I started learning piano at about 70. I’m now 75 and am finally able to feel like I can sit down and play several pieces. It’s a journey that’s for sure. My challenges are still huge, playing different rhythms in different hands, voicing, etc. but I’m having fun.
I'm in year one of my piano journey at the age of 55. My slightly dodgy memory and desire to play the things I want to play before I kick the bucket tend to override important things that beginners should learn. I'm currently up to measure 16 of Moonlight Sonata after about 4 weeks of trying and I would say that the thing that has helped me most as an oldie is patience. I'm certain I would have given up if I was 30 years younger. Sheer willpower to keep trying is a great asset that would probably serve most adults well.
One thing that is really helpful to me is having a RUclips channel. Some may feel self conscious about putting yourself out there. I don't care. For some of us the experience of watching yourself in a 'public' venue can serve as a motivator. I'm experiencing some temporary personal setbacks and challenges which are sidelining me. Yet I'm not discouraged. I will ultimately return to my routine. And I'll be better than I am now. I have established for myself that I have a gift. That's why I'm encouraged.
Very good video. I'm 73, been playing for a couple of years, but still a beginner (maybe grade 1). In my experience, if you're thinking that there's a short cut to playing, you're kidding yourself. It's a lot of work (but that's ok). I spend quite a bit of time playing scales, studies/etudes, and fairly easy pieces. And I am making progress. I would recommend to anyone who 'really' wants to learn piano to invest in a good adult beginner method book like Piano Adventures or Alfred's. Also, there are plenty of RUclips videos that recommend good beginner books. And you'll need to learn music theory (reading music, ear training, sight reading, ...) Sounds like a lot (and it is), but it's not the destination, it's the journey. Enjoy the frustration and the victories.
Thanks for sharing how to play piano as an adult player as it takes patience to play with both of your hands together. We all started with 99% inspiration desire but slowly learning the reality of playing is not easy. But if you persevered enough you still be able to learn it at the end of the day. Thanks to You tube there are some very good videos out there that shows you how to do it. If you can afford music lessons then it's better to get a teacher than to struggle learning on your own. If there is a will to learn then there is a way for you to do it. Never give up !
You are very welcome, Calvin. I can play with both hands until I can't.🤣 you added some great points, which I hope to share with my viewers and subscribers in the next video or so because that's exactly it. We hit 99% inspiration, but then the roller coaster ride begins.!
Be passionate and keep yourself happy while learning an instrument like a Piano / Keyboard / Keytar. 7 months ago I've bought a keyboard and in the meanwhile I've bought 2 Keytars too, because I LOVE to learn it. And being SLOW is GOOD ! Start slow and it will get faster and faster ... better and better.
Hello! The RUclips algorithm brought me here for the first time. Found your tips helpful & relatable. I am an older adult self-learner. I Am going to name names😂. Went through Alfred's AIO then Faber 1 am now working through Faber 2. Have managed to play two songs found in higher level method books. One fairly well(Fascination lvl 3) and one so-so(Shenandoah lvl 5) but it works for me because I do have a certain "passion for the process". Will be viewing more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
@@2011watchman my pleasure thank you for taking the time to comment and write such detailed information with your learning! Great quality method books you have listed. Do you have a favorite style of music that you like to listen to or play too? I'm getting into some rock piano these days! Go figure 😊
Great video. I'm 71 and have played guitar for about 60 years. Studied music full time 20+ years ago (Guitar instrument major) and did some basic piano, which everyone had to do. Learnt a few of the basics. Got into Computer based music and midi keyboards but mainly just used right hand, always layering recordings. I recently decided I wanted to play piano (or keys) from basic piano music. Basic classical through. to standard song book arrangements. Basically be able to sight read them. Big challenge but I'm up to it. Just looking for all the free download beginner stuff I can find and not playing each piece too many times in one go. I want to learn to read them rather than 'learn or memorise them'. I do feel there is a bit of a cross-over though in that a degree of memorisation helps in recognising patterns, chord notation etc etc. As well as trying to read, I am also, as advised in a few RUclips Chanels, working on chords and chord progressions. Really enjoying triad pairs atm, and finding it helps in memorising chord shapes and position of notes on the keyboard in general. Subscribed and looking forward to more. I want to be that guy in the nursing home who can bang out a tune on the piano. Not too soon though. My music theory teacher really used to irritate me when he would say, on looking at a counterpoint arrangement or something like that, "Yeah I can hear that but...." I mean That's reading music. Reading it and hearing it. Like reading a book.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your stories of music, life and learning! I think us older folks realize the beauty of music is we never stop learning and it gives us so much comfort day-to-day, and we appreciate all the skills that we require along the way.(I think the last phrase sounded like Dr. Seuss :-) have a great day, Jim
Whoa! If you're writing the letter of the notes on your music sheet, you're short-changing yourself, you're not learning or mastering the language! Hey, that's me! So that's why it takes me forever to learn a piece! 😅
Hi everybody, if you're here the first time on my channel: welcome! If your brand new to piano, maybe this playlist will help: ruclips.net/p/PLmb4XmcEuZwbdoKrparL_oD_uJ1WPb0fv&si=kk9lNre9yOb2v8VF
I’m 72. I love learning to play. I have a good teacher. But, I want to do more. Ive made copies of worksheets to help me identify the keys, and I practice every day. My brain is just a bit slow though. I subscribe to a number of RUclips training videos. Which do you recommend… there are a lot available.
Hello there! Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm slow too but consistency and good napping seems to work out ;-) Yes, there are a bunch of channels out there and I'm thinking of doing a channel review, but top of my head. It will be worth your while to check out piano from scratch,, piano roadmap and piano lessons with Tim?
@@grassrootspiano yes, ageing is a privilege. Comes with a few aches and pains and thankfully wisdom for those who continue to seek knowledge and education.
@@michelletaylor3433 the added bonus is, if we learn from a years of mistakes and look within, we do carry wisdom, and of course, with a touch of humor we should be good to go for a bit of time :-)
I’ve been teaching for 40 years now. I love teaching adults and see all the traits and ‘temptations’ you speak of. Those who accept the concept of ‘enjoying the journey’ make steady progress and find true pleasure and fulfilment. My oldest beginner…90 years old. He achieved a grade 1 exam to the delight of his grandchildren. 🎶🎶🎶😊
I took a 30 day Pianote course that made me very comfortable playing in the key of C. I can improvise between inversions to build dynamics. BUT… now I’m just left hanging as far as learning other keys the same way. I emailed them about this, asking what course they have to teach me the other keys, and I got vague form-letter type answers. Quite frustrating.
Hello. I'm a Pianote subscriber. Whilst I agree that responses to emails can sometimes take time and be less than ideal when you get a response, the forums are a great place to get replies quickly. Anyway, the main point of my reply is, I just typed "inversions" into the search feature on the webpages home page and it returned 7 pages worth of content. 123 videos in total. On page 1 alone there was C major, D major, F major and G major workouts plus videos on how to identify and practice inversions. The content appears to be there, you just didn't look in the right place, it seems. I started learning piano in January this year and Pianote has been invaluable to me.
@@jimstewart8122 yes Pianote is a large company has been around for years. Someone say if you pay for a service they would appreciate email returns. However, this video lesson is not about music industry Internet learning :-) that's coming soon.
FREE PRACTICE GUIDE: grassrootspiano.mykajabi.com/practice-guide
I started learning piano at about 70. I’m now 75 and am finally able to feel like I can sit down and play several pieces. It’s a journey that’s for sure. My challenges are still huge, playing different rhythms in different hands, voicing, etc. but I’m having fun.
@@barbmoody4892 thank you for sharing! Having fun will keep the fire going :-)
I'm in year one of my piano journey at the age of 55. My slightly dodgy memory and desire to play the things I want to play before I kick the bucket tend to override important things that beginners should learn. I'm currently up to measure 16 of Moonlight Sonata after about 4 weeks of trying and I would say that the thing that has helped me most as an oldie is patience. I'm certain I would have given up if I was 30 years younger. Sheer willpower to keep trying is a great asset that would probably serve most adults well.
Well said. Use your intuition and insights to embrace the beginning phases :-)
Im year 2 at age 77
@ that's awesome good for you:-)
One thing that is really helpful to me is having a RUclips channel. Some may feel self conscious about putting yourself out there. I don't care. For some of us the experience of watching yourself in a 'public' venue can serve as a motivator. I'm experiencing some temporary personal setbacks and challenges which are sidelining me. Yet I'm not discouraged. I will ultimately return to my routine. And I'll be better than I am now. I have established for myself that I have a gift. That's why I'm encouraged.
You sound like you got strong character, and perseverance! Keep going
Good advice. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
That's what I say to myself every morning when I wake up to teach teenagers😂
These tips really hit home right now with my journey. I enjoy all your helpful videos!!
Fantastic!
Very good video. I'm 73, been playing for a couple of years, but still a beginner (maybe grade 1). In my experience, if you're thinking that there's a short cut to playing, you're kidding yourself. It's a lot of work (but that's ok). I spend quite a bit of time playing scales, studies/etudes, and fairly easy pieces. And I am making progress. I would recommend to anyone who 'really' wants to learn piano to invest in a good adult beginner method book like Piano Adventures or Alfred's. Also, there are plenty of RUclips videos that recommend good beginner books. And you'll need to learn music theory (reading music, ear training, sight reading, ...) Sounds like a lot (and it is), but it's not the destination, it's the journey. Enjoy the frustration and the victories.
What wonderful wisdom and thoughts you share! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and share!
Thanks for sharing how to play piano as an adult player as it takes patience to play with both of your hands together. We all started with 99% inspiration desire but slowly learning the reality of playing is not easy. But if you persevered enough you still be able to learn it at the end of the day. Thanks to You tube there are some very good videos out there that shows you how to do it. If you can afford music lessons then it's better to get a teacher than to struggle learning on your own. If there is a will to learn then there is a way for you to do it. Never give up !
You are very welcome, Calvin. I can play with both hands until I can't.🤣 you added some great points, which I hope to share with my viewers and subscribers in the next video or so because that's exactly it. We hit 99% inspiration, but then the roller coaster ride begins.!
Thank you for your great work and dedication to learning piano. Everything you said is true. Absolutely true!
@@endlichklavierspielen1970 thank you so much for your kind words.
it’s over 40 years now. We know each other already (my name is Toni) and my other channel is @pianocheckpoint.
Your work is really great 👍
Wise words!
Be passionate and keep yourself happy while learning an instrument like a Piano / Keyboard / Keytar. 7 months ago I've bought a keyboard and in the meanwhile I've bought 2 Keytars too, because I LOVE to learn it. And being SLOW is GOOD ! Start slow and it will get faster and faster ... better and better.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello! The RUclips algorithm brought me here for the first time. Found your tips helpful & relatable. I am an older adult self-learner. I Am going to name names😂. Went through Alfred's AIO then Faber 1 am now working through Faber 2. Have managed to play two songs found in higher level method books. One fairly well(Fascination lvl 3) and one so-so(Shenandoah lvl 5) but it works for me because I do have a certain "passion for the process". Will be viewing more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
@@2011watchman my pleasure thank you for taking the time to comment and write such detailed information with your learning! Great quality method books you have listed. Do you have a favorite style of music that you like to listen to or play too? I'm getting into some rock piano these days! Go figure 😊
Great video. I'm 71 and have played guitar for about 60 years. Studied music full time 20+ years ago (Guitar instrument major) and did some basic piano, which everyone had to do. Learnt a few of the basics. Got into Computer based music and midi keyboards but mainly just used right hand, always layering recordings. I recently decided I wanted to play piano (or keys) from basic piano music. Basic classical through. to standard song book arrangements. Basically be able to sight read them. Big challenge but I'm up to it. Just looking for all the free download beginner stuff I can find and not playing each piece too many times in one go. I want to learn to read them rather than 'learn or memorise them'. I do feel there is a bit of a cross-over though in that a degree of memorisation helps in recognising patterns, chord notation etc etc.
As well as trying to read, I am also, as advised in a few RUclips Chanels, working on chords and chord progressions. Really enjoying triad pairs atm, and finding it helps in memorising chord shapes and position of notes on the keyboard in general.
Subscribed and looking forward to more. I want to be that guy in the nursing home who can bang out a tune on the piano. Not too soon though. My music theory teacher really used to irritate me when he would say, on looking at a counterpoint arrangement or something like that, "Yeah I can hear that but...."
I mean That's reading music. Reading it and hearing it. Like reading a book.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your stories of music, life and learning! I think us older folks realize the beauty of music is we never stop learning and it gives us so much comfort day-to-day, and we appreciate all the skills that we require along the way.(I think the last phrase sounded like Dr. Seuss :-) have a great day, Jim
Wonderful content.
Short term success is sometimes important.
Yeah, good point especially if it's a small wind to build more motivation
THANKS! HELLO FROM FINLAND🙂👍🙋🏻♂️
Hello! I hear Finland is BEAUTIFUL!
Whoa! If you're writing the letter of the notes on your music sheet, you're short-changing yourself, you're not learning or mastering the language!
Hey, that's me! So that's why it takes me forever to learn a piece! 😅
@@loidacordova5284 it's OK we all will try to grab the knowledge the best we can, but long-term you won't need to write in the note names!
Hi everybody, if you're here the first time on my channel: welcome! If your brand new to piano, maybe this playlist will help: ruclips.net/p/PLmb4XmcEuZwbdoKrparL_oD_uJ1WPb0fv&si=kk9lNre9yOb2v8VF
I’m 72. I love learning to play. I have a good teacher. But, I want to do more. Ive made copies of worksheets to help me identify the keys, and I practice every day. My brain is just a bit slow though. I subscribe to a number of RUclips training videos. Which do you recommend… there are a lot available.
Hello there! Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm slow too but consistency and good napping seems to work out ;-)
Yes, there are a bunch of channels out there and I'm thinking of doing a channel review, but top of my head. It will be worth your while to check out piano from scratch,, piano roadmap and piano lessons with Tim?
You're not old (otherwise I'm almost there too 🤣) but you are wise! Great advice.
I don't mind being old, Michelle, however, I enjoy having wisdom finally. :-)
@@grassrootspiano yes, ageing is a privilege. Comes with a few aches and pains and thankfully wisdom for those who continue to seek knowledge and education.
@@michelletaylor3433 the added bonus is, if we learn from a years of mistakes and look within, we do carry wisdom, and of course, with a touch of humor we should be good to go for a bit of time :-)
I’ve been teaching for 40 years now. I love teaching adults and see all the traits and ‘temptations’ you speak of. Those who accept the concept of ‘enjoying the journey’ make steady progress and find true pleasure and fulfilment. My oldest beginner…90 years old. He achieved a grade 1 exam to the delight of his grandchildren. 🎶🎶🎶😊
@@Shuna2011 wow! Thank you for sharing
I took a 30 day Pianote course that made me very comfortable playing in the key of C. I can improvise between inversions to build dynamics. BUT… now I’m just left hanging as far as learning other keys the same way. I emailed them about this, asking what course they have to teach me the other keys, and I got vague form-letter type answers. Quite frustrating.
Thank you for sharing and sorry about you. Not getting the best feedback. Maybe a smaller RUclips channels ;-) can help?
Hello. I'm a Pianote subscriber. Whilst I agree that responses to emails can sometimes take time and be less than ideal when you get a response, the forums are a great place to get replies quickly. Anyway, the main point of my reply is, I just typed "inversions" into the search feature on the webpages home page and it returned 7 pages worth of content. 123 videos in total. On page 1 alone there was C major, D major, F major and G major workouts plus videos on how to identify and practice inversions. The content appears to be there, you just didn't look in the right place, it seems. I started learning piano in January this year and Pianote has been invaluable to me.
@@jimstewart8122 yes Pianote is a large company has been around for years. Someone say if you pay for a service they would appreciate email returns. However, this video lesson is not about music industry Internet learning :-) that's coming soon.
@@jimstewart8122 thank you Jim, I will look for that !
That's me, writing in *every* single note 😅
I am a disgrace
No, you're not! Everyone does it and it can be a bad habit to break. Have confidence no by note you can do it.
Once someone learns how to delay gratification, then they’ve got it made!
I'm so glad to read all these comments as there are many like-minded learners out there!
@@grassrootspiano Of course! Delaying gratification is not only for the young. Another brutal life truth. Your video was on the mark.
@@Gowalkabout Thank you so much for such kind words and yes Delaying gratification is so important to appreciate!
Learning piano over 45 ? Use synthesia 😀
😂