17yo. Want to start playing around 21

[tardos]

Sorry if I'm uploading this in the wrong forum, but I want you people to be honest with me.
I'm a 17 years old International Relationships' student. I have just started university and I expect to graduate when I'm 20 or 21. After that of course I'll continue studying, but I hope I'll have more time available.
The thing is that I want to learn how to play classical piano. But I want people to feel me. To feel what I'm feeling. I want to send my emotions to people by my music. I also want to play various pieces; from Beethoven to Rachmaninoff and Chopin. But I don't want music as a career, as I'm really passionate about mine.
My family lives on a budget and we don't have a piano or a keyboard, so I'll be saving money throughout my career to afford a good one. That's why I would start playing approximately when I graduate from university.
My question is, will it be too late to start playing at that age? I've had previous experience learning instruments, so I know what's necessary of music theory and I never get frustrated; I'm really patient when learning an instrument.
I really look forward to reading your opinions. And if you can recommend some good and cheap pianos/keyboards, I'd be much obliged.

[ranjit]

It's hard to comment on your particular case because university education differs by country, but are you sure you can't afford a basic keyboard (even one with 61 keys), that there are no pianos open to students at your university, and that no one at the university would be willing to lend you a keyboard? Are there any facilities for renting a piano/keyboard or paying for it in installments? Four years is a long time, just sayin'.

I don't think the rate or processes by which you learn when you are 21 fundamentally differ that much compared to when you are 17. I'd say that if reaching a certain level of playing on the piano is impossible starting at 17 (debatable), it would be impossible starting at 21 as well, and vice versa. However, the number of hours you can put in practicing, especially during your university years, can add up, and you may find it hard to find enough time while doing a job (or not, depending on your personal situation).

TL;DR - I think it's mostly the time which you would be losing out on in your situation. But don't take my word for it, I'm not exactly an expert.

[outin]

Sorry if I'm uploading this in the wrong forum, but I want you people to be honest with me.
I'm a 17 years old International Relationships' student. I have just started university and I expect to graduate when I'm 20 or 21. After that of course I'll continue studying, but I hope I'll have more time available.
The thing is that I want to learn how to play classical piano. But I want people to feel me. To feel what I'm feeling. I want to send my emotions to people by my music. I also want to play various pieces; from Beethoven to Rachmaninoff and Chopin. But I don't want music as a career, as I'm really passionate about mine.
My family lives on a budget and we don't have a piano or a keyboard, so I'll be saving money throughout my career to afford a good one. That's why I would start playing approximately when I graduate from university.
My question is, will it be too late to start playing at that age? I've had previous experience learning instruments, so I know what's necessary of music theory and I never get frustrated; I'm really patient when learning an instrument.
I really look forward to reading your opinions. And if you can recommend some good and cheap pianos/keyboards, I'd be much obliged.

Well...I have started many instruments at different ages and I'd say age is not the determining factor here. 21 is nothing if you have the time and motivation and don't expect to be a pro...

I played a little piano as a child and learned nothing. Started again at 45 and have learned a lot considering the amount of effort and discipline I could put into it. The composers you mention are quite playable for adult starters unless you mean playing all the hardest pieces.

Life situation does matter though. When I started the piano my work situation was calm and I had a lot of time on my hands. I started the cello last year and I really struggle to find time and energy for it due to my job. I think the first few years are the hardest anyway so adding a lot of external pressure to the process was not a good choice. But for me it's almost now or never

[pianoannieq]

Hi Tardos,

Congratulations on getting accepted to a university! It's great how you're already very passionate about a career.

To answer your question, I do not think it is ever too late to start learning an instrument. Check to see if your university has pianos and if not, maybe a local church or hall will have one that they'd be willing to let you practice on. I personally dislike keyboards, but it's a better option than nothing. You could get started with a few method books (Alfred's, Piano Adventures, others you could find on Google) and I'm sure that it wouldn't take long for you to get through those. After that, I would start to find a piano teacher. They don't necessarily have to be equal to music professors, but find one or a friend that will help you study classical piano.

I admire your dedication! If you're willing to put in time into piano, I'm sure you'll be able to play those Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin pieces someday. Remember, many music teachers have adult students that progress very quickly. Just know that it's anything but impossible!

If you do find a piano to practice on, I'd love to hear about your progress as well as how university is. Internalizing emotions in music is one of the most gratifying experiences, and I hope you'll get to do that! Best of luck, and I hope this response helped