Need Advice on Starting Piano

[Flower_Girl]

Hi all,

This is my first post on the forum, so a big HELLO!

I would like to seek advice on starting piano.  I'm 25 yrs old, and I play trumpet, flute, drums and guitar.  Since I play many instruments, a lot of people are surprised that I don't know how to play piano.  My mom started me on piano lessons at age 5, but I didn't have the patience to practice, so I stopped taking lessons.  However, I would like to take music further.  I want to learn songwritting and theory, and I think learning the piano would help me.  

So, here are the questions -- am I too old to start learning piano? How long does it take to complete one grade?  In specific, how many years would it take to complete grade 4?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your replies.  Any suggestions would help me greatly!

Thanks!

[bernhard]

Funny you should ask this question. This week I am starting with a new student who is 85 years old…

The only real limitation to learning is death. So get on with it!

As for grades, the usual consensus seems to be that it takes around one year to complete a grade. So for grade 4 we are talking 4 – 5 years. (The ABRSM actually says it in their website).

This is of course rubbish. Although time is always dependent on the student (how much time and effort s/he is prepared to dedicate to the instrument) and his/her talent (how fast s/he learns, how naturally co-ordinated s/he is, etc.), on the environment and on the teacher, I see no reason why it should take that long. In fact I have successfully and consistently brought students to grade 8 level in 2 – 3 years.

As one example (not at all exceptional), one of my students is in her sixties, has mild arthritis and after one year of lessons (just completed in September) can play amongst other pieces, Schubert’s Impromptu op. 142 no. 2, Satie’s Gymnopedies 1, 2 and 3, Chopin preludes 4, 7 and 20, Bach 2 voice inventions no. 1 and 9, Joplin’s Pineapple Rag, Scarlatti sonatas K32, and K 213. We are now working on Chopin’s Etude Op. 25 no. 1, Schubert’s Impromptu op. 90 no. 3 and Mozart “Ah Je vous Dirais Maman” variations.

However, I must say that you do not usually get this sort of results with the "normal" weekly 30 minute lesson.

Good luck with your piano studies,

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[Flower_Girl]

Bernhard,
Thanks for your reply!  It seems like you have some really talented and determined students.  It's definitely encouraging to hear that it is never too late to learn.  

When you say the normal weekly 30 mins lesson won't produce good results.  What would be the recommended hours?

Thanks,
Sofia

[bernhard]

Have a look here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2260.msg19270.html#msg19270
(Dear Bernhard thread – Pieces leading up to the revolutionary)


Best wishes,
Bernhard

[CC]

My web page below might have some useful info for you.

[Flower_Girl]

Thanks for the links, guys!

CC,
It seems like your book contains a wealth of information and it looks very helpful.  I'll start reading it, and I'm sure it will get me started.

Thanks so much!

[Pierre_Bezuhov]

This might sound like a strange or simple thing to say but if you can at all use a piano exclusivley. It is a big difference. Your fingers should already be strong enough so that part will not be as great a hurdle.

[hiline]

Uh oh, the page no longer exists. I need that kind of advice. Does anyone know what the advice is? Thanks.

[jowook]

I need that piece of advide too. Can you repost it?

[steve jones]

Bernhard,

You have a lady with arthritis tackling 25/1 in just over a year?

Wow, I think I need to get my behind down to your surgery 


Flower  Girl,

Sounds like you're in the exact same situation I was in last year. At the time I was 23, had been a long time guitarist but fancied giving the piano a try. All I can say is, go for it! I now love this instrument so much, its amazing.

And as an adult musician, it doesnt take as long to pick up as you might think. Im currently playing:

Chopin Preludes 4, 20, and working on 9 (although it isnt sounding great yet!)

Bach Inventions 1, 8 and working on 4 and 2.

Beethoven Sonata 49-1 (still work in progress).

But I also did some of the early grade books, which I pinched from my sister (along with her piano, she doesnt play anymore!).

Imo, its the technical side that takes alot of work. I often feel that its my technique that is holding me back. This is why Iv started paying such attention to the Bach Inventions - trying to build my technique from the ground up.

Also, I highly recommend you do a search through Bernhards post and read CC's book. They have both helped me no end!

Steve Jones

[bernhard]

I need that piece of advide too. Can you repost it?

I believe this to be the trhead:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2260.msg19270.html#msg19270
(Dear Bernhard thread – Pieces leading up to the revolutionary)
 

(I have corrected it above).

Best wishes,
Bernhard

[hiline]

Thank you so much bernhard, I will read it over right now.

[bernhard]

You are welcome.