Could I learn how to play the piano?

Question

OK so I'm 21, about to go off and join the forces with any luck, but during leave I'd like to learn how to play the piano. I am, however, worried about a few things:

1. I have the dexterity and reflexes (with regard to my fingers) of an ape- I am a boxer and a rugby forward, not an artist. Can this be changed?

2. I haven't got the cash or time for lessons and tuition, and I have heard that the sort of keyboard that you need to learn on is very expensive to buy- true?

Thanks!

Also, am I too old at 21 to ever be any good- I thought all of the piano stars were giving concerts when they were still breastfeeding!?

Answer 1

Good news and bad news. Bad news first. You say you don't have cash or time. The cash, is actually something you can work around. Time, however, is necessary, for proficiency in any of the performing arts. It's not a negotiable thing, unless you're one of those rare few geniuses who can sit down and start playing Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody after hearing it just once. You will need regular time for studying and practice.

I've found, with most people who say they don't have time, is that it's an excuse not to even get started. Many folks like to say they want to do something, because they like the sound of it, and the attention it gives them - but they don't have the desire to commit. There's always time - even if it's only 15 minutes at the end of a really long day at work.

So... the good news! Anyone can learn to read music, and play a music instrument, at any age - if they have the determination and drive. How good you become depends on your desire to get started, and your dedication in following through with regular practice on a solid instrument.

If you truly want to become proficient at piano - you need regular access to a real piano. Electronic keyboards - even the nice ones - are not the same. People will tell you they are, but I've played piano for over 30 years now, sometimes in professional paid venues, and I can tell you, the weight, key size and response on an electric is not the same as a good old-fashioned acoustic piano. However - a keyboard has the advantage of being portable. But long-term, you're not going to get the finger strength, dexterity and flexibility you would with an acoustic. Ideally, whatever you use will have 88-keys, so that you have a reference point for middle C and your hand placement.

If you don't have the cash for a piano (or a keyboard), there are ways around this. You just have to be creative. Volunteering at a church or a local high school's music department, in exchange for piano access, comes to mind. For lessons, you might barter with a friend who does play and read music - for every half hour they spend instructing you, you spend half an hour helping them with something that you can do. Wash their car, mow their grass... I've traded piano lessons for dance and voice lessons, myself.

If you can already read music, then you can teach yourself piano - but it will take more time on your own, than if you have a good instructor. If you can't, then it will be nearly impossible to learn to do more than play by ear. Which requires a good ear and a natural aptitude for picking out the notes.

There is one piano book I highly recommend, as I've been using it for, well, more years than I care to admit I have! It's called The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises", by Hanon, and it can really help you get your hands into shape.

Answer 2

It's easy, depending on the song you play. It's easier than guitar, because to play a note, you just press down on a key, and for guitar you have to hold your find in a specific position and it hurts your finger. Some songs on piano are hard, because you need to know certain techniques or you have to be able to play really fast, but you'll learn that in time. If you have the time practice and spend time fixing up small mistakes in a piece you play, then you'll have no problem with the piano.

Answer 3

You don't need an expensive keyboard or piano to start off with, just get a simple 2 octave keyboard to practise on to see if you even like the piano first off.
You can learn to be good, but talent comes naturally, so age has nothing to do with whether you will be good or not.
Don't worry about your fingers - you can work around it - suss out if you like it first, then look at buying something that suits you if it really is a problem...
Good luck :-)

Answer 4

Of course you can still learn. Hey, everybody (even people with butter fingers) can learn the piano. A for the keyboard problem, you are supposed to buy a piano to practise and a keyboard is not as good as one. So, buying a keyboard is considered quite cheap already. A piano can cost thousands!

Answer 5

For starters - no, you're not too old!!

1. I don't see why not - you can but try!

2. You can learn the basics on ANY keyboard - any old piano will do! You will probably find you want better as you progress.

Good luck - its a dying skill.

Answer 6

Ok, let me see if I have this straight: you want to learn to play the piano immediately, instantly, without any practice, and without any expenditure of time or cash for anything. How, exactly, do you expect to learn - osmosis???

The piano is one of the most difficult instruments in existence for a variety of reasons I can't even START to go into here. I don't think that 21 (or 71, for that matter) is too old to learn, but you have to be willing to work, practice, and spend both time and money. All in all, given the limitations you specify, I think you'd be better off learning to play the radio.

Answer 7

Have you ever tried parachuting with a piano, it's hell. Also if you play out of tune it's not only the enemy you'll have to worry about.

Answer 8

Good god man, who told you were too old? You can teach yourself- there are some good books out there- you can't change your fingers but you can learn how to use them- of course you can learn. My aunt taught herself when she was in her late fifties- i am self taught - in thirties. You can do it! And Keyboards are dirt cheap- you look in argos etc, or ebay. Cost peanuts these days.

Answer 9

be optimistic