> And, of course, then you're stuck when it comes to
> world premiers, obscure and unrecorded repertoire or
> art songs, and the like. But is it practical to
> expect to be able to gain that level of piano
> proficiency as an adult? Does anyone know what a
> reasonable time frame would be for that?
Isabelle:
I actually teach piano, to adults as well as young children. You're
right, it is difficult. However, I have noticed some trends in my teaching.
Adults tend to give up easier - yes they are willing to pay for lessons, but
have less time than kids to practise so they eventually stop all together.
Lots of kids quit too, but usually (factors like parents and peers
contribute to this) stick it out longer, and come back refreshed after a
summer break, etc.
Adults are also very self conscious, and I have a feeling (gut feeling
from experience, not scientifcally proven mind you) this hinders progress.
Adutls come and are over-anxious to please, but don't realize the
best/easiest thing for them to do is just to work, work, work. Adults also
feel guilty faster than kids - hint that they havne't practised and they
immediately feel guilt. However, most adults learn faster - simply b/c they
are older and grasp the concepts quicker. This is a PLUS.
And to MY mind - the thing about piano you can't do with singing is
that you can practise piano for a long period of time and it's okay. I
can't practise more than an hour of singing at one go (although I can do 2
hours, spread over the day) but you CAN practise 3 hours of piano straight.
Not that any of us have time to do that!!!! Nowadays, to keep my piano
technique up enough, I will play for 20 minutes here and there while taking
my vocal breaks when I'm singing. It also lessens the boredom.
Tips to learning to play reduced scores: Again, you are correct -
university classes in piano probably don't help, but they are better than
nothing and at least teach you a process of learning something difficult.
If I were you, I might not start with a verdi score to be my first big
project - I think Handel and Mozart tend to be more chordal which might make
things easier. Of course, the number one rule is - YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY
EVERYTHING! Also, just practise sighrreading for a few minutes each day,
out of an easy children's book, and progress along as needed. YOu need to
be sighreading something at first that is EASY, and not too frustrating, and
this will help improve your attention to detail. In the same session, you
can read through a Schubert art song, which will probably be more difficult.
Do a variety of these things per day.... - not just trying to bash through
a difficult score. You will find this more rewarding.
You're not going to liek to hear this next point either - but playing a few
minutes of technique each day actually increases your sighreading ability,
as well as your ability to navigate the piano. Just a few scales, arpeggios
is all that is needed, for 5 minutes. It really isn't so bad!! :).
Hope this helps....
Fiona
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