You may be thinking that piano teachers only tell you that you are never too old to learn to play the piano because they want your money. Think again. Experienced teachers tell you that because they know that it is true for nearly everyone. As long as you are motivated, it is possible to learn piano. Expert teachers know the reasons, and you should too.

Why would any expert piano teacher tell you to wait a while before starting lessons with your child? The teacher will certainly not make more money that way. But excellent teachers know that good average starting ages are disagreed upon often in musical circles. In fact, age is less of an indicator for music readiness than other things.

Potential private piano students are those who are learning to read and write or who already have those skills. Why? Because music is simply another language. Learning to read and write it is a very similar process to acquiring a new language. Older students can often apply their language learning skills to learning music. This widens the acceptable starting ages for pianists to as young as 2 or 3 to as old as 11 to 75. The point is that you can start at almost any age.

Kids in late elementary or middle school who are very interested in their piano studies will very often learn quite quickly. It is not uncommon for them to take a year learning what very young primary students can only learn in two or three years. Because studying piano is a physical activity, students successful in sports sometimes also excel in keyboard skills.

There are a few main issues to consider when starting late, though. Adults often encounter frustration with their eye to hand coordination. The learning process they must go through is the same as a young child. Adults do understand musical concepts more quickly than children, but understanding is not the same as doing. It will also be difficult to maintain regular practice times when work demands come first. Sometimes, the weekly family routine will not allow for uninterrupted practice. Dedication and organization will go a long way to over coming these things.

Helping an older student learn can be as easy as modeling good time management habits. Setting up an area to store piano music, theory workbooks, manuscript paper, pencils and erasers, and a lesson assignment notebook are the first step. Make sure your piano has good light so eyes do not become strained. Try different practice times over the course of one week, and choose what works best for everyone in the family. Stick to the routine until it becomes normal.

Another great plus for starting later in life is that you might be able to learn piano along with your grandchildren. Many active grandparents are taking time to help raise their grandchildren, and find that they are the prime transportation to and from piano lessons. Why not study at the same time? This plan works well because children often forget much of what is studied during their lessons. Having a grandparent to remember and review helps both to do better.

When your teenager, or high school kid tells you they would like to try piano, let them. They are never too old to learn to play if they are interested. Do not discourage older adults either. They get the same joy from learning as anyone else. Once their decision to try has been announced, be supportive. Applaud any progress, and enjoy their success. Piano music brings happiness, and age should not be a barrier to it.

Merriam School Of Music 75-3175 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y6 (905) 829-4489 http://www.merriammusic.com/ Music school and piano store in the Greater Toronto Area. Offers piano lessons for children and adults. Also sells instruments, music and related products. Visit our Vaughan location!

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