Adult learner

[perseverance]

I am 65 years of age, For over a decade now I have been learning to play piano. I have had the same teacher throughout. For a long time I would learn a new piece, and when I could just about play we would move on, I was then steered towards theory, and achieved grade 5, and rather fancied pushing on although i was discouraged from this, so I suggested to my teacher we study ABRSm grades as this would provide a structered develpmental way of moving my learnig forward. Duly I completed grade 3 and passed with a bare minimum mark, I was quite nervous on the day. However I did pass and wanted to carry on with grade 4, but now find I am being steered away from that, and it is being suggested I go back to go forward, and that I should bring along John Thompsons first grade next week. I am now wondering if it is possible that some people are just not able to play the piano and whether or not I am in that category. Thanking you in anticipation of comments advice etc

[brogers70]

It is certainly possible that there exist people who cannot learn to play the piano. But it's also possible that there are people who would do much better with a different teacher than the one they are studying with at the moment. While it can sometimes be good to go back to the very basics in order ultimately to move forward faster, I think that usually happens when someone has developed a bad, tense technique, often by working without a teacher for many years. If after 10 years with this teacher you've ended up with a not very functional technique, the same teacher may not be the right choice to help you fix it. If you're thinking of throwing up your hands in frustration and giving up, I'd try switching teachers and giving that a few months to see if it helps.

[perseverance]

Thank you, I think I have already made that decision, but I perhaps need to hear it from elsewhere so your input is appreciated

[brogers70]

Thank you, I think I have already made that decision, but I perhaps need to hear it from elsewhere so your input is appreciated

Great, please drop by after a while and let us know how it went.