i'm 16 and would like to start taking piano lessons. by age 20 i hope to be able to play songs like the phantom of the opera and basically become an excellent pianist. is it possible??? or would it take even longer.
2007-01-20 07:40:08 · 12 answers · asked by whitley 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Unfortunately, it is easier to learn music when quite young 6 - 8 year olds have an atvantage over you when learning music and language. Also, 4 years is way too short to become "an excellent pianist ", but you should be able to become good if you are dedicated to it.
What you have as a young adult is drive to succeed and the capability to envision yourself being proficient. Use what you have to your advantage.
Also you may not be setting your sights too high with Phantom of the Opera as your benchmark. That sounds quite achieveable.
Especially if your goal is 1 or 2 songs, not a full and extensive repitore.
What you also need to keep in mind. There is SKILL which may be taught and learned, but there is also TALENT which is hard wired into your mind and body. You can't be tone deaf and be a successfull musician. If you don't already have an ear by age 16 it's too late.
Also be prepared to put in 90 to 120 minutes a day uninterrupted to reach your goal. Piano isn't something which can be self taught. You will need a truly excellent teacher and you will need access to a good instrument daily.
Figure $10,400 in 4 years lessons, $500 in books, another $500 - $1000 in keeping your instrument tuned (depending on the quality, condition of your piano) and then there is the instument it's self.
You can get a good high end electronic keyboard like a top end Yamaha or Roland for a few thousand bucks. You eliminate tuning costs, space, portability issues, and environmental need. A piano needs a room with stable temperature and regulated humidity.
In your four year quest, be prepared to give up things which could damage your hands and arms. Lose an arm by nerve damage in a motorcycle accident and kiss your dreams goodbye.
You'll never know for sure until you try though. It won't happen by itself.
2007-01-20 08:01:13 · answer #1 · answered by Truth be Told 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello
Good luck
I have a friend who learnt the piano and at the end of two years he can play any piece and is good enough to be a concert pianist he has even helped other piano players get better.
So good luck - practice practice practice
Let us know how you get on in 4 years time
2007-01-20 15:48:46 · answer #2 · answered by Police Artist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, listen, answer number 2, excellent does not mean master, and you don't need 15-20 years!!!
I picked up a basic 2-hand playing beginning level in four months. I had played violin in school and was in audition choir... so music theory and the writing of it was well-known to me anyway.
But, yes, four years and you might be able to be excellent.
And, you know what?
You might be a total goof, and you might have a great time, and you might know at least a little something to bring the magic of music to your kids one day.
Have FUN!
2007-01-20 15:49:14 · answer #3 · answered by starryeyed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends how badly you want it and if you are willing to practice, practice and practice regularly. You need a teacher to teach you the basics.
One CD that I think will make you fall in love with the piano is A COMME AMOUR by Richard Clayderman. You can find it at 101cd.com or it may be cd101.com
And you can find Richard Clayderman sheet music on ebay.
I would also recommend that you read "PIANO PLAYING" by Josef Hofmann.
2007-01-20 15:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it depends on your criteria for excellence, but yes, i think that if you take lessons and practice a lot, you can become very good by ordinary standards in four years or even less.
2007-01-20 15:53:12 · answer #5 · answered by catintrepid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you did enough practise then you could get really good. excellent would all depend... if your starting from the beginning be prepared as its hard trying to play hands together but it will come... ive been playing for 5yrs and im quite good, if i had had the time to put more work in then i could prob be grade 5 (in the Uk, don't know if that means the same in Canada - grade 8 is the highest) as it is im about grade3/4
good luck
2007-01-20 15:50:38 · answer #6 · answered by coy carp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, if you practiced a lot, worked very hard, and took regualr lessons, you coudl do this. SOme natural skill is needed, but as long as you practice this coudl be done.
2007-01-20 15:43:03 · answer #7 · answered by zeconiferz11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, in 4 years u can't be a master at it. try 15-20 years
2007-01-20 15:42:53 · answer #8 · answered by Mysterious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Four years sounds like a good start to me.
2007-01-20 15:43:41 · answer #9 · answered by waytooeasy67 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work for that goal and never give up on it and you'll be able to do it.
2007-01-20 15:42:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋