Learning to play the piano as an adult

“I wish I had learned to play the piano.”

Adults tell me this all the time. Over and over, people tell me that they regret not learning to play the piano as a child, and I always respond with the same question:

“Why not learn now?”

There seems to be a preconceived, widely held belief that adults cannot learn new skills in the same way that children can. However, this is simply not true, particularly when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument. There is absolutely no good reason why an adult cannot learn to play an instrument. In fact, adults are generally more willing to commit to practising than children, meaning they are likely to make very good progress.

If you are considering learning to play the piano, please go for it! But before you do, make sure you read my guide about what to do before you start, and what to remember as you learn to play.

Buy a good piano

This is crucial, as you will need an instrument to practice on straight away. Whether you choose an acoustic or a digital piano, new or second hand, make sure it’s a good model. Take some advice from a pianist or teacher, and always try before you buy. It’s important that you have the piano before you start taking lessons.

Find a teacher

Again, this is a vital step. If you try to teach yourself, you will inevitably pick up bad habits. A teacher will ensure that this doesn’t happen, and will provide a structured programme of study.

Make time for practice

Good quality practice is absolutely essential. Ensure that you set aside time for regular practice sessions (20-30 minutes a day to begin with). It’s easier to get into a practice routine than to just practise whenever you remember.

Take a holistic approach

By this, I mean that you should always strive to understand the music you are playing, and become a sensitive musician. With every piece you learn, constantly remind yourself of the key musical features. As you become more knowledgeable about music theory, try to analyse the pieces you learn in more depth. Look out for scales, chords, and patterns, and aim to continuously put your theoretical knowledge into practice.

Be open-minded

You may have decided to learn the piano with the intention of playing blues or jazz music, and perhaps don’t want to play classical pieces (or vice versa). However, it’s important to remember that an understanding of one particular musical genre will always inform and enhance your understanding of another.

Perform for others

Don’t be shy about playing for friends and family. Performing will help you to become more confident, and will help you recognise your own progress. It’s also very helpful to have the encouragement of those closest to you.

Be patient and persevere

Understand and accept that you will not be able to play perfectly straight away. Remember that if you persevere, you will quickly see progress.

Stay inspired

When you are learning, you will inevitably come across things which are difficult. Don’t give up! Remember what it was that inspired you to learn in the first place, whether that was a particular piece of music, a favourite musician, or an inspiring performance. Keep that inspiration in the forefront of your mind, especially when you come into difficulties.

Most importantly, enjoy it!