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 good 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 !