Learning Piano as an Adult: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start
Adults often believe learning piano is easier for kids—but is it? This common myth often discourages adults from starting, fueling the idea that if you're over a certain age, you may as well not bother. "After all, I'm too old and it's too late now, right?"
Wrong. It is never too late to start! The truth is, adults have several key advantages over kids when it comes to learning to play piano.
You Already Understand More About Music Than You Realize
Even if you've never played an instrument in your life, as an adult, you have spent your whole life listening to music. When you're learning to play a song, you can relate it to the music you already know. This knowledge (which you probably don't even realize you have) can help you understand many aspects of music theory relatively easily.
Adults can understand the basic structures of music and how they're inherent in various songs. By contrast, kids are often "empty vessels" with no experience to go on and no frame of reference to which they can relate new knowledge.
You Have the Discipline and Focus to Make Yourself Practice
The simple fact is, as an adult you have a huge advantage. Kids, especially young ones, are still developing self-discipline. I recently read about a music teacher whose wife has to bribe their child with chocolate drops just to get them to do 60 seconds of practice.
The Power of Intentional Practice
Dr Jessica Grahn, a cognitive neuroscientist at Western University, notes: "The disadvantage that children have is that they are not so good at figuring out higher level rules and they don't really know about how to get good at something. Whereas adults usually have some practice at saying, 'Okay, I want to succeed at this so what must I do? I must practice.'"
You Are Much Better Equipped to Absorb Complicated Concepts
"You can explain to an adult, 'Well, here are the rules of a scale and this is why these notes follow each other,'" says Dr. Grahn. "That might be much easier to remember because that's a rule. They can then apply that rule in lots of different places, whereas children kind of have to learn it all by practice."
Analytical Learning vs. Rote Practice
The biggest difference in how adults learn versus how kids learn is that adults tend to be analytical in their approach. While children tend to play what's in front of them as fast as possible, adults are usually sticklers for perfection. If you can balance your desire for a mistake-free session with consistent movement, you will likely learn quicker.
You Actually Want to Learn — No One is Forcing You
Many kids are essentially forced to learn piano by their parents. When I was a kid, I went through at least five significant stages when I wanted to give up, and I'm thankful my parents didn't let me. However, as an adult who chooses to learn, you have a massive psychological advantage.
Most adults learn largely for the joy of it, which is tremendously motivating. As Dr Grahn says, "it actually has some great cognitive effects, increasing your ability to learn faster."
Playing Piano Relieves Stress
Now that you're not a carefree kid anymore, the ability of music to reduce stress is a powerful motivator. This probably accounts for why 70% of Musiah students are adults. Music has been proven to release dopamine in the same reward areas of the brain that respond to food or success.
The Neurological Reward System
Music has been proven to activate almost every part of the brain. "Having a positive mood is generally very good for your cognitive function, for your general well-being and for being able to sleep, which we know enhances brain function," says Dr. Grahn.
The Brain Training Benefits Keep You Sharp for Longer
Learning how to play piano is what Dr. Grahn calls a "brain trainer"—a way to challenge your mind to stay sharper and alert for longer. Not only can this stronger cognitive function help stave off dementia, but it allows you to enjoy a higher quality of life. For more on this, see Brain Training: How Learning Piano Boosts Academic Results.
In fact, many adult students comment on the brain-training benefits they feel they are receiving as they learn to play piano with Musiah.
Quality Piano Learning is Easy to Access Online
In the past, adults faced insurmountable logistical challenges getting to traditional sessions. Now, through Musiah, the world's first AI piano teacher, you can learn in your own home any time of day or night.
While there are many options online, only Musiah can respond to your playing just like a live teacher. Plus, Beginner Piano Lessons for Adults with Musiah are:
- Completely FREE for 14 Days
- Compatible with any MIDI keyboard or digital piano
- Specifically designed for adult learners
In closing, if you would like to experience just how rewarding it can be to learn piano as an adult, I warmly invite you to take our 14 Day Free Trial.
Thanks for reading,
Brendan Hogan L.Mus.A, A.Mus.A.
Piano Teacher & Musiah Inventor
