Am I Too Old To Learn Piano? The Definitive Answer!

You are never too old to learn how to play the piano. It can be easier to learn how to play as an adult compared to when you were a child. However, it is still challenging and it also takes a lot of time and dedication to become competent.

If a child can learn how to play the basics of a piano in the space of a few months or years, then why would an adult not be able to do the same?

I am often asked this question by adult beginners, and the answer is usually followed by something like “I always wanted to learn how to play piano, but never got around to it.”

Many people feel they are too old to learn piano and would expect to get find themselves rejected by a teacher. However, this is not true at all!

Whether you begin as a child or an adult, if you let your fingers do the walking through the keys and put in time and effort practicing, then almost anyone can be taught to play the piano well.

Benefits of Learning Piano as an Adult

There are a number of advantages that come from learning to play the piano as an adult.

• Adults tend to have more commitment and focus than children do, allowing them to learn piano quickly and efficiently. Not only this, but most adults know the value of patience and perseverance – both qualities needed for success when learning any new skill.
• Adults generally have bigger hands and may find it easier to reach the keys
• Adults often have much better self-discipline when it comes to self-teaching.
• Adults generally have a better understanding of what learning styles work personally to them, in comparison to children who may have developed this skill as much.
• In addition, adults can use ‘real-life’ situations and events to inspire them and give meaning to the music they are learning. By turning their favorite pieces into songs about love or loss, it is possible for an adult to learn piano in a unique and emotional way.

Can a senior citizen learn to play piano?

Senior citizens can certainly learn how to play the piano. It’s never too late to learn how to play this instrument!

Most of the time, older adults who are new to playing the piano will be able to learn how to play songs in few months. You should make sure you practice consistently, a few times a week with at least 20 to 40 minutes dedicated to each practice session.

Can piano be self-taught?

It’s very possible to become a competent self-taught pianist, especially with online video courses (see our article on the best online piano lessons). You can also download some apps to learn piano and keyboard and get your hands on some piano books.

However, if you want to become a professional pianist or reach high levels of playing, learning from a good piano teacher is usually required.

How many hours should I practice to master piano?

If you have a good weekly routine of spending 20 to 40 minutes practicing a few times a week then you should expect to be reasonably confident at playing easy songs within the space of 4 to 6 months. 

However, if you can dedicate a lot more time to this per week, then you may develop competent piano skills in an even shorter time frame.

Consistency is the “key” when it comes to learning the piano!

Summary

You’re never too old to learn how to play the piano. You can learn to play your piano in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or older. As long as you can put in the time and have the patience required to learn this instrument, then you can develop the competency to be able to play songs in a reasonably short space of time.