Whats the point of playing piano if your never gonna be good at it

[slurred_beat]

Whats the point of playing piano if your not good at it? I started a few years ago and thought I would have gotten much better at it by now and playing awesome pieces. I just feel frustrated I see all these people who can do all these cool fast things and I cant. I can only play slow child pieces good. So whats the point? Why should I play piano if im never gonna be good at it?

[brogers70]

The simplest answer is, if you don't enjoy it, don't do it. Find another hobby.

The longer answer might be some questions. Are you really sure you'll never be any good? I started when I was 40 (I'm now 65)  and it was not until the last 9 years that I had a good teacher and only in the last 3-4 that I've felt confident at playing serious pieces, 7-8 Preludes and Fugues from WTC, Beethoven's, Opus 2 number 1, his Pastorale and "Funeral March" sonatas, a bunch of late Brahms, Janacek, etc. It's not Scarbo or La Campanella, but it's a bunch of interesting music that I can play for myself and my friends. It took a long time and a lot of work, and also it took finding a good teacher (or two).

The next question is ...Can you find a way to enjoy the process of making slow progress? Do you like working out technical things and finding a bunch of ways to practice particular difficulties? A teacher can help with that, and there are some good (and some bad) teachers on line whose videos may help you think of new approaches to practicing.

What is the long term goal? If you are really only interested in very virtuoso music and nothing short of that is fun for you to work on, then you may really be in a "can't get there from here," situation. But if there pieces, like the ones I mentioned, that you might like to play, and there are intermediate things to learn along the way that you can enjoy, then it may take some time, but you might not really be in a "never going to be able to be good at it," position.

[thorn]

One of the biggest lessons we all have to learn in life is not to compare ourselves to others. You find all kinds of people online- people spend years learning a Chopin Ballade then post a youtube video claiming they learned it in 3 months, you have the 'I've just learned three blind mice, now I'm working on Islamey' forum trolls, you have YouTubers with excellent video editing skills, you have people who have exclusively worked on the Winter Wind etude for a year then post a video (but they can't play anything else), and finally you have people who just have more time on their hands (they're young, they're rich, they're unemployed etc.)

What I'm trying to get across is that there are many reasons behind these talented/faux-talented pianists you find online, and none of them are necessarily anything to do with you and your own piano journey.

[quantum]

[...] then you may really be in a "can't get there from here," situation.

As a teenager piano student I felt a similar sentiment.  I was interested playing more advanced repertoire, yet my teacher at the time was very conservatory method focused.  A lot of the assigned repertoire felt dull and didn't really lead to the repertoire I was actually interested in playing.  All that was needed was a change of teachers.  It was extremely eye opening, all of a sudden I was being taught skills and tools that were directly applicable to the repertoire I wanted to study.  Much of the technique that made advanced repertoire so magical to me was being taught.  That change of teachers can be scary though, as one feels one is in unknown territory, but ultimately that leap into the unknown is how I was able to access the educational content that I was thirsting for. 

For me, the draw to playing piano is to learn something new, to continually build skills in order to accomplish something I was previously not able to do, and to remain curious about music. 


To the OP, can you elaborate on your goals.  What do you want to be able to do with piano?

[ranjit]

Whats the point of playing piano if your not good at it? I started a few years ago and thought I would have gotten much better at it by now and playing awesome pieces. I just feel frustrated I see all these people who can do all these cool fast things and I cant. I can only play slow child pieces good. So whats the point? Why should I play piano if im never gonna be good at it?

I can relate to this as I feel similarly often. Having had a late start, I may never be able to reach my ambitions. However, I think anyone can get good enough to be considered a good player by a layman. It does usually take 5-10 years of solid effort, and I think the fact that you can play easy pieces well after a few months means you're on your way.

[lostinidlewonder]

If you are self learning then get a good teacher.

If you have a teacher but feel like you are getting nowhere or dont feel comfortable with the work they set you, communicate more with your teacher or try different teachers.

If you are getting better each year that is always a good sign.

The internet is not a place that generally showcases the "average". You will see videos of outstanding people but they represent such a tiny fraction of society. Just be comforted that there are plenty more people struggling just like you and some do much worse than yourself.

The average level people can play after years of practice at isn't as high as you think. I would estimate it is around grade 3.


Play music that excites you and makes you feel good right now, what are you waiting for? Why does it have to be some distant future piece that only excites you? There lies the main problem.

[ranjit]

I think if you're average but highly motivated (but then you aren't averagely motivated ) and can put in 1-2 hours a day, it should definitely be possible to reach grade 6-7 eventually.

[lostinidlewonder]

I see the wall at AMEB grade 3 and leading into 4 even with motivated students. They can stumble through harder works but it never becomes secure or comfortable, certainly not without a huge amount of time invested, but that is not how one approaches piano studies. If you work on a single piece for years is that really your level?? I'm not talking about monumental works which of course may take years to utterly absorb.

What is encouraging is however you can totally experience all the joys of creating good music even at the lower tiered levels. It is exactly like life, consider money, do we consider only millionaires experience joy in life? Is there no joy to be found without a lot of money to pay for it? That to me seems to be the problem with those who look down upon their journey and think they are much worse than others. Finding the joy where you are right now is super important otherwise you are always just chasing the wind.

[ted]

I have come to the conclusion that this position of stubborn discouragement, actually more common than we suppose, has its roots deep in the individual psyche and is not necessarily correlated to actual musical or pianistic ability, or the possibility of developing those things. I suppose I ought not to comment at all as I have been a conspicuous failure in trying to help several players of my acquaintance to overcome it, despite persistent effort. Everyone in this thread has voiced sound reasoning but I don’t think the central issue is rational. The players I knew had ample capability to go a long way and say much of interest at the instrument but in their desire to chase the extraordinary they rejected their ordinary selves. I am not sure liking oneself can be taught.

[artguy]

Apparently a lot of us get discouraged at times. I look at it this way. I have about 8 or 9 pieces that I can play from memory.  But the fact that I have them memorized does not mean I can  play them perfectly.  But each time I play is a chance to do it a little better.  Are there games or other activities that you do but aren't the greatest.  But you keep on playing them. The  act of playing is the enjoyment, even if it is not perfect.   The first time I hit that low Eb in the 4th bar of Beethoven's Pathetique 2nd mvmt, tears came to my eyes.

[kosulin]

Because we enjoy it. Exactly same reason why we play soccer, basketball, sing, or dance, for example.

[ego0720]

Reset your goal. There are many talented pianists out there and the bar is high. But nobody comes in expecting to be world-renowned. The healthiest way is to set a small goal for yourself. Make the goal achievable and be proud. The most important reason is to do it for fun. The trick is to sustain that passion. If you are not satisfied at your level, be realistic and question why you are not improving.

Piano is multidimensional in its pursuit. Many aspects are contradictory to its goal. We memorize, get a good rhythm, melody, sight read, in short apply the logic component to get the mechanics down. That’s 50%. The real heart and soul of music or its musicality is a bit magical. But short answer is putting it together. When the brain combines all dimensions of music into a whole that’s greater than the sum of its part. Music is an endeavor that should be enjoyed at any age. It’s a secret compartment in the brain with its own key. The reason we play is personal but for me it’s great mental floss. Otherwise my brain is ketchup since I don’t go to school anymore.

[anacrusis]

The reason we play is personal but for me it’s great mental floss. Otherwise my brain is ketchup since I don’t go to school anymore.

That's a great point! I think healthy reasons are for fun, or to keep or minds sharp, or a combination of both

[volcanoadam]

Why should I play piano if im never gonna be good at it?

If that's what you believe then maybe you should quit.
I started playing when I was 41. After 5 years of practise I can see plenty of progress, even though it's half as fast as I expected. I often get very frustrated  but I'm not giving up. My life makes no sense without music, so even the slightest progress brings me joy because I know that, thanks to that, some day I'll be able to play many of my favourite masterpieces.  I want that and I believe that.

[ranjit]

I think also attempting your favorite pieces which may be "too difficult" can also help with this. I know that if I completely lost motivation to progress on the path I am right now, I would teach myself to play the second/sixth Hungarian Rhapsody. Those are probably my favorite pieces of all time. I wouldn't be able to play them well, but I know that simply playing them at whatever standard would make me happy. Maybe that's something the OP might consider occasionally. Delayed gratification is good and all, but sometimes we really shouldn't delay it indefinitely.

[ego0720]

 :-*if

…Delayed gratification is good and all, but sometimes we really shouldn't delay it indefinitely.

I second that notion. Ppl are always fearing failure. I tell ppl just do it. Solve problems as they come. I’m pretty sure I’m still doing many things wrong but thanks to modern day technology (internet) I’m improving.

Be realistic. Accept new information will flow in. Adjust accordingly. If I waited until I felt it was right.. I would have missed out so much last 2-3 years bc of doing it right and proper meant not even touching piano until I read all the books.. which is an insurmountable problem as my library keeps getting bigger like a snowball.

[danesi]

As a teenager piano student I felt a similar sentiment.  I was interested playing more advanced repertoire, yet my teacher at the time was very conservatory method focused. 

I completely agree with that! When I was 10, I really wanted to learn the Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement. It was sloppy, but I did it. Let’s note that it almost completely destroyed my technique and I had to relearn proper finger and hand movement for a year. If the OP is really unmotivated to play boring pieces, why not try ones that they actually enjoy? Debussy has some very easy repertoire that is remarkably impressive and fun to play. Or for the more mentally strong student, simply practice for 45 minutes to an hour each day, working on Czerny, Hanon, and other simple etudes. Your technique will improve, and you can soon work on slightly more difficult pieces, like Für Elise or Mozart’s Turkish March. Trust me, the only way to improve is to go forward. And if you know you can’t go forward anymore, drop. There’s no shame in quitting if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing.

[lelle]

When I was 10, I really wanted to learn the Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement. It was sloppy, but I did it. Let’s note that it almost completely destroyed my technique and I had to relearn proper finger and hand movement for a year.

Just saw this, but it's funny, that's almost exactly my own story. I think I was 10-11 too. Only difference is I didn't get proper help relearning my technique so I continued into my twenties with many problems remaining.

[cuberdrift]

Just some thoughts:

- Find out which particular pieces you want to play exactly, then find a way to perform them: that means finding an audience, venue, and schedule. This should motivate you to practice.

- Additionally (or alternatively), record yourself playing these pieces. At first you probably won't be satisfied and this will give you incentive to refine it. Do this until you enjoy listening to yourself playing the piece.

- Find a good teacher (very important imo)

- Try out some basic exercises like Hanon or Czerny Op. 599 and practice these consistently until you are comfortable playing at the indicated speed.

- Learn improvisation (find an easy song you like and are familiar with, practice the chords and melody by ear, then play around with that)

- Listen, listen, listen to anything you like. This requires no effort at all but can sustain your interest in music

[lostinidlewonder]

What's the point in playing any sport socially if you're never going to be as good as professionals? Why bother doing art if your not creating masterpieces? Why bother jogging if you're not going to be at an Olympic marathon level? Why bother going to work if your not earning millions? Why start a business if it's not going to be as big as Apple? Why bother eating breakfast if it's not served on a solid gold plate with platinum utensils? Why bother having a partner if they are not a super model and the envy of all eyes? Why bother learning maths if you haven't solved a millennium prize problem? Why bother helping someone if you are not solving world hunger? Why bother posting  on pianostreet if your not being published on the cover of the New York Times? Why bother with anything???

[ranjit]

What's the point in playing any sport socially if you're never going to be as good as professionals?

You know, this is also a thought that comes about, to be fair.

[brogers70]

What's the point in playing any sport socially if you're never going to be as good as professionals? Why bother doing art if your not creating masterpieces? Why bother jogging if you're not going to be at an Olympic marathon level? Why bother going to work if your not earning millions? Why start a business if it's not going to be as big as Apple? Why bother eating breakfast if it's not served on a solid gold plate with platinum utensils? Why bother having a partner if they are not a super model and the envy of all eyes? Why bother learning maths if you haven't solved a millennium prize problem? Why bother helping someone if you are not solving world hunger? Why bother posting  on pianostreet if your not being published on the cover of the New York Times? Why bother with anything???

Any question, read in the correct light, can be made to appear ridiculous. Better analogies for what the OP actually asked would be: Why bother playing any sport socially if you're so bad that nobody wants you on their team? Why bother doing art if you still can't produce anything that you like to look at yourself? Why bother jogging if you cannot go any faster than you do when you walk? Why bother going to work if you cannot earn enough to cover your transportation costs? Why start a business if it's not going to break even? Why bother eating breakfast if it is ground cardboard and wastewater? Why bother having a partner if they are not kind to you? Why bother learning maths if you can't get past Algebra II? Why bother helping someone if your help does them no good? Why bother posting on pianostreet if people put the worst possible spin on your questions?

[lostinidlewonder]

You know, this is also a thought that comes about, to be fair.

Really? I played squash at a national level and our team always won every competition we were in. In my university years I made friends with a New Zealander who was somewhere between world number 40-49 I forgot. He crushed me to a pulp. Did that make me want to quit the game? Not at all!! I don't understand the mindset of people who compare themselves with the top and get depressed over it, it seems rather stupid to me.

Any question, read in the correct light, can be made to appear ridiculous. Better analogies for what the OP actually asked would be: Why bother playing any sport socially if you're so bad that nobody wants you on their team? Why bother doing art if you still can't produce anything that you like to look at yourself? Why bother jogging if you cannot go any faster than you do when you walk? Why bother going to work if you cannot earn enough to cover your transportation costs? Why start a business if it's not going to break even? Why bother eating breakfast if it is ground cardboard and wastewater? Why bother having a partner if they are not kind to you? Why bother learning maths if you can't get past Algebra II? Why bother helping someone if your help does them no good? Why bother posting on pianostreet if people put the worst possible spin on your questions?

What?

Why bother quoting me if you cannot improve on my points

[lelle]

I don't understand the mindset of people who compare themselves with the top and get depressed over it

My take is that this happens if you play for the accolades / validation you hope to get, and not for the pleasure the activity itself gives you.

[ranjit]

My take is that this happens if you play for the accolades / validation you hope to get, and not for the pleasure the activity itself gives you.

It's also a natural thing to think of when you're "in" the competition, especially if you're a professional aspirant yourself.

[lostinidlewonder]

It's also a natural thing to think of when you're "in" the competition, especially if you're a professional aspirant yourself.

Yeah but socially playing sports is a different situation. With almost 8 billion people on earth if everyone only did an activity if they were professionals and at the top of the class then hardly anyone would do anything and most likely all activities would collapse since so few people do it!

[ego0720]

My take is that this happens if you play for the accolades / validation you hope to get, and not for the pleasure the activity itself gives you.

This is an intrapersonal issue for which the message should be clear. I hope no one plays for accolades merely to feel superior. Trophies are plastic. But the meaning and value they carry is more important. Competition itself is neither right or wrong but rather how ppl use it to further their path. Easy to lose motivation so any reason to help one continue the path (competition is but one way) is reason enough. Many try and quit and few go the distance.

The real battle today is so many ppl aren’t into learning music or quit fast.  There is only 5 of 100 ppl who are literate in music. I think that number should be higher. Music should be accessible and ppl should enjoy it for personal growth and do it forever. It brings balance to life.

Yes there are talented ppl out there. But I want ppl to play for fun, share the joy, encourage each other… most of us may not play on national or world stage but if we bring even one smile to someone locally in our town… that enough is a real purpose. Even if our years of practice yields a few minutes of performance. That’s one smile I contributed to karma.