Learning to Play Piano as an Adult - Mozart’s Memo - Volume 56

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Feature Article - Learning to Play Piano as an Adult

By Pamela Cornell, Director

Is learning to play the piano as an adult harder or easier than learning as a child? Many parents tell me they regret never having had the chance to learn when they were younger. But here’s the good news—it’s never too late! While there are some obstacles adults face when learning, they can absolutely be overcome. Let’s explore some common challenges and how to work through them.

Finding Time to Practice

As adults, we juggle many responsibilities—careers, family, and daily obligations—all of which make it seem impossible to carve out time for piano. But how much time do you really need?

Many people assume they must practice for at least 30 minutes a day, or even an hour, to make progress. While it’s true that more practice leads to faster improvement, setting such high expectations right away can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, start small: just five minutes a day.

Find a consistent time that works for you—maybe right after brushing your teeth, after dinner, or before bed. This small commitment keeps you engaged, and over time, you’ll naturally want to play longer. Some days you’ll be highly motivated; other days, not so much. But if you consistently practice even for just five minutes, you’ll maintain momentum and see steady progress.

Is It Harder to Learn as an Adult?

Not at all! In fact, adults have some key advantages over children when learning to play the piano.

• You have a better-developed ear. Children often need to be taught how to listen critically to their playing, while adults instinctively recognize tone, dynamics, and musical expression.

• Your hand-eye coordination is stronger. While learning a new motor skill takes effort at any age, adults generally adapt faster.

• You understand the value of consistency. Kids may struggle with patience, but adults can appreciate the long-term benefits of regular practice.

The biggest challenge for adults isn’t the difficulty of learning—it’s their own expectations. Many adults come to the piano with a well-developed appreciation for music and high expectations for their own playing. However, translating that understanding into physical coordination and expressive control takes time. Just like learning a new language or refining an athletic skill, progress happens gradually through consistent effort. Instead of aiming for perfection right away, focus on small improvements. The key is to enjoy the process and embrace gradual improvement.

Two Hands at the Same Time?!

One of the biggest fears adults have is that their hands will never learn to work independently. The truth? This is challenging for everyone!

Think of it like shooting a basketball. If you practice free throws for a few minutes each day, you’ll naturally improve your aim and technique. The same applies to piano—regular, short practice sessions train your brain and hands to coordinate over time.

Yes, some people will struggle more than others, but that’s true of any skill. Don’t let this discourage you! Focus on what you can do, and improvement will come.

Overcoming these Challenges

Adults have a huge advantage over children when learning piano: awareness and motivation. You already know that consistency matters, and you can appreciate the long-term benefits of practice.

The next step? Set small, realistic goals and celebrate your wins.

• Do you want to play Für Elise?

• Accompany yourself while singing?

• Play a duet with your child?

• Hear a song and play it by ear?

• Read music and imagine how it sounds?

Whatever your goal, break it down into manageable steps. While there are many self-help books and online programs available, I strongly recommend working with a teacher. A teacher will:

✔ Help you set attainable goals
✔ Prevent bad habits that could slow progress
✔ Choose the best music to develop the right skills

And most importantly—stick with it! There will be times when life gets in the way, and you may want to stop. But if you can keep up just five minutes a day, you’ll stay on track. Every small step forward is a success.

So why wait? While Move Over Mozart specializes in teaching young children, our online instructors work with students of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to advanced players—in a variety of musical styles. Schedule your free consultation today and stop making excuses—the best time to start learning piano is now!

Your Comments And Questions

We want to hear from you!  What questions do you have? What do you like best about this memo? How has our online lessons benefitted your child? Please leave your questions and comments below or email Pam directly at misspam@moveovermozart.net