Returning to music. Where should I start?

[lucy_a]

Hello Everyone

So I have decided that it is impossible for me to enjoy my life to the fullest without music in it, and therefore I am here looking for some advice!
To begin it is important to mention that I have trained professionally (attended a music school) from age 9 to 16. This included a Solfege class twice a week, as well as music history, chorus, and of course private sessions with the teacher assigned to me. As this was in Ukraine I am not sure if the educational process at music schools in the US is the same so forgive me for any confusion. So pretty much for the 7 years of music school I attended regular classes, which were a mixture of the ones I listed above, all of them usually twice a week. Moreover, twice a year I was tested on technique, which was me performing for the piano faculty. These performances consisted of piano scales, chords, arpeggio all done in a given tempo and key. Also, twice a year I was graded on my performance of 3 pieces of music. These were usually done concert style in front of the entire school faculty. So all in all 4 "exams" per year.

Once I moved to the US I had big dreams of becoming a professional piano player and was seriously considering applying to Juilliard. Unfortunately, life happened and my dream had to be put aside in favor of something more practical. So now I am 25 years old, have finally gotten my masters degree and am now a high school teacher. But every single day I feel like there is something missing, and that something is music.

That finally brings me to my question...(sorry for the lengthy explanation, felt it was necessary).
Where do I start now? I have not TOUCHED a piano in at least 3 years. Do I just go right in and start learning new pieces? What level should I start at...I was at advanced, but that was years ago. I don't think I'll be taking lessons with a teacher just yet, just want to start getting back to it on my own. I am really not sure which way to go and how to structure myself. Any help will be greatly appreciated! I look forward to hearing your ideas and thank you in advance!

Sincerely,

Lucy A.

[hfmadopter]

If you are serious about this then start by acquiring a piano if you don't already have one. That's the first step.

Refresh some of those chords and arpeggios.

Select music you like to hear and would like to play but be ready to step back a few notches from where you were when you left off, at least at first. It will all come right back to you soon enough, where you are young yet I imagine you haven't forgotten too much. You will need to regain the control in your mind and especially in your hands. Then you can move on. Sometimes returning pianists want to pick right up where they left off. I was away longer than than you and am much older than you but had to drop back to about 3-5 grade work and pick up from there. It's been over a year now since returning and am working with grade 7 material. However have also found great satisfaction in some new age and hymn, modern ballads etc.

More than anything, when you get this going, enjoy music and piano !!! Sometimes we look too much at it as work or to reach goals. While that's OK too, we should enjoy the experience of music and piano. Music touches out souls, our inner selves, savor it regardless of how simple a work you do.. Listen and feel the chords and harmony, during the act of gaining skill we can forget to do this important act sometimes.

[lucy_a]

Thank you so much for the great advice! I am definitely doing this 100% for the love of music and not at all for the skill itself. 
Although I do not currently own a piano I do have regular access to one so that should not be a problem.
I have picked Chopin's Nocturne #21 in c-minor as my first piece since I absolutely love Chopin. Do you think this piece is the appropriate level for me to start from?

[nufan]

The nocturne you mentioned is great, I love it. There are some rhythmically challenging bits, but manually it's not too difficult.

Have you considered starting with some of those pieces you played in your youth? It seems your playing had a very decent level so that the feeling for the piano will return quickly. I've got a friend who didn't play for 10 years. Once he dropped by and saw the sheets for Schubert op. 90 no. 4 on my piano and immediately started playing as if he'd never stopped. I was really amazed.