To old to learn to play piano?

Question

Hello um, well I don't know how to start this off, but I'll just say that I'm fifteen and will be a sophomore in high school. As of now, I can play three instruments : the flute, the fife, and the piccolo. I've been playing them for about...six years now.

For the longest time I've been wanting to learn piano because I think it's such a nice instrument. I can read both treble and bass clef. And for our quizzes in band at one point we were required to learn the keys of the piano.

Now my mom has been talking about maybe getting a piano if I'm really serious on learning. And I really am.

But am I too old to learn how to play? I learned how to play the flute and such in fourth or fifth grade, that was when I was much younger. Would it be to hard for me to learn at the age of fifteen?

I just want to know before I actually get the piano and then it's too late to like take it back.

I appreciate all help and answers please.

Answer 1

You're never too old to learn something new.  Learning is a part of life.

Answer 2

you are never too old to play the piano:) I play the piano and love it, it will take patience but it's so lovely when you can go to the piano, open a book and just start playing! Go for it and enjoy!

Answer 3

I teach students of every age (my current youngest is 6, but started when she was 4.  My current oldest is 72, and just started in January) and of various backgrounds in music.  I currently have 3 students who were band students first (well, one took a year of piano before band and has now decided to learn more piano).  

You certainly are not too old to learn piano.  Your goals might look a little different than the student who began at age 4 and is now 15, though.  There are some things you will already know, but don't allow your teacher to just skip the first book.  Go through all those beginner basics, but go through some of them quickly since you already have experience with some of it.

I don't know what your goals are with piano.  In my experience, a 15-year-old band student typically wants to "have fun" at the piano and play a lot of popular music... maybe even do some improvising, playing by ear, and possibly composing.  If this is you, I recommend using a method called "Play Piano Now!".  It's published by Alfred.  But make sure you choose a teacher who understands chords and how to use them in improvisation and transposition.             However, if you're thinking more along the lines of being a concert pianist, then you will will to use a method that is very thorough with every concept and focuses more on technique.  (Alfred's Basic Piano Course, Complete Level 1 for the Older Beginner is my favorite).  You will have to work very hard if this is your goal, because you are getting a bit of a late start.  Make sure your teacher knows this, so they will get you into scales, technique, and finger exercises as soon as possible.

One more thing...... never, ever, practice piano on a "cheap keyboard".  It is much, much different than the real thing, and will slow down your progress.  A "digital piano" with "touch-sensitivity" and "88 weighted keys" can do ok in place of the real thing if you are just wanting to learn the basics and have fun.  If you think you might want to strive to be a more serious pianist, go ahead and get a real piano.  You can usually find good used pianos pretty close to the same price as a good digital piano.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

lol when i clicked on this i expected this to be from like a 75 year old. i dont play the piano but i am sure anyone can learn regardless of age, especially if you can already read the music

Answer 5

You are never too late to learn something new... and reading music ought to be a big plus when learning a new instrument.

Answer 6

If you don't start now, just think how you will feel when you're 25!!! DO IT !

Answer 7

You can learn to play the piano at any age.

My grandma's taking lessons right now.

Don't get a piano right away though in case you end up

not liking it. Cause trust me it is wayyyy diffrent than

flute.  And stick with it. when i started it I absouletly

hated it!!!! but now after 5 years. I LOVE IT and can play

lots of stuff like music from movies . Plus since you already

know about treble and bass clef, your already on your way,

you should also consider taking the guitar.

It is alot like piano, and you use the bass and treble clef.

Instead of buying a piano right away you should get a cheap.

keyboard.  Look for one in garage sales and stuff.

Try it for a month and if you end up liking it, you didn't spend

thousands on a real piano!!!!!