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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I can learn to play the piano as an adult

81 replies

Iusedtoplaytherecorder · 29/10/2022 15:32

We have just got a piano for my kids to practise. They have lessons at school and are doing quite well.

I used to play the recorder and other woodwind instruments up to grade 7, and I can read music (treble, not bass). I did music GSCE and can pick up a tune very quickly. I have been known to get my piccolo out and play a pop song from ear to entertain the kids!

I never learnt to play the piano or read base line music. Is it possible now? I've been tinkering on the piano for a few weeks and pondering if I should invest my evenings, or is my adult brain just not going to pick it up?

Are the apps a good way to learn?

Has anyone learnt the Piano from scratch as an adult. If so how?

YANBU - yes you can do it! (Please tell me how!).

YABU- adults can't learn anything in their 40's because the brain cells are going in the wrong direction.

OP posts:
Iamblossom · 01/11/2022 13:24

I came in to look for a thread like this. I did grade 1 aged about 11 then gave up.

I am 47 and got a keyboard from my DH 2 Christmases ago. I went through a couple of teachers before finding my current one who is absolutely amazing, I could only get her as could have lessons at odd hours, her waiting list is so long.

I am doing my grade 2 at the end of this month and absolutely bricking it tbh. I want to pass it well for her almost as much as for myself!

I have one lesson a week and practice for about 30 minutes most days. I find it quite difficult and challenging, it uses a part of my brain nothing else does and which is covered in cobwebs, but I also absolutely love it and when if comes right it is immensely satisfying.

Original poster
Iusedtoplaytherecorder · 02/11/2022 18:25

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 09:29

You're forty, not dead.

Only on MN would you find such inspirational words of encouragement 😂

This comment continues to make me chuckle. Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Iusedtoplaytherecorder · 11/11/2022 20:39

Zogthebiggestdragon · 30/10/2022 09:39

I've always thought of myself as completely unmusical, I have no background in music, can't read music etc. My husband bought an electronic piano in lockdown and we have the Simply Piano app. I started playing in Christmas 2020 and almost two years in I absolutely love it. As some said above, I'll never be a concert pianist but I love being able to play a range of songs and sometimes even being able to play from a book. The downside of Simply Piano is I've become quite dependent on the app telling me if I've played the right note! But as I improve that's fading. Pm me for a 1 month free trial if you like, I have two codes.

@Zogthebiggestdragon I'm going to use the Piano app- any chance you could ping me a code please? 😊. Thank you!

OP posts:
Lyreharp · 11/11/2022 20:50

Yes, it is possible certainly! I know of a couple of people who started instruments late having never played before.

I've recently bought an instrument to learn (my username is a clue). I really wanted a harp but I thought this would be easier (practical terms like transportation etc) to begin with.

PoseyFlump · 13/11/2022 07:33

@Iusedtoplaytherecorder how's it going?

Namechangedbutnotsurewhy · 13/11/2022 07:42

Not the piano but I am in my 30s and learning violin/viola. I can’t afford lessons right now but I did do my grade 2. I’m going to have lessons next year when childcare gets a bit cheaper (child becoming 3 and getting funding).

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