What does it take to become proficient in music?

The loftier your goals, the more time you'll need to invest. However, learning effective practice techniques can speed up your progress. 

Your past musical experiences are also beneficial. For instance, if you've previously learned another instrument, you will find it easier to pick up piano. If it was a positive experience, especially if you have achieved a high level of ability in accomplishment, this is helpful too.  

The resources at your disposal, including financial ones, play a role as well. Both time and money are significant investments in learning the piano. Support and encouragement from family will also influence your journey.  
Understanding the learning process is essential. Familiarizing yourself with how piano lessons are structured will provide insight into the journey ahead and highlight the significance of various study areas, such as repertoire, aural skills, etudes, sight-reading, theory, history, and evaluations.  

Lastly, your eagerness to engage with music outside of lessons will enrich your learning experience. This includes taking part in workshops, attending concerts, exploring music online, and active listening. 

Here's a personal anecdote.

At 50, I began drumming, erroneously thinking this would be easy.  Quickly I discovered it was not. However, I was enamored and all in. Over the last fifteen years, I've studied in four countries with some of today's leading jazz drummers, performed with various community ensembles, took part in New Orleans' second-line parades, and played jazz clubs in Canada, the U.S., Poland, and Italy, as well as many outdoor festivals. Additionally, I now instruct my own students in percussion and study mallet percussion with a symphony musician. The investment of time and money? Large. Yet, I've achieved my first drumming aspirations, playing in esteemed ensembles of retired professionals and talented hobbyists for audiences beyond just friends and family. Was the journey effortless? Far from it. But was it worthwhile? Absolutely. Would I undertake it again? Indeed, though I'd start at 40.  

Did I understand the process? Yes.
Did I practice? You bet.
Did I have moments of discourangment and failure? Yes.
What kept me going? Desire and devotion to the instrument. 
Was it fun? Most of the time.

If you would like help on your piano journey, call me. 

​David

You can read about my retired wife's inspiring violin journey on these blogs.