Posted by Welcome to my general analysis of the philosophy of “the adult music student.” Certainly one must be asking why I would take the time to share my thoughts on this subject. In this writing, I will try to explain my discoveries made over my 42 years of teaching my instrument, the piano. I believe this gives me an advantage over many who might venture an opinion.
When I’m approached by a potential adult music student, it begins something like this: “Am I too old to learn how to play the piano?” Or, “I’ve always wanted to play the piano, but I’ve never had the opportunity!” Or, “I was forced to play as a child, and I hated it. Now, it’s my choice.” I could go on and on with reasons and fears about entering into this musical world, but that would take too long. These are just a few of the standard concerns on this subject.
Once I’ve addressed the fears and concerns and I explain how delightfully satisfying this experience can be, usually my potential student proceeds with great caution. And, then the “fun” begins.
As you read this, do you think it is reasonable to expect a new student to read and play a concerto at their first lesson? Of course not! Intellectually we all know not to expect perfection from our performance, but emotionally, it’s quite different. You see, the adult student comes to me with pre-conceived notions of what they expect of themselves. So, I spend a good deal of time on the first several lessons trying remold their thinking. I try to relax them, allowing them to accept their mistakes, giving them permission for the trials and errors of learning this new language. However, sometimes I have to undo any previous musical experiences and bad habits they’ve developed over the years so that we can proceed in the correct direction.
Everyone is an individual. This is where, as a teacher, I remain fresh and alive. I may use much of the same methods and books with each and every new student, but my approach to reaching their minds has to be different. Everyone internalizes and processes information differently. This is where I see the roadblocks they erect, unknowingly. My job is to recognize their self-imposed challenges and find the way around them. I dare say, this is my forte.
So, now I have them actually playing. Once they realize their hands are creating these lovely sounds, it becomes one of those “ah-ha” moments. For some, it comes sooner rather than later. Depending on the individual levels of motivation and innate ability, will be the difference on how quickly they progress.
Using the average student’s progress, I find they will be playing something recognizable on the first lesson. Now the fun continues! There will be the type of student who will analyze every single note to be played and ask and wonder “why”. Then, there are those who just accept my direction without so much analysis.
This is fascinating because I can usually tell so much about that person just by sitting with them for less than an hour. And, I can usually determine who will make it and who won’t just from that first encounter.
Now, assuming I haven’t scared them away in their first month at the keyboard, I will begin to talk about our Adult Performance Workshop Program. Almost immediately, I usually see the color drain from their faces and the usual response is negative. They just can’t imagine playing for anyone else. Total fear and panic sets in. Naturally, I have to go to work on their psyche, helping them to understand they are a “work in progress” and that they should want to share their music and their extraordinary efforts. They should feel proud of their accomplishments and we all know it’s more difficult for the adult to learn and not compare themselves with their children’s rate of learning.
We begin to prepare for their public debut. With great and continued disbelief of their ability to pull this off, I set the date. Now the day has come to face their fellow students, many of whom are seasoned veterans who have been in the same place at one time. Those people are champs at welcoming the new kid on the block. Everyone is accepting, understanding and comforting.
So, now it’s time to share. You can almost cut their stress level with a knife and you can almost hear that voice in their head telling themselves, “for sure, I’m going to screw up and what ever will I do?” The music begins, yes some mistakes, but they make it to the end. I haven’t lost a student yet from incomplete performance and mistakes. Once they finish, they realize they’re still breathing and they’ve come through the fog only to see how great they feel about themselves and how forgiving and accepting their fellow music student club members can be. Often, I hear them planning and wondering when they can play again in this group and what they will actually perform at the next “gig.”
Now, this is where I tell all of you to get involved in this experience. You will not regret it. Methods have changed over the years and materials are designed specifically for the adult student. Playing a musical instrument can provide you with significant stress relief, can encourage your social abilities, improve brain function, eye hand coordination and just improve your overall health and well-being. I’ve only met one adult in my many years of teaching, who could not be taught. Even to this day, I’m certain this 60 year old lady had significant learning disabilities which were unrecognized and untreated back when she was growing.
So, come aboard, put your toe in the water and discover your talent.
