If you are an adult beginner you may be secretly wondering
if it is too late to develop a fluent command of piano technique and repertoire.
Let me assure you, it is never too late for adults to gain significant
ability at the keyboard. Music is central to our human nature, and whether
it is singing, composing, or playing the piano, you have the capacity
to realize your musical potential.
If you took piano lessons in childhood but have not played for many years,
your youthful efforts have not been lost: the basic motor-coordination
skills learned in childhood are still part of your neurological system,
waiting to be reactivated for continuing musical development.
INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED ADULT PIANO STUDENTS
If you are an intermediate to advanced adult piano
student who is focused on classical music, you have the opportunity to
explore the repertoire of the greatest masters including Bach, Beethoven,
Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and many more. If your interest centers on
various kinds of popular music, published arrangements will be learned,
and you will develop the ability to write your own arrangements.
Whether classical or popular music is your focus, refining various aspects of keyboard technique is always front-and-center. Understanding musical structure is essential so that you have a clear grasp of the composition: this makes sight-reading and memorization easier, and the technical complexities seem less daunting when the composition structure is understood. A solid foundation of musicianship and technique empowers you bring your musical aspirations to life with vibrancy, persuasiveness, and completeness.
As a piano teacher, I am very interested in your musical preferences, because it is easier for you to practice with conviction those pieces that you truly love. The piano repertoire is vast with an abundance of excellent music in every genre. For the sake of musical adventure, I encourage students to explore various parts of the repertoire they may not have otherwise previously considered.
SCHEDULES FOR ADULT STUDENTS
Some adult students have schedules that allow them to practice every day
and be well-prepared for their weekly piano lesson, and that is the preferred
arrangement. However, many adult students, especially those raising families,
attending college full-time, or working long hours to build their careers,
have limited hours to practice. If this is the case, I recommend that
lessons be taken every other week. Piano classes taken only once every
three or four weeks, however, will not be successful because of a loss
of momentum.
ADVANTAGES OF PIANO LESSONS
Personal Growth
Many adults find that after a day of stressful work, coming home and playing the piano is a great way to unwind. Learning to play the piano is also a marvelous way to cultivate personal growth.
A World of Music
The piano is the most versatile of instruments, and the favorite among adults who want to develop their musical talent. Classical music offers over four centuries of beautiful masterpieces, while popular music offers an amazing array of styles to explore, including Broadway, jazz, New Age, ragtime, blues, and holiday music, among many others. This exciting variety offers adult students unlimited opportunities for musical expression.
Renewed Adventure
Many adults who took piano lessons in childhood often return to the piano,
realizing a need to keep music in their daily lives. Adults taking lessons
for the first time find that as they develop their musical potential,
they have an increased sense of achievement and confidence.
Artistic Fulfillment
Adult piano students are able to express themselves through music in a way they cannot in their daily professional life. Students enjoy playing the piano for friends, with other musicians, for relatives during holidays, or writing music for themselves and their loved ones.
Music Parties
A popular feature for adult students at Jonathan Baker’s studio includes Music Parties, which are small get-togethers where adult students play their favorite pieces for each other. Adult students have the opportunity to perform for each other and share experiences in a casual and relaxed atmosphere at least twice a year. Refreshments such as wine, fruit, cheese & crackers, will be served.
SUPPORT FOR ADULT PIANO STUDENTS
Be Patient with Yourself
When learning a completely new skill such as playing the piano, you may suddenly feel clumsy, or feel that you are not as smart as you thought you were. Take these occasional feelings of uncertainty with good humor and be gentle with yourself. Your body-mind connection needs time to absorb new information and patterns. After a practice session you may not feel that you have achieved sufficient progress, however, the next day you may find that practicing goes much easier. Remind yourself that time is on your side. Consistent practice will deliver impressive results.
Adult Skills
As an adult you have already acquired a good deal of self-control and concentration. These assets will enable you to set up a regular practice time and focus on your goals. Having already met the challenges of school and career-building, you know that good results happen over time.
Plan for Success
Set clear goals. Rather than struggle with a piece from beginning to end, try playing only small sections with each hand separately. Carefully repeat a short passage several times with the right hand - then the left hand - then play both hands together, slowly. You will make more progress with this approach than by playing a piece over and over from beginning to end. An effective practice routine will result in your being delighted, and rightly proud, of your musical progress.
Select Pieces for a Purpose
Add variety to your repertoire. Rather than selecting music of only one type, spice-up your repertoire with compositions of contrasting styles. This will enliven your musical curiosity, and the excite the interest of those who listen to you!
The great 19th century piano teacher, Theodore Leschetitzky, liked to say that a piano student should always practice one piece that is too easy, one that is too hard, and one that is just right. Studying easier pieces is important because this allows you to concentrate on expressive playing without struggling too much. A piece that is ‘too hard’ can provide you with a challenge to build your technical skills. And a piece that is ‘just right’ provides balance between an easy piece and a difficult one.
PRACTICE TIPS FOR ADULT STUDENTS
Can You See?
Bright lighting focused directly on your music book is essential for a good practice session. Overhead room lighting is not sufficient and will strain your eyes. A table lamp placed next to the piano may not be adequate. A desk lamp with an adjustable arm will provide you with the best lighting.
Sitting Pretty
Make sure your chair and keyboard are the right height for your physical build. Sit with good posture: an upright but relaxed position. This will help you avoid fatigue.
Keeping Track
Set a daily schedule for your practice time and keep a record of it. This will help you make the best use of your time.
Focus Factor
Make sure the TV is turned off and there are no distractions from others during your practice time. If family members know when your practice time begins and ends, it will be easier for them to accommodate you.
Pencil Power!
Keep a pencil handy to notate fingering and highlight specific notes or phrases that you want to improve. Becoming your own editor is a great way to ‘take charge’ of your music making.
Lesson Plan
It may not be easy to remember all the suggestions your teacher gives during the lesson. Read your Lesson Plan to review the ideas written down during the lesson.
Favorites
Retain your favorite compositions and keep them in performance condition.
When you know a composition by heart it is easier to focus on shaping
beautiful phrases and subtleties of dynamics and tone. The pieces you
keep in good condition will refine your technique, improve your ability
to memorize, and enable you to perform for friends and family with ease.
REMEMBER
Remember why you are playing the piano…
Music is an adventure and great joy in life.
Celebrate your playing by performing for friends and family.
Enjoy your playing and have fun!
For more information about lessons and availability, contact Jonathan
Baker at 212-874-7578
or jonathanbaker@nyc.rr.com.
Jonathan Baker • Piano Teacher • Piano Lessons • New York City (NYC, Upper West Side) • 917-526-2253 • www.bakerpianolessons.com