New kid on the block

[tapiot]

yes , good one. I also love sixties but found that although maybe not a fan of other genres, when playing along with others with mixed tastes --you find joy in actually playing stuff you thought you didn't like! ----looking through the 'book system'--- (these numbers simplified in various ways) I remember that it took me between 4 and 6 weeks ---practising 45mins most days---to achieve a 'pass' from my teacher. Now when accom. our 'group' uses a simplified system where our music has all the words with the chords above, and we can usually get through a reasonable rendition in two sessions---the fills,intros, bridges etc. are divvied out ----I find that it takes me several weeks of practice to get the gist of an 8bar bridge/inst. BUT many MORE weeks to be confident when we are all together. Its not easy. The best thing I find about taking lessons is that it promotes 'reading'

I also have a mix of classical as well as hymnal music...so I'm not locked into one genre, I like a mixed assortment.

 

[Cariboux2]

Way past being a senior citizen...trying to play...fingers don't go where I want and the pinkies insist on waving around in the air...slowly improving. Current instructor is kid based...I start group classes at local college next week (more affordable) and they follow the Faber books...hope springs eternal!

I'm 56 and have been playing keys my whole life but hadn't done much classical since I was in high school, so I got an excellent PhD instructor. She's great, BUT.... I can tell she's used to teaching younger people. She's giving me lots of Hanon exercises and my 56-yr old brain is not connecting to my fingers the way it used to. At my age, it's much easier to get things if they are first explained to me, as opposed to mere rote learning. I know we're at different levels, but I suspect we're experiencing the same issues. Once I get something, I think of how she could have taught it so much better. Of course I can do that because I already play at a pretty high level. I wish we were nearby and I'd teach you and get ya playing in no time at all! Good luck and keep with it. If one method doesn't work, try another. You may have to go through several methods before you find one that clicks. And don't dismiss YouTube. There's some really good stuff on there. But also, you've got to realize that playing does not come easily and is mentally painful. Like, literally, my brain hurts - but that's when you're learning the most. Learn to embrace that struggling feeling - that's the sign you're learning! And practice every day. But definitely stick with it. It's a real friend who always gives you back what you give to it.

 

[aprilla]

Way past being a senior citizen...trying to play...fingers don't go where I want and the pinkies insist on waving around in the air...slowly improving. Current instructor is kid based...I start group classes at local college next week (more affordable) and they follow the Faber books...hope springs eternal!

Just past being a senior citizen and I am fortunate that my pinky will (mostly) do as asked even when I ask it to do the wrong thing... but my ring finger has been possessed by some sort of being with no music appreciation or rhythm at all, none! It will not behave. I ignore it and carry on, maybe someday it will join the rest of us, maybe not. But I won't let it stop the fun I'm having.

Enjoy your lessons!