Desire to improve my level in piano

[faa2010]

Hi,

I have been improving my piano technique for years. currently I am with two piano teachers, solfegge classes and sooner I will have a singer teacher.

I am 30 years old, and I have been preparing for 3 and 4 years to enter to play piano professionally. However, I didn't have luck 2 times I presented the exam so I am going to study in order to become a music teacher.

I am not sure if I am thinking in changing because I am pessimistic or realistic, but in part because of my age I am thinking about it.

However, the reason I have been learning, practicing and work harder is because I want to be a better pianist and I think that being in a school I can improve. Plus, I will get a degree.

I know the degree is not important if I don't want to do a living in the piano, but I feel that having a degree can make me feel secure that I have a good level. And also I want to perform or being a teacher.

Also, teachers have told me that I am performing good in their classes even though I have some things to polish, but I still not feel secure that I have improved.

Despite all this, I love music and learning about it in many ways has been so sweet.

Not sure what to do right now, which decision to make, still insisting on going to a music college or still learning in private classes.

[adodd81802]

It sounds like you need a boost of confidence.

I am in a similar if not worse position (just turned 26) Played the piano lots younger and so got a good foundation to it. I wouldn't let age concern you, pianists such as horowitz and rubenstein playing into their 80s I believe.

I really want to progress also, improve a lot of areas. To be honest it is demotivating seeing stiff competition out there, and can feel lost with where exactly your place will be the music world / industry.

I am not familiar with piano exams that you are referring too, but were you made aware of why you didn't succeed?

I certainly wouldn't give up your goals, are you still improving? have you hit a roadblock? Find out what's holding you back and work on that. A great pianist, isn't because they can move their fingers quicker then someone else, or have bigger hands, or lighter touch, it's knowledge of identifying how to practice and what to practice, where their weak areas are and why they are.

If you have things to polish - polish them. Get to the point you are 100% happy with what you play. identify those weak areas and fix them, build up your confidence.

Just throwing some stuff out there. I'm still very motivated despite the long road I have ahead to get to a level I am truly happy with my ability, but we're 26/30 not 70. We shouldn't assume that someone that was great at something, was always a child prodigy. "tortoise and the hare" comes to mind.

[glennross]

I agree with adodd on this one. A boost of confidence can usually get you back on your track again. I too played the piano from a young age like adodd and these kind of 'walls' are part of the process of wanting to get better and seeing the competition outside.

If you keep going and find some motivators (that's something only you can find out) you will know exactly what your goals are and what you want in a not too long period of time. Good luck!

BW,
Glenn