Some ideas. 

1. Knowing what beautiful sounds like is an important step to being able to beautifully play oneself. 
2. Associating with people who can guide on this journey of discovery is important.

One of my students is working at the early advanced stage of Classical piano. This week Chopin Waltz in b minor and Gnossienne #6 by Satie. Sophisticated music. 

She is a retired executive whose career spanned the globe. She is an avid concert goer. As in, more than a concert a week. 

At the end of class I complemented her on her playing and knowledge of the music, it's context, and style. She was slightly taken back. She quickly explained that she has friends who are so much more sophisticated and nuanced in their appreciation of classical music. (One wrote liner notes for a major classical music label, one was a critic if I recall correctly as well.) 

I pointed out to her that she has learned more than she knew through those friendships. She recalled the after concert socializing where great debates on the merits of the performance. 

Furthermore, decades of concert going at the great halls of the world leaves a mark. A significant mark. 

Cheers, 

​David

Will I ever get there?

Maybe.

An adult student is working on the scherzo of Haydn’s piano sonata in F major Hob.XVI:9 A fun work from RCM level 4. It goes fast, it’s light, it’s fun under the fingers. It reminds me of joyful summer memories as a kid riding our bikes as fast as we can go, just celebrating the joy of movement and being alive.

How does one play like that?
Can I ever go as fast?

Another story. I’ve a young teenage student preparing to sit for her level 8 exam later this month. One of her pieces is Solfeggio in C minor by CPE Bach an extremely fast and demanding piece of music. She runs like the wind through it. The power of youth. Can my 61-year fingers play that fast? Nope. Period. It’s as absurd as looking on while high schoolers compete in the 100-yard dash. Yeah, I can still run fast, but not like that.

Moral of the story. Be at peace with it.

​Now can we learn to play faster. Of course. Can we ever go as fast? Maybe, maybe not.

​
Now back to Haydn. Pianists who play well, including fast, have worked patiently in the following areas.

1. Repertoire is developed in a thoughtful and methodical manner over many years.
2. They learn theory to understand the music they are playing: patterns and relationships. 
3. They have developed their aural skills to fine degree. Ultimately all playing is playing by ear.
4. They learn something about the history of the music they play Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, or Americana. Whatever it is, it has a tradition, a history, a story to tell. They are wanting a piece this story in their lives. They enthusiastically seek out experiences to get it.
5. They carefully learn to sight read well.
6. They cheerfully deal with their etudes and exercises.
7. They take their growing knowledge, experiences, and skills to understand the nuances of great performances.
8. They can answer the question, “who are your favourite pianists?” And tell you why? The sophistication of their answers will evolve as they develop as musicians. 
9. They are emotionally committed to the project of learning the piano. And have the maturity to understand it is a journey of learning.
10. They love the music.
11. They have studied how to practice the piano through different sources of reliable information. They avoid the pitfalls of seeking a work around, a hack, or quick fix. And the huskers selling shortcuts to expertise. 
12. They make the time to practice.

If I can help you on your journey, please give me a call.
​
David

​Restarting piano after a 4-decade hiatus? How to get started.

The hands will be slow. But they will improve. Patience is the key here. An analogy: You were at 18-year-old track star back in the day. You buy a pair of expensive running shoes, the kind that promise speed, endurance, and youth. First day out, you run 10K. It is glorious, next day you can’t move. Shoes go in the closet; you are back in front of Netflix. Oops, you’ve made a tactical mistake. Try this instead.

1. Tune the piano.
2. Find a sympathetic coach/teacher.
3. Buy an anthology of classical piano music, the kind that covers a range of performance levels.
4. If you haven’t already, start listening again to classical music.
5. Take a course on Classical music appreciation. There are lots of online opportunities: YouTube, Great Courses, Community College etc.
6. Play a few scales, sight read a simple piece. Avoid a Chopin ballade if the fingers have been resting for 40 years.
7. Fifteen minutes, maybe 20 1st day and each day for a week.
8. Each week at 10% to the duration of practice.
9. Investigate the Pianist magazine, a wonderfully affirming resource for adult piano enthusiasts.
10. Dust of a theory book and review.

Have fun, if I can help, call me.
​
David

That was a good use of my time. My students have noticed changes for the better. 

​David

I teach many adults who are picking it back up later in life. Realising their dream to play Classical, Jazz, Blues, or Boogie Woogie with style and panache. Not to forget the few who want to play in a band.

Why do they restart? Beauty.

Regardless of why they quit, everyone returns filled with high hopes and noble intentions. I welcome them all to the studio where lessons are giving guilt free. And, enthusiasms are supported and encouraged.
​
Here is some of the titles they are currently working on.
​

1. Nocturne No. 5 in B flat John Field
2. I Feel Good James Brown
3. Waltz in A Opus 52a number 7  Brahms
4. Sonata in G Major, Hob. XVI:8 l 1st movement Haydn
5. Night train Oscar Peterson
6. Sonatina in F Major (no. 2) u 1st movement Beethoven
7. On The Road Again Willy Nelson
8. Georgia On My Mind Ray Charles
9. Skizzen, op. 77 u On the Lake (Auf dem See) (no. 12) Hofmann, Heinrich
10. Lots of Boogie Woogie

You get the idea. Maybe I can help you rekindle your enthusiasm to play beautiful music again. Call today for a free interview.

Cheers,

​David

Giving up the piano is one of life's great regrets. Resuming lessons after decades is not. It is an interesting journey of rediscovering, joy, and humility.

I invite you to watch this recent video and browse the book. Alan Rusgridger learns Chopin Ballade no. 1 at age 57, 41 years after giving up the piano. 

He managed to fit in practice while working as the editor of the Guardian newspaper. WOW!

As a drum student myself, it is always heartwarming to meet a fellow traveler  For more info on my own journey in mid-life learning see my blog. Just click on this paragraph.

Cheers,

David