Another Adult Starting to Learn Again, Couple of Random Questions

[unkonoyama]

Hello,

I am yet another adult trying to learn piano on my own after quitting as a child.  I took lessons for about 7 years, quit when I was 12, and am now 34.  I did not touch any instruments in between so I've forgotten quite a bit, but I've been at it for about 3 weeks and am having a blast so far.  I have some questions that I hope you can help me with, thank you all in advance.

1.  How necessary is a metronome, and how/when should I use it?  I remember using a metronome quite a bit when I took lessons as a kid, but I don't really remember why or what it helped me with.  I don't have my old metronome anymore so I'm using an android app right now (Metronome Beats? I don't have my tablet with me), hopefully this is adequate.

2.  I understand that every student is different and there is not a magical progression of technique/exercise books that is right for everyone.  That said, I do have a plan in mind for myself and would appreciate some feedback.  At this point, I am working through the Beyer Elementary Instruction Book (did not use growing up, so this is my first experience with it).  So far I can execute all of part 1 without too much difficulty.  Once I can complete this entire book, my plan is to move to this old book I found called Czerny Selected Piano Studies arranged by Heinrich Germer.  Is this a solid plan, or will the Czerny book get too hard too fast?

3.  One of the reasons why I quit as a kid was because my teacher forced me to do a series of tests called Certificate of Merit.  No offense to anyone, but the only thing I remember is hating these tests with a passion because they were so stressful for me.  I visited my dad for Father's Day and he dug up my old piano stuff including my old certificates.  I apparently passed level 5, how good/bad was I as a kid?  Is this about halfway through the program?  I tried searching their website but I don't want to pay just to see copies of the syllabus.

[slane]

Ok.. as fellow adult returner ...

1. The metronome is a great tool if you're having trouble keeping an even tempo. Its  a bit of a skill to use it though and can be quite distracting from the music itself. Use it judiciously. I use mine every practice session because I have no sense of ryhthm.
Some people use it to build speed but I find it less useful for that. I use both the android app and the real thing. They have pros and cons. The mechanical thing is just easier to get going. Less taps on the screen, you know.

2. You'll know if the book gets too hard. Try to find pieces you like to play. A teacher will help you with that. I listen to playlists on spotify and choose my music that way. Try to think in terms of diversity. You wouldn't just read one genre of book. Or if you were teaching a kid to read, you wouldn't just have them reading phonics exercises, you'd be introducting "real" literature to them, to keep them engaged but also to expose them to as many literary idioms that their abilities allow. Well, its the same with piano. You need to float up gently on a sea of repertoire, not laboriously climb a ladder.
The beyer book is on imslp... there are lots of old "methods" on imslp that you could explore.


3. I have no idea about the certificate of merit. What organisation sets it? Obviously it was a bad experience and one shared by many a child. Whatever your level then, you will soon be even better because you are an adult learning for pleasure with an adults experience and discipline.
I notice that "round dance" from the beyer book is on the nzmeb syllabus under preliminary. That will give you an idea of where you'll be when you're half way through the book. Its exercise no. 60 in the book.

https://www.nzmeb.org/syllabuses/piano/performance/preliminary
will give you some ideas of what you could play next but it looks like that music in that book is pretty appealing.


Anyhoo... that's my advice. Explore the repertoire! And get a teacher! My teacher is worth every cent I pay him.

And here'a  spotify playlist with lots of music at around the "round dance" level.
https://open.spotify.com/user/chibi-spot/playlist/4ojzrgsD352nNwYZrqm3OM

[dogperson]

I am in your position as a returning adult, but with 40 years on inactivity.  I want to second LOUDLY that you should get a teacher... no matter what your returning level.  I find the relationship quite different now than that of my childhood, as we discuss new repertoire, and I am allowed to make my own choices.

My teacher is helping to fill in gaps of what I have forgotten (or perhaps never knew), helps work on nuances in the music and answers questions.  I have made tremendous progress in the last year, but it would have been much slower and less directed without a good teacher.  This is my second one as an adult in spite of carefully discussing my goals with both.  Not everyone can teach an adult, so you might needto do some interviewing based on your level and goals. 

I do have issues with using the metronome as well and need it more than I use it.  What seems to work best for me is a cellphone app and a set of headphones, but I am not as disciplined about it as I should be.  .... my issue is not the basic rhythm but that I love rubato too much for some periods of music.  A teacher can help you assess how much you need it. 

Hope some of this helps... welcome back!