Has anybody learned to play piano in their 40's?

[FeelingSadToday1]

I have no musical talent at all. Did a bit of clarinet 30 years ago but nothing since.

I have always wanted to be able to play the piano in a basic fashion. Is it completely ridiculous to think I could learn now?

I am older than you and I plan to start in 2028, during a sabbatical.

That isn’t what a sabbatical is for, but I will have more time then.

Learning a new instrument as an adult is good for the brain, though I see that as a nice side effect.

I hope you do it!

Not a piano but I recently (at the age of 57) started Opera singing and have been told by many people I bring tears to their eyes

I’m 45 and my child (8) is learning. So I’m teaching myself a little bit alongside. I’m not sure I will get very far but I am enjoying learning it all!

No, it isn't ridiculous. It's a lovely idea. Have a go.

Why not? I know a chap in his 40s who is learning alongside his child. Come to think of it I also know a lady who started in her 50s, but she upset the instructor because she was constantly late finishing work and didn't make it to the lesson. She decided to leave it for when she has a less full on career. But she said it was really fun and nice to do something different.

I might give it a go myself. I don't expect to do anything more than just enjoy it. I just think that's a good thing to do really - to take up hobbies. Otherwise, you can end up watching TV a lot or just browsing pointlessly online!

I also want to learn watercolour painting. My friend's mum took it up in her 70s and again she just does it to enjoy it.

Go for it! I'm similar age and started 2 1/2 years ago. I did play an instrument when younger but hadn't played for decades. It hasn't been plain sailing, but consistent practice and a decent teacher makes all the difference.

No, but I would recommend some proper lessons. My husband is trying ti teach himself, its slow going.

DH did, practises every day and is doing the grades!

I think it's definitely fine, but it would be a good idea to get advice on technique because it's quite easy to damage the wrists playing the piano if the key pressing technique is not exactly right. My husband and son both tried really hard to get good at the piano and both unfortunately had to give up after a few short weeks because of wrist injuries which never resolved.

I asked for a lot of advice about it and was told the the key is to get advice on good technique right from the start. There is a good book about how to do it right too. A big massive thing it is. I can't remember the name right now but if you are interested, you could pm and I will get it.

I learned to play the clarinet, starting when I was 42 and it's been great. I think it's just so much less stressful as an adult because you can talk to a teacher as an equal and choose to pay as much as you like for an instrument without the worry of being judged on whether you then excel at it.

I think it's probably a great idea, and I hope you enjoy it.

I’m planning to start next year - looking at pianos atm. Very tempted to get an electric on that I can play with headphones, but mulling it over in readiness.

So important to have hobbies and to use your brain.

I’ve picked it up again! I am 44 and did grade 5 at 15 at which point I dropped it in favour of violin. I’m currently perfecting the Grieg Nocturne.

I have an hour long lesson fortnightly.

I do have a Distinction in Grade 8 violin, which I play in a high standard amateur orchestra, rehearsing once a week - on average we do about 6 rehearsals before a concert. My piano teacher says this orchestral experience works hugely in my favour, to bolster musicality on the piano.

We have a Clavinova at home, into which I can plug headphones to practice silently at any time, day or night, including when my 6 year old is in bed. It is so handy (though the key depression on my teacher’s baby grand is much more sensitive, which takes some adjusting to during each lesson).

I was considering it recently and had the same thought as you am I too old? I’m 45 - but all the positive responses on this thread are so nice to hear I may look to pursue it later on in the year!

Not piano but the ukulele, and I'm much older than you! I am not the least musically inclined, but understand it's very good for the brain to learn something completely new and challenging, so go for it!

I am learning to play keyboard piano.
I am using an online app and supplementing with music books.
I have never played before.
I am in my 60s and love it!

Try the Simply Piano app. It is great!

That may not be tears of joy! Only kidding!

I learned piano aged 40 (22 years ago). Self taught on DD1’s keyboard. Eventually went on to do two degrees in music, a BA and an MA in my 50s! Do it, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Not ridiculous at all. Have two friends in their 40s and learning piano. My friend’s piano teacher told her that it was up to her if she wanted to perform in the group recital, since the average age of the other players would be about 10, and she said she wouldn’t miss it for anything - she wanted to show how hard she’d worked!!! And it was so nice because her mum and sister were able to cheer her on, and they kindly took a video so I could see it. I’m so proud of her, and OP, if you take it up, even though you’re a complete stranger, I’ll be proud of you too. You can try teaching yourself using YouTube videos and the like or there are teachers that cater specifically to adults.

Aw following this with interest. Just started lessons myself, alongside DD. It’s daunting as I have no knowledge of music theory at all and I can’t imagine ever learning to read music but I’d love to.

Thank you everyone!

Such positivity. I will definitely stay looking into this!

Fab idea!!! Do it do it!!