Back from the Dead

[hammmer]

Newbie here. Needing some input. Basically, I have rekindled my desire to study piano
again after many years of putting it on the 'back burner of life'. I am 49, and studied privately for about 15 years. Life however, got in the way and piano studies were basically impossible. I finally broke down and bought a grand piano and am very focused at relearning and moving on in my studies. I am realising that alot of the dexterity I once had is not all there. But at the same time, my weight training has given me more strength that I didn't have before. But back to my request. Does anyone have any ideas or hints on how to regain the speed and dexterity without the hours and hours of  practicing technique? Thanks.

[gkatele]

Welcome to my world! I studied for 10 years as a youth, and stopped halfway through college. Well, as in your situation, life gets in the way. I took my first lesson in 30 years last August. It's been great. After a few months of daily work, the fingers get limber again (I remember them aching, like muscles I haven't used in  years!), and the old music comes back from secret places in your memory.

To regain what I had without hours and hours of practice?

Nyah, ain't gonna happen.

It's like the old joke about the guy who's lost in New York.

     "Can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?"
     "Practice, son. Practice."

It will take hours and hours. If you're serious, that's not a problem. Even with kids, career, and other obligations, I find I'm able to put in at least an hour a day. Perhaps it's not all in one block (in fact there are theories that you learn better in short 15-20 minute intervals than one long block).

Go for it, enjoy. Remember, this is for you!

Great luck and best regards,



George

[westman]

I am 49 and a year or so ago was in the same place as you. The first thing I did was stop the weight training. I hated to do it, but clearly it was counterproductive to regaining technique and improving. I have practiced 3 - 4 hours a day for over a year and have made great progress in technique and musicality. I still improve every day, so hopefully in a year or two... who knows?

[hammmer]

Thanks Westman and GeorgeK
All your input is both encouraging and well received on this end. I'm probably more focused and serious now about playing than I was in my younger days. It  has amazed me recently how much my brain and fingers remember from my early studies.  And alot of this is mind over matter.  The weight training is going to be a hard one to put aside though. 
Thanks again.