Piano lessons for adults is
generally LOTS more fun than it is for kids, primarily
because the only adults that play piano are people who
really want to, which is certainly not true of most kids
that take piano lessons because their parents want them
to.
But that’s not the only
reason by a long shot.
Adults in record numbers
are signing up for piano lessons all around the world,
for a variety of reasons, including:
* Because of the internet,
adults have become aware that piano lessons don’t have
to happen in a music studio or store, so they are not
locked into a schedule of showing up for a lesson every
Tuesday at 4. Now they can choose their own time and
schedule and learn at their own pace via lessons
available on the internet.
*Adults have become aware
that traditional methods of learning by reading music
and practicing scales is not the only way to learn to
play the piano. They have become aware that learning
chords and chording techniques is a viable option.
*Chord-based piano learning
methods are excellent for beginning adults, since they
can quickly learn enough to make their songs sound good
in a reasonably short time. It doesn’t take years of
intense practice to be able to play a familiar tune in
the right hand while chording in the left hand.
*Many adults have found
that by learning chords, they can come through the
“backdoor” of piano playing. They learn to play
chord-style quickly, and enjoy it so much that they are
then motivated to learn to read music and go on to
master traditional sight-reading.
*In addition to the musical
benefits, professional people have discovered that piano
playing is one of the most relaxing things they can do
after work. It allows them to get their minds off the
activities of the day and just focus on the pleasure of
making their own music.
*Some have even taken it a
step further and become proficient enough to play at
social events and parties. Just being able to play
“Happy Birthday” while everyone sings along is a real
social advantage, and satisfying emotionally as well.
*Other adults use their
new-found piano playing skills to play in their churches
or on worship teams, or just to accompany themselves as
they sing.
*Piano playing adults can
create their own music in their own way – they can “do
their own thing” in music. They can create moods ranging
from joy to silliness to sadness to patriotism to
whatever matches the need of the hour.
*And last but certainly not
least, chord piano lessons taken over the internet or in
home by way of DVD's and CD's are much less expensive
than traditional lessons, and can be replayed over and
over as necessary.
Whatever the reason, adults
in increasing numbers are doing what they thought they
would never do – they are willingly taking piano
lessons, knowing the benefits are many and wonderful.