In many ways learning to play the piano can be compared to taking up a sport, such as tennis or golf. Many adults avidly pursue these sports in a quest for new experiences and activities. They are attracted by the challenge of acquiring new skills and the satisfaction which comes from improved performance, coordination, and concentration. While few adults who take up tennis or golf expect to attain professional status, they feel confident that they can succeed in mastering the basic principles and techniques of the game. Without hesitation they enroll for a few lessons and then faithfully and enthusiastically devote their leisure time to putting into practice the guidelines they have learned. Some derive so much pleasure from the lessons that they continue to pick up pointers from as many pros as possible, ever intent on improving their skill. No one suggests that they should have started lessons at age seven. It is enough that they are interested in the game, are motivated to continue playing and are deriving pleasure and satisfaction from the experience.

Exactly these same qualities – interest, motivation, pleasure and satisfaction- characterize the adult piano student and explain the rapid progress adults so often make. Although adult beginners in piano, as in tennis, rarely become professionals, they quickly acquire the proficiency needed to play for their own pleasure and that of others.

Amateur pianists, like amateur athletes, face precisely the same challenges as do the professionals – development of technique, facility, endurance, strength, agility, concentration, rapid reflexes, and individual style. In both sports and music there is a marriage of physical and intellectual skills, with mind of necessity controlling the muscle. The good pianist, like the good athlete, intelligently analyzes his movements to perfect his technique. At the highest levels of attainment athletes, like musicians, become real artists.

Just as spectators are drawn to sports arenas, audiences are attracted to concert halls by the excitement and admiration which such mastery of skills creates. Amateurs, those who know first hand the difficulties and joys of playing, are the most loyal and best informed fans – of either music or sports. Personal involvement intensifies the meaning of their experience and changes them from observers into participants.

Bookmark to: