Adult Pupils
I offer adults every encouragement to take up piano or keyboard regardless of age. Currently around 56% of my pupils are adults (April 2021).
Adults approach learning piano with a great appreciation of music and an acceptance that practice is essential to progress. HOWEVER: although the average adult has much more appreciation of music than children, the older an adult is, the muscles and brain do not acquire new concepts and skills as quickly as in their younger years. However: in the first 6 months, it is common for adults to progress much quicker than children; however- this pace is rarely maintained with adults, and they frequently plateau around grade 2 (or sometimes grade 3) Kids will be able to progress further if they put in the work. As long as adults accept and understand this then we usually have great fun. A couple of years ago I had an 81 year old for 6 months: to his credit he tried hard. However, with arthritis in his hands, many finger movements were not easy; but the bigger problem was his memory - I would establish reasonable understanding of a concept/rhythm etc, but he admitted that by the following week he'd forgotten most if it.
So - my word of caution: not every adult realises just how patient they have to be before they can tackle their favourite piece: frequently gallons of patient practice is required with a lot of repetition Whether it is Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, a Chopin waltz or Elton John's Candle in the Wind, none of these four pieces can be tackled (apart from greatly simplified editions) by someone in the first two years of lessons. At least in my teaching experience that is the case. All of these particular pieces call for a few years experience and careful practice unless progress is phenomenally quick.
An intriguing aspect of teaching beginner adults is that they are frequently happy to work with any piano material, including that which is really aimed at children. This really helps them (and myself) as it is much easier to choose suitable material for adult complete beginners.
Adults approach learning piano with a great appreciation of music and an acceptance that practice is essential to progress. HOWEVER: although the average adult has much more appreciation of music than children, the older an adult is, the muscles and brain do not acquire new concepts and skills as quickly as in their younger years. However: in the first 6 months, it is common for adults to progress much quicker than children; however- this pace is rarely maintained with adults, and they frequently plateau around grade 2 (or sometimes grade 3) Kids will be able to progress further if they put in the work. As long as adults accept and understand this then we usually have great fun. A couple of years ago I had an 81 year old for 6 months: to his credit he tried hard. However, with arthritis in his hands, many finger movements were not easy; but the bigger problem was his memory - I would establish reasonable understanding of a concept/rhythm etc, but he admitted that by the following week he'd forgotten most if it.
So - my word of caution: not every adult realises just how patient they have to be before they can tackle their favourite piece: frequently gallons of patient practice is required with a lot of repetition Whether it is Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, a Chopin waltz or Elton John's Candle in the Wind, none of these four pieces can be tackled (apart from greatly simplified editions) by someone in the first two years of lessons. At least in my teaching experience that is the case. All of these particular pieces call for a few years experience and careful practice unless progress is phenomenally quick.
An intriguing aspect of teaching beginner adults is that they are frequently happy to work with any piano material, including that which is really aimed at children. This really helps them (and myself) as it is much easier to choose suitable material for adult complete beginners.