Adult learner who played as a kid

[sarets]

Hi everyone,
A bit on my history before my question. I played the piano for 6 years from 5 to 11 years old. I was considered a relatively talented kid and auditioned for conservatorio in Italy at 8. I spent there 3 years before quitting. Bad performance/did not enjoy the pieces I was given/laziness all contributing factors. Always really enjoyed music though.

I have started to play again after 30 years as my kid started his lessons. I pick what I like and I spend quite a bit of time practising like I never did before. I think I have good foundations and have been able to not just pick up where I left, but also learn new techniques like pedal, trills, turns etc. There's so many resources online! Been doing ABRSM performance for feedback, once per year and got all distinctions. I am now preparing grade 5 and learning lots of repertoire.

Here's my question. I have been enjoying my solo journey, but I wonder how long I can keep going without a teacher. I love my son's teacher but I feel very self conscious and nervous at the idea of playing in front of him. Also, I am afraid that it might negatively affect my good disposition at the moment. My former teacher was obsessed with technique and I was bored. I think this teacher should be fine but I am hesitant.

I'd like to be able to play more advanced repertoire one day (say Chopin's nocturnes or some sonatas), but is it possible to achieve without a teacher? Probably the answer is no, but when is really the sticking point?

Thanks!

[ranjit]

I'd like to be able to play more advanced repertoire one day (say Chopin's nocturnes or some sonatas), but is it possible to achieve without a teacher? Probably the answer is no, but when is really the sticking point?

I have reached that level on my own, sans teacher, so it's possible. A lot is possible, I don't think there is a very hard limit that you can't exceed self taught. The more important question is whether it's realistic for you.

[sarets]

Thank you for the encouragement. I am glad to know that it's possible to reach advanced levels indepedently. I just have to see how it goes I suppose! Probably I should get a teacher when I see that I can't make progress

[dizzyfingers]

I have started to play again after 30 years as my kid started his lessons. I pick what I like and I spend quite a bit of time practising like I never did before. I think I have good foundations and have been able to not just pick up where I left, but also learn new techniques like pedal, trills, turns etc. There's so many resources online! Been doing ABRSM performance for feedback, once per year and got all distinctions. I am now preparing grade 5 and learning lots of repertoire.

Here's my question. I have been enjoying my solo journey, but I wonder how long I can keep going without a teacher. I love my son's teacher but I feel very self conscious and nervous at the idea of playing in front of him. Also, I am afraid that it might negatively affect my good disposition at the moment. My former teacher was obsessed with technique and I was bored. I think this teacher should be fine but I am hesitant.

I'd like to be able to play more advanced repertoire one day (say Chopin's nocturnes or some sonatas), but is it possible to achieve without a teacher? Probably the answer is no, but when is really the sticking point?

It sounds like you're doing just fine on your own

- "there are so many resources online"
- "been doing ABRSM performance for feedback"
You're self-taught but you're using instructional sources, and getting feedback, which should take you a long way.  Only you can answer your question, "I wonder how long I can keep going without a teacher."
I suppose when the time comes you'll know...

You might want to consider posting videos of your playing, here or on some FB groups, to get feedback.  Recording and posting will also help you get over your fear of playing in front of others - if you do it on a regular basis.

I think you're wise to put high priority on Enjoying The Journey.  The wrong teacher can definitely ruin that journey (perhaps the one that over-emphasized technique did).

Good luck !

[sarets]

It sounds like you're doing just fine on your own

- "there are so many resources online"
- "been doing ABRSM performance for feedback"
You're self-taught but you're using instructional sources, and getting feedback, which should take you a long way.  Only you can answer your question, "I wonder how long I can keep going without a teacher."
I suppose when the time comes you'll know...

You might want to consider posting videos of your playing, here or on some FB groups, to get feedback.  Recording and posting will also help you get over your fear of playing in front of others - if you do it on a regular basis.

I think you're wise to put high priority on Enjoying The Journey.  The wrong teacher can definitely ruin that journey (perhaps the one that over-emphasized technique did).

Good luck !

Thanks, I didn't know that people are kind enough to offer free feedback online - I am new to this forum - it's certainly something to consider.

I have been playing a lot with my headphones at night, but I am trying more and more to play when my kids and husband are around to try and be more relaxed (I definitely didn't have this issue as a kid). I am also hoping to teach my son that learning takes time and effort, and it's all part of the process

[ranjit]

Thanks, I didn't know that people are kind enough to offer free feedback online - I am new to this forum - it's certainly something to consider.

I have been playing a lot with my headphones at night, but I am trying more and more to play when my kids and husband are around to try and be more relaxed (I definitely didn't have this issue as a kid). I am also hoping to teach my son that learning takes time and effort, and it's all part of the process

Look around the audition room and you'll see

[lostinidlewonder]

I have a few students who take lessons once a month and work well on their own. Some even only a few times a year. So you certainly can work predominantly on your own and look for personal advice after a period of time, ive found this suits some adults a lot better.

No one can tell you if you can go to the higher levels on your own or not, but getting distinctions is a good result so you must have some understanding of details in playing compared to sloppy playing. I'd be wary asking for online advice since it is not always trustworthy, its free so you often get what you pay for there, if you can sift confidently through the good and bad then go ahead.

[ranjit]

No one can tell you if you can go to the higher levels on your own or not, but getting distinctions is a good result so you must have some understanding of details in playing compared to sloppy playing. I'd be wary asking for online advice since it is not always trustworthy, its free so you often get what you pay for there, if you can sift confidently through the good and bad then go ahead.

This is very true, btw. Be cautious about anything you read online. I've had a hard time with people who are supremely confident spouting nonsense and it's hard to sift through.

That said, I've generally had great experiences with Pianostreet, so I encourage you to post here! 

[dizzyfingers]

Thanks, I didn't know that people are kind enough to offer free feedback online - I am new to this forum - it's certainly something to consider.

I haven't seen much high-quality feedback here, there seem to be more piano listeners than serious players here (at this time); and I don't quality myself as someone who can give professional-level  feedback.
I have seen some excellent feedback on this FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/243421769180517

There are some excellent pianists / teachers on there.  Still you'll have to sift through what fits and what doesn't fit.

[sarets]

I have a few students who take lessons once a month and work well on their own. Some even only a few times a year. So you certainly can work predominantly on your own and look for personal advice after a period of time, ive found this suits some adults a lot better.

No one can tell you if you can go to the higher levels on your own or not, but getting distinctions is a good result so you must have some understanding of details in playing compared to sloppy playing. I'd be wary asking for online advice since it is not always trustworthy, its free so you often get what you pay for there, if you can sift confidently through the good and bad then go ahead.

Yes, having lessons sparingly would definitely suit me better. I suppose I just have to see how it goes

[sarets]

I haven't seen much high-quality feedback here, there seem to be more piano listeners than serious players here (at this time); and I don't quality myself as someone who can give professional-level  feedback.
I have seen some excellent feedback on this FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/243421769180517

There are some excellent pianists / teachers on there.  Still you'll have to sift through what fits and what doesn't fit.

I am not on Facebook (can't say unfortunately as I am very happy with my social media choices), so can't use that group but thanks for the warning about this group. Probably I could look at having a one-off lesson with my son's teacher if I am need of feedback but I would feel as if he's judging me, which of course is totally wrong, but I can't help the feeling...I have people reviewing and criticising my research all the time (I am Uni Prof), and not always the feedback is constructive (quite the opposite), so I should have thick skin and be used to this...I rationally know that a teacher is just there to help me, as I do with my students, but I feel very weird about piano...

[lelle]

I am not on Facebook (can't say unfortunately as I am very happy with my social media choices), so can't use that group but thanks for the warning about this group. Probably I could look at having a one-off lesson with my son's teacher if I am need of feedback but I would feel as if he's judging me, which of course is totally wrong, but I can't help the feeling...I have people reviewing and criticising my research all the time (I am Uni Prof), and not always the feedback is constructive (quite the opposite), so I should have thick skin and be used to this...I rationally know that a teacher is just there to help me, as I do with my students, but I feel very weird about piano...

I understand the feeling. I don't know if it's like this for you, but our playing can be very precious and personal, and it feels like exposing yourself as a person for review when you expose your playing.

But really, as you say, a good teacher is there to help you. They are there to help you do more of what you want to be able to do, but can't yet do. They also give you a second set of eyes, spotting things that slow you down that you haven't thought of, as you probably are well aware of being a teacher yourself.

I'd say go for it and get a teacher. It's worth it.