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Topic: Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist? (Read 1563 times)

iloverachmusic

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Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist?

on: March 06, 2021, 12:58:28 AM

This is my first post!

My name is Isaiah Adams. I have been playing the piano for 3 years, but I have managed to get a fairly advanced level. I am currently working on beethoven piano sonata no. 6, Bach prelude & fugue no. 23, Schumann Abegg variations op. 2, Chopin etude op. 10, no. 8, and soon ravel juex d’eau (all of these are for college auditions in the fall). The biggest things holding me back right now is really contolling those fine motor movements that are crucial in tone, texture, conistency, and speed. Since I am 18 yrs old, I’m a little afraid that since I didn’t develope this skill when I was a lot younger, that it might be to late. Thoughts?

Thanks

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anacrusis

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Re: Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist?

Reply #1 on: March 06, 2021, 01:42:14 PM

Hi and welcome!

I don't think it's too late. My technique was very crude and forceful when I was 18, and I probably would have struggled to manage some of the repertoire you mention. I could hack myself through Chopin's Etude Op. 10 no. 4 and Op. 25 no. 12 but I wasn't on top of it or controlling it well by any means.

Now when I am 28 my technique is way better in terms of tone, fine control (or control overall for that matter), and speed than it was at 23, and at 23 it was way better than it was at 18. I see no reason why my technique wouldn't continue improving beyond this point. There are things I know I need to improve, and know how to improve, but need to spend more time on. I think a lot of control can be gained just by understanding how to work with your body to gain more control, and practising those things deliberately and patiently.

I think things may possibly improve somewhat faster between 18-25 than they seem to do now in my late 20's but the difference is not big and I may even be imagining things, or it may be due to me practising less each day.

EDIT: Oh and I know of at least one person who started playing in their teens and started an international touring career in their late 20's.

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ranjit

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Re: Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist?

Reply #2 on: March 06, 2021, 07:38:44 PM

Quote from: anacrusis on March 06, 2021, 01:42:14 PM

EDIT: Oh and I know of at least one person who started playing in their teens and started an international touring career in their late 20's.

Could you please elaborate some more on this story? I would really love to hear it. For some context, I've been struggling with the same question as the OP and I started as a late teen. I've been able to progress quickly enough to where I'm now able to tackle the Ocean Etude, but it's always at the back of my mind if I can ever truly achieve fluency.

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j_tour

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Re: Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist?

Reply #3 on: March 06, 2021, 09:04:43 PM

Well, yes.

There's a more detailed conversation going on here, but just to the OP, despite having adequate training during the so-called "formative" years, I only played rock and roll for probably over a decade in years.

Yes, if it can be taught, it can be learned (I don't know if that's an aphorism or something I just made up...probably both).

I'm a much better mechanic at piano than even a few years ago: I'd put that down to having sight-read much more, in that interim.

Why is it easier now, for me? I couldn't say, except that I understand various idioms in W.Classical music better now, and have assimilated various stylistic conceits.

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anacrusis

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Re: Can one still developing small motor movements as a late starting pianist?

Reply #4 on: March 06, 2021, 11:50:49 PM

Quote from: ranjit on March 06, 2021, 07:38:44 PM

Could you please elaborate some more on this story? I would really love to hear it. For some context, I've been struggling with the same question as the OP and I started as a late teen. I've been able to progress quickly enough to where I'm now able to tackle the Ocean Etude, but it's always at the back of my mind if I can ever truly achieve fluency.

When I speak of this I do not mean an international touring career like Yuja Wang or Lang Lang level great concert hall touring. Travelling to different countries or within your own country (this is in Europe) and playing concerts at various locations can be part of your living even if you don't play in the big halls. This person I'm thinking about found a good teacher and worked hard and got really good in the space of maybe 12 years, playing "big" virtuoso repertoire at a very high quality. I'm fairly convinced having a really good teacher (switch if you must) - and putting in the right type of work for a long time - is an integral part in this type of success. There are some things that just might take ages to figure out on your own - if you figure it out at all - that the right teacher can help you solve in much less time.

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