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Do you have enough time to take piano lessons?
Given the demands of overscheduled lives, most adults will have to give up some activity to make room for a new one. Google "how many hours does the average adult spend surfing on their phones?" Cutting that in half will free up enough time to learn piano. Call me when you are ready. David Revised August 2022
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Preparing to succeed is the first step. Here are some things successful student do to prepare.
1. They understand how to use Zoom. They have set up the camera so that I can see their hands. The screen is set up so that they can see me as well. Some students use more than one camera. (Most students set up the laptop on a table to the side of the piano.) 2. They have created a realistic practice schedule. They understand that learning to play the piano to a level of proficiency takes time. 3. They have created an organized practice space for productive work. 4. They understand the costs involved. 5. They have told their significant others of their plans and their need for emotional support and encouragement. 6. They understand that they need to lean on their strengths when the going gets tough. If I can help you get started, please call me. David Revised August 2022 Theoretically yes.  All I would add to these fine words is the following: do these things long before they are teens.
Good luck David Revised October 2022 Sometimes we all need a break. Maintaining the years of focused attention required to master an instrument is overwhelming. I deal with it by occasionally taking a "timeout" to contemplate my goals and to recommit to my project of mastering percussion. I take a "timeout" once or twice a year, but rarely for more than a week. David Revised October 2022  How many hobbies can one-person juggle?
Depends. I juggle one. I had two, but Covid19 put an end to that. I’ve students who try to juggle 3 or more while holding down jobs, spouses, children, and life. They often looked stressed. How do my less stressed students do it? Here are some tactics they follow:
Do you remember why you were attracted to piano in the first place? Put up a post it note on the piano to keep it front of mind. Cheers, David Keeping a hobby a hobby can become an issue with some students. Students, like athletes can easily burnout. Adults can be especially vulnerable to this problem if they try catch up for lost time. This will lead to over practice and exhaustion and/or injury. Check out Dan McLaughlin's story. He took up golf, attempted to put in 10,000 hours of practice, and burned out injured. Learning piano is a journey that lasts a lifetime. I concur with success literature stresses that we should focus on the process, not the destination. so...
Best, David Story Revised 2024 |
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail. AuthorI'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. Categories
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