Can I learn to play piano at 40?

Here's how. It's never too late to start learning piano. Whether you're a returning player or brand new to piano, here's what you need to know about learning as an adult.

flowkey.com - Yes, You Can Learn Piano As An Adult. Here's how - Flowkey

Can I download sheet music from flowkey?

A python app to download sheet music from flowkey and save it as pdf.

Last updated May 24, 2021

What is a self-taught pianist?

We could say he is a self-taught pianist: he is an example that you can teach piano at home for yourself, listening to music, learning how to read...

Last updated Feb 19, 2021

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But, against all odds: she's making excellent progress. I asked her why she chose such an advanced piece. She said, "I just LOVE this song! And I'd love to play it someday. Doesn't matter how long it will take. I don't want to play different songs anyway." That’s what I call dedication! Just goes to show how much a great song can motivate you.

Starting early isn't always an advantage

I was lucky enough to have parents who sent me to a piano teacher when I was a kid. Unfortunately, the pieces I had to learn during the first years weren't all that nice. Because of this, I rarely felt motivated. Practicing was a struggle. I often just sat grumpily at my keyboard, sulking like a toddler. This all changed a few years later, when I began to play pop songs and a few classical pieces that I thought were cool. But soon enough, puberty and other interests began to compete for my attention. Over my teenage years, I didn't improve much at all. Today, I'm still not that good at playing the piano! Sure, I'm grateful I had the chance to learn an instrument as a kid. I'm sure I benefitted from it in many different ways. But I'm not sure if I'd have managed to play "Comptine d'une autre été" even during the best of times! That's my piano learning story in a nutshell: First I wasn't motivated, then I got distracted. As they say: all roads lead to Rome. Starting early isn't the only path to mastering an instrument.

Your brain can do it!

Of course, if you aspire to a career as a star pianist, you have to start early. If you want to play the piano because you want to play songs you've always loved, you can start anytime. There's no rush, no competition to win, no expectations to meet. It's just you and your piano. Trust me, instruments are patient companions and enjoy every minute you spend with them I've met too many people who consider themselves too old to start learning an instrument. But this just isn't true. After all, our brain capable of learning new things at any point in our entire lives (it's called "brain plasticity", if you want to dig deeper). New brain connections may not develop as rapidly in adults as they do in children. But this doesn't mean that our brains retire once we hit 18! Plus, as an adult, it's much easier for you to grasp abstract concepts like notation and translate them into hand movements. So when it comes to comprehending music, it's an advantage to be older and wiser. You learn much faster by understanding, not by relying on trial and error.

All it takes is you, a piano, and a song you love

What is the theme of the song 7 Years?

“7 Years” is a song by the popular Danish band Lukas Graham which basically deals with the topic of growing older. According to Lukas Graham lead...

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What are the 3 most important chords in music?

The I, IV, and V chords are the three most common and arguably the most important harmonic elements in the musical universe. Built off of the...

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Did Van Halen have a keyboard?

Since Eddie instantly established himself as a “rock guitar god,” it surprised many listeners when he began playing keyboards on songs like “Jump.” Later on, we learned that the piano had in fact been his first instrument, and he had won four consecutive classical piano contests in his youth.

keyboardimprov.com - Eddie van Halen at the piano - Keyboard Improv

Like much of the music world, I was saddened by the recent passing of Eddie van Halen. His rock group, Van Halen, released their first album in 1978, when I was playing keyboards in a middle school rock band myself. Since Eddie instantly established himself as a “rock guitar god,” it surprised many listeners when he began playing keyboards on songs like “Jump.” Later on, we learned that the piano had in fact been his first instrument, and he had won four consecutive classical piano contests in his youth. I’ve been enjoying his piano playing over the past few days so I thought I’d share a few clips I’ve found with you. Here’s Eddie playing piano at a party. His playing reminds me of the progressive rock pianist/keyboardist Patrick Moraz. And here’s a longer audio of him playing his songs on piano during a performance at a school. Whether he was tickling the ivories or tearing up the guitar strings, the music literally poured through his fingers. We can all be inspired by Eddie van Halen’s musicality and dedication to his instruments.

Enjoy the journey, and like Eddie, “let the music flow!”

Ron

What art has been stolen and never found?

On May 27th, 1988, Lucian Freud's (1922-2011) 1952 portrait of Francis Bacon was stolen from the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. The work has never...

Last updated Feb 21, 2021

Are key cap sizes universal?

Before buying a keycap set, always double check the keycap sizes. There are some full-sized mechanical keyboards by companies such as Razer,...

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What is the impossible song to play on piano?

Death Waltz is widely regarded as an unplayable score created by John Stump as a parody of a composition designed to be impossible for a human with...

Last updated Jul 21, 2018

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How much does Home Depot charge for copies of keys?

$2 to $5 Key blanks range from $2 to $5 for standard keys. Specialty key blanks generally start at $5. Minute Key Kiosks typically cost about $1.50...

Last updated Jun 29, 2018