Of course, adults and seniors can learn to play the Piano. It is rather difficult for them to become a concert pianist (with exceptions), but becoming an amateur pianist is definitely feasible.

– Is every adult or senior able to become an amateur pianist?

My answer is `No` not every kid can become a pianist either. But what gives a kid a higher probability of reaching a good amateur pianist level and possibly, later on, developing into a concert pianist is not only the plasticity of their brain cells but, more importantly, their mindset.

-Is it worth it for adults and seniors to learn to play the Piano?

Absolutely yes. Music can be a healing aid, and if learning the Piano brings someone joy, then it is definitely worth learning it. Also, it helps the two hemispheres of the brain communicate with each other differently and improves memory and cognitive abilities.

Here are some interesting studies about piano playing, music, and the brain:

• Bimanual labor: the neuroscience of piano playing
• Effects of music learning and piano practice on cognitive function, mood and quality of life in older adults
• Parkinson’s: ‚Playing piano helps me cope with my disease‘
• How Playing the Piano Affects the Brain

KIDS

Kids are naturally not afraid to make mistakes, and they do not lose time comparing themselves with others! They only care about having fun and discovering new things.

Unless the environment at home imposes fear and pushes kids to unhealthy competition (which would be unfortunate), children develop these with time as they grow into society.

Until then, they thrive in their creative pool! Of course, the brain’s plasticity at this young age helps, but I am convinced that this is not the only reason.

ADULTS

Adults who see piano learning as a difficult skill to conquer, full of tasks and checkpoints, will not move fast into deepening their skills.

Of course, hard work is necessary to become a pianist. But ultimately, the process of becoming a Musician should be enjoyable, and each challenge to be approached with a positive spirit. Embracing each person’s self-development process is essential.

There will always be someone better or worse than you concerning their skills. Skills can be improved with time, depending on the teacher and the student’s practicing hours, but your unique creative way of playing and your ideas make each person unique.

Practice practice, practice! But do this to become more of you, and this is the ultimate goal of an Artist.

Adults constantly evaluate their progress and are emotionally attached to the outcome, which creates a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety, significantly hindering their learning pace.

TEACHING SENIOR PIANO STUDENTS

I have had the opportunity to work with senior students for a couple of years. When we started piano classes, they were learning extremely slowly and seemed very frightened when they made their first mistakes. Honestly, I felt close to giving up on them, but I finally decided to find out where the problem was and give this experience one more chance.

I discovered that from their environment, so many people already had told them that: `it would be entirely impossible for them to learn the Piano at this age, that this is a joke and a loss of time. It makes no sense for them to start learning so late in their lives.`

After our discussion and understanding of what was going on, I had to work with them differently to finally break through these extreme mental restrictions they had set up for themselves.

I had to create new thought patterns for them and embrace them each time in class:

• Making mistakes is inevitable for all pianos students in the world, kids or adults.
• Learning does not happen overnight, not even for the most talented students.
• Negative self-talk has no place in this class! Perseverance does!
• They would have to stop apologizing when they felt something was difficult, and there is nothing to apologize for because that is why they come to class! To face difficulties and overcome them!

I kept insisting on my views, and they started considering that they could maybe have some truth in them. Only then could we start learning together. As a next step, as I do with every student (kid or adult), I figured out their strengths and weaknesses to help them grow.

Hurray! Finally, we started moving on, and the class was enjoyable!

My senior piano students now smile when they play and have already reached their personal goals, and some even exceeded them!

I sincerely hope that this Article brought you closer to the realization that no one shall ever talk you out of the fantastic experience of learning the Piano.