[paulpepper]

I began learning to play the piano 3 years ago, when in my early 40s. I'd never studied a musical instrument before, apart from messing about with guitar a little in my teens. Having been a software dev all my professional life, continuous learning (new technologies) is a part of what I do, but learning to play the piano is somewhat different to the tech- and science-related learning that I've been familiar with.

A difficulty I've faced as an adult learner of piano is finding the right teacher. I'm interested in the learning process generally, but especially in effective and efficient learning in the context of piano (practice smarter, not harder). I expect I seek to question and discuss things with my piano teacher more than a young learner might.

I suspect I'm also more anxious in performance (e.g. grading exams) than a young pianist might be. Unlike the generally solitary process of writing code, playing piano for others has an unfamiliar immediacy and demand on the more extrovert aspects of my personality.

It's useful and encouraging to read the experiences of other adult learners in these comments and I continue to look out for tips to help me along with the 'practice smarter' aspect of my musical development.

[sigi64]

I started learning piano a year ago. I'm 36 year old. Unfortunatelly piano is my third instrument which I play. First instrument i started with was accoustinc guitar almost 25 years ago. Last three years I'm trying to learn how to play bass guitar. When I switched to bass guitar I took the learn process very seriosly and study what ever I have found (music theory, notation - sight reading). This book really helps me a lot with piano: http://www.pianopractice.org/ since there are not study pieces and notation but it describe how to learn and how to practice smartly.

I'm self taught and I believe that you can learn on any instrument at any age you start. You have to learn smarter not harder. There are so many interesting videos and online teacher on youtube nowdays it makes learning easier.

[john61]

I am the same age and started also 3 years ago playing the piano. I had the luck to get a very good teacher. To practice preformance in front of an audience I joined a local Piano Meetup group. Very usefull.