a good mind, and, now, more importantly, a mature soul.  GO FOR IT!

Congrats BRogers!

[faa2010]

In my point of view, playing piano is like learning a foreign language: the activity doesn't have to have a limit of age and the brain is benefited.

What I don't like is that some renown music institutions are ageism (apart from asking large sums of money). An activity being exclusive to "young people" is somewhat depressing and frustrating in my case.  I still don't understand why some institutions are ageism.

Maybe adults cannot learn as "fast" as children and teenagers and/or it may be true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  But if you have a real conviction, you are with the right teacher, you really love playing piano and have enough patience you can do it.

[landru]

I think there are some teachers who think that adults are poor learners because they don't learn like or as fast as children. These teachers are lazy and without imagination in my opinion. When a teacher takes on a young student, the tremendous plastic ability of the child's mind and body takes a lot of the burden off of the teacher and the teacher can concentrate on other things. When confronted with an adult student without the "virgin" neural pathways of the child, the lazy teacher is lost and can blame the adult.

Luckily I have a teacher whose pedagogy is tuned to the student. She is totally different in my lesson than she is with an eight year old and I can tell that she has thought a lot about what the differences are in how she approaches us. I think there is no reason why a motivated 30 year old cannot get up to a proficient level with the right teacher.

[candlelightpiano]

That's preposterous! There are some great pianists who began in their 30s and became very successful. Never allow anyone to tell you such nonsense. I began when I was 19 and that's not so young, either.

[fozzie58]

I am 53, and like you always wanted to play, my father used to play and I loved to watch him entertain people, but I never got round to playing myself, as I took up the trombone and loved it as a kid, but I am back now playing piano,(beginners i have to add) but every now and then I fall into the lazy trap of not practicing then it get's harder and I get disheartened, I make all sorts of excuses of why i can not play, So I setup a website blog for people like myself in the hope to be inspired by their comments etc and for awhile it worked.you can follow my piano adventures,

https://pianoplayingforadults.blogspot.com/

But I wont give up as when I play, I play for myself and enjoy it, its just getting me to go to the piano to practice.

I am only on grade two but its fun and so what if the kid next door plays fantastic, so long as you enjoy it, go ahead I say.

[deejeff442]

i just started a year ago .i am 42 now.started on a digital and now just bought a 6 foot grand.i feel i found a great teacher.i dont plan to play complicated classical but i am having fun right now with it.although it can make your eyes cross sometimes

[nyiregyhazi]

That's preposterous! There are some great pianists who began in their 30s and became very successful.

Who?

[cantabile83]

"Better be late than never".....never try, never know!!!

If you think this is something that you really wanted to do, I don't see any obstacles in achieving it. Most importantly, it's the hard work & effort that you put into....I don't see age is an issue from stopping you to learn what you like.

I'm a working adult & i'm still taking piano lessons & exams. I'll never give up till I get a Grade 8 certificate....& I'm preparing for the exam next year. I can tell you I'm the oldest piano student in my music centre but my teacher is being so supportive.

So, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!!! Enjoy learning....

[49410enrique]

there's a great quote that fits into many situations, this being one of them,

these are 'the 10 most powerful 2 letter words' in our language"
"if it is to be, it is up to me"

if you decide you can't because of your age, you're probably right, if you decide to because you're able, then you're correct also.

uplifting example, one of my previous piano teachers didn't really start proper learning on the piano until she was 50! (now granted she lots of natural talent and was very musical going in but to actually begin learning to how play the instrument, theory, note reading, etc.),  she went on to music school and got her pedagogy degree - again in her 50s!

[trhmusic]

I have no idea why an "experienced teacher" would even suggest that you can't learn to play the piano as an adult! That sounds like someone who has an extremely limited experience with adult students, maybe they had a bad experience with an adult student and then assumed all adult students are the same. No matter their reasoning, that is absolutely ridiculous!
If you are wanting to play the piano and you are disciplined to practice regularly and work with your teacher, there is no reason why you can't learn to play and play very well. You just need to be realistic and understand you won't be playing Beethoven Sonatas or Mozart Concertos right away. Music is it's own language and it will take work, determination and self discipline, but it is well worth the effort!

Go For It!

www.trhmusic.org

[doryanne]

Hi, I am 33 and I started 2 years and a half ago. I made progresses faster than I expected and I have huge satisfaction whenever I learn a new piece. An experienced teacher tried to discourage me, too by telling me the same thing, but I didn't want to believe it So look what I am learning today: Chopin, Waltz opus 64, no.2. Isn't this great? Just go for it and enjoy!

[starstruck5]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

You have answered your own question in your very first sentence - I believe where there is passion there is great potential for growth.  You also have the reassurance of posters who have began learning successfully as adults - maybe you won't acquire the technical facitlity of Yuja Wang - but not many do!  I began seriously at 15 - so technically I still was not fully grown - but I was also told it was too late - I think I proved that teacher wrong. It is a great motivator - the negativity of others.

[rapstard]

I am a beginner at 32 years of age.  I have a very nice teacher who claims that she is very happy with my rapid progress.  Until I started reading this forum the thought never entered my mind that I couldn't learn the piano.  Like anything in life it's tough, but if you have passion and stamina you can do anything.  Thank you all for sharing your comments and I'm glad that I'm not the only adult beginner in the world.

[steven1a]

I agree with everyone else who has commented on this thread: it's never too late.  I personally believe that the only variables in piano achievement are 1) training, 2) work, and 3) optimal mindset (i.e., good concentration, confidence, tenacity, and other helpful mental factors).  If you do indeed have a good teacher, which I define as someone who can get you to resolve your problems, you will be able to improve at any age.  I recently saw a movie called the "Sandy Bottom Orchestra" where several music lessons were depicted.  The teachers in all cases very self-righteously treated the student like he/she was lost and nearly hopeless: "No, no, no, not like that; that's terrible!  You've got to feel the music...."  That kind of teaching is utterly incompetent and counterproductive, although judging by this and so many other music-lesson movies, is very common.  A good teacher takes responsibility for his students' failures (within reason).  If my students are not succeeding, for example, I immediately think, "what's wrong here and what can I do about it?"  Without complimenting myself, that is the mark of a good teacher: a can-do attitude, where the teacher embraces all problems that come up as his duty to resolve.

Back to your question, I actually think adults are even better equipped to succeed than youngsters, although I know that is rather pedagogic blasphemy.  Adults have more seasoned digital coordination and often better cognitive resources than children, although children follow orders better.  Even recalcitrant young ones are reasonably prepared to do as they're told, whereas adults won't move a muscle unless the instructions they're given make perfect sense to them.  Thus, we teachers have to be both piano pedagogues and lawyers, making a good case for everything that we know from experience is valid.  Contrastingly, we have to be child psychologists when teaching youngsters!  Piano teaching and learning is both challenging and exceptionally rewarding no matter what the student's age.

Dr. Steven P. Niles, USC's Thornton School of Music (piano performance)
Instructor of Music, Los Angeles Mission College (LACCD)

     

[caioramos]

I found some teacher at my conservatory say that the good piano teachers are the self-righteous ones, but I always thought its very counter-productive having a teacher bash you for your mistakes... I don't know what to think. But it's funny because everyone has this image in they're mind, piano teachers angry you know

[cagal]

I'm almost 45 and only played for about 5 years (and that was 25 years ago).  I am studying for my RCM Grade 10 and am confident I will complete it.  I have a very busy life but am determined to complete this and ARCT as well.  If it is something you really want to accomplish, you will!

[commissiona]

-

[jono1]

The guy who told you that it was too late because your bones are fully formed obviously had a brain only half formed.  What a complete idiot!!
I started piano at 60 having only dabbled in my youth. I am now 67 regularly playing in concerts, Chopin Liszt, Gershwin and so on.  I worked hard sometimes 4/5 hours a day because I wanted it so badly.  It's up to you.  Just go for it!

[jjs238]

Welcome!

Your bones are fully formed? I let a doctor answer that odd one...Ha! If you can type just fine and browse the Internet and write a letter with a typewriter, I'm sure you'll be fine.

1) There are some children who never learn or play well despite being put into lessons at a young age. Why they ask? The child never really wanted to do it. The parent made them do it and try to fit some mold of society.

2) There are some adults or young adults who only have played for few years and sound like they have played for 20 years. Why you ask? They wanted to do it and they did so. That's my story. I'm 34 now but I was playing I think around grade 8 after only 3-4 years (When I was 18) because I was dedicated and it was my choice to do so, I wanted to as well.

[carpbear]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

I'm primarily a pianist, but I took up French Horn in my 50s.  On the piano I can play the difficult works of Beethoven, Liszt, Brahms, Ravel, etc. but I always loved French Horn.  I've been at it for three years and can play the Mozart concerti, the Beethoven op. 17 Sonata, pieces by Poulenc, etc. and I see no reason why I couldn't play the Brahms Horn Trio, the Reinecke Trio, the Hindemith Sonata (which I've accompanied on piano and absolutely love), or even the Strauss First Horn Concerto if I were so inclined, except that I'm not because I really do not care for the music of Richard Strauss!

Don't let people tell you what you "can" or "cannot" do.  If you want to study piano and you're willing to put in the time to learn the proper technique and the musicianship, YOU'RE the one who gains!

[ganddalf]

I'm 60+ and still improving. I think this is because I started late and developed slowly. Today I can hande quite difficult pieces.

[star_guitar]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

Hello, you. I do not share this opinion at all. I am now 31 and although I played the piano as a kid, I had a 15-year break that made me forget anything. It is now a year and a half ago since I started all over again, found myself a teacher and am practicing on a daily basis. I am so happy that I did this, piano is my big passion and because I love to play, I never get scared by someone saying the above-mentioned. If you have a motif for what you do and you truly devote your time to it (i.e. not only learning pieces, but of course scales and technique), you can do better even when you are 30.

Remember, there are still many years in front of you, so why give up? 

[lilshort]

i start to take lessons at 30 and it's cool with a good teacher,but the problem comes when u are very motivated like me,after some years i start to practice 3 hours by day(everyday)and after some months the hurt comes,be careful if u wanna pratice fews hours by day!

[annemc]

I am 53 and my teacher said it was possible! Good luck. I am going to go for it

[chechig]

I' 48, I studied 4 years piano lesson as a kid, and a few years ago I started to practice again. as other people said above Sky is the limit. I think is very important how motivated you are, and dont' discourage, if you really like it I'm certain you will make it. go for it. dont pay attention to that teacher.

[asuhayda]

Hey!

Congrats on starting piano.  We never stop learning our instrument, so don't let the fact that you're 30 deter you from starting.  I think teachers say that it's "too late" mostly because they are jaded by the fact the adults rarely stick with it. I don't think it has anything to do with having ability to learn a new instrument as an adult. 

Some things you'll need to learn the piano..

1. A good teacher
2. Time to practice
3. Patience
4. Enthusiasm
5. (.. a keyboard) 

You can do it! Just be patience and practice practice!! 

[wbl24]

They say that late starters are the fanatics. By all means go ahead, by all means contribute some of that shiny-shiny disposable income you've got from working to fund for a decent teacher, and by all means annoy the neighbours to heaven and back working at it.

Because at the end of the day you coming here and asking us whether it's too late to play the piano shows that you've the desire to begin, which is more than a lot of kids who're plonked on the piano by their parents or guardians. The only problem is that you're insecure about the age factor. And to that I say: screw that, get playing!

Sky's the limit

[alfrunner440]

Hi,

I will try to make you feel better. I am 64 and I started to play the piano at 58. So, if someone trys to tell you that you are to old at 30+ Simply tell them they really do not know what they are talking about. I will admit that that the brain connection to the fingers is a lot slower than when you are 5 or 6, but at 30+ YOU want to play and not you parents pushing you. And it is true that the older piano students are fanatics and will work harder than anyone that you have ever seen. So hang in there is do what you love, and tell everyone of the nay-sayers to go pound sand.

[sergdiaz24]

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Here is the link (it will only work tomorrow) ~

[gregh]

30? You're still young, you're strong, although you might need to exercise your middle finger a little more.

[franekw]

Hi there, I'm passionate about piano, never had an opportunity to learn but now I have. Wish to play instrumental music. However, on one of the forums, experienced music teacher told me that it is too late. My joints, bones are fully formed and it will be almost impossible to master the technique. He sincerely adviced me not to take this route, otherwise I'll spend a lot of time and money and won't achieve anything. Do you share this opinion? Thank you (please answer if you competent enough)

I know this is very old post but I do believe it deserves to stay alive because of the content.

I have read all posts and I agree with everybody here. I am yet another example of an adult learner and proof that you can start at every age and achieve at least something. It's never too late. And your hands / joints / bones will adapt if you simply practice everyday. Perhaps it takes more in our cases. The age may works against but it is non sense saying it can only stops us.

When I say practice, I mean exercises: scales, arpeggios, chords, chords progressions etc. 15 - 30 minutes playing scales everyday for 15 months made me one of the fastest piano player in my group and there is a teenager as well! I am not saying that to show off, I am saying that you can achieve something If one practises regularly, no matter of age, bones / joints / hands can still work

[somberg]

Sorry, but what a silly questions.  Of course you can learn at 30.  Maybe you won't become a rich and famous pianist, but who knows and there are obviously lots of skill levels at which one can still enjoy playing.  I am in my 60s, had lessons as a kid for a couple of years, and made a few other attempts to learn over the years, but have just restarted.  To be honest, I realize that getting it down is somewhat harder than it used to be, but I am still learning, bit by bit.  And more importantly, am having a ball!

[bernadette60614]

I changed careers in my 30s, started a business in my early 40s, had a child in my mid 40s, started piano seriously (I can of took lessons cause I had to in my teens) in my early 50s at the same time I started tower running (competitive stair climbing.) and started a not for profit. 

Am I going to become a Kissin, Lang Lang or Gould..nope. By the time Gould was 12 he had passed Canada's equivalent of the ABRSM exams with highest honors.  By the time Kissin was in his teens, he was an acclaimed prodigy. I am not going to be a concert level pianist, nor do I aspire to be.  That's a life consuming endeavor.

I do, however, love the time I spend practicing everyday, adore my teacher and everyday feel that I am improving. And, I can actually play a number of pieces freely and proficiently.

If anything I think as I've grown older I've become a more disciplined person. I know that there is no magic to any achievement...it is persistence, the willingness to seek and take advice and the willingness to be humbled by my own inadequacy. But, you can get there and it is so worth it.