Here's what happened when I decided to quit piano. I've never told this to anyone outside of my friends and family, but I think it's important to talk about. I learned some important lessons that can help you to not quit and truly enjoy learning and improving - whether it's in piano or any other skill that you want to learn. Check out the links below: 👉 Join My PATREON for free: patreon.com/thepianokeys 💡💡FREE COURSE PREVIEW: bit.ly/3MMnEyh 🎹 1 Year Piano Success Blueprint: bit.ly/4aDd07h 🌟 Piano Pedaling Course: bit.ly/48S75JF 🗒 Practice Makes Permanent Book: bit.ly/4ciVlTe ✔ Get Weekly Practice Tips To Your Inbox: bit.ly/3Rwk3aN 🎹 REACH YOUR PIANO GOALS: thepianokeys.com 📕Master Piano Chords With My Book: bit.ly/4bs9g8A Donate to support my channel: 💖 PayPal: paypal.me/thepianokeys Donate to support my channel: 👉 Cash App: $ThePianoKeys
Thanks for sharing your journey. I just read your email with your comments on the response. Not sure that 6 people dropping off your list is of any concern and likely unrelated. Your words resonate with me though.....I naver had time to learn piano as a busy physician and parent of 3 active kids. I am now 67, retired for 2 years, and 2 years ago I bought a piano and am practising almost everyday and getting knowledge from you and several others on UA-cam---thanks for being there!
Marina, I've watched a number of your other videos dealing with technique, which have all been helpful in my (so far but hopefully not indefinitely self-taught) boomer-age piano journey, but your candor in describing your own path is at least as helpful as all the technical advice in the world. It's really a breath of fresh air in the sea of UA-cam music instruction to hear someone share honestly their own challenges and offer heartfelt encouragement and dare I say wisdom about dealing with these things. If you weren't a pianist you'd probably have made a great therapist or life coach! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Marina ! Thanks for sharing your story. Inspiring, as always. I guess the most "disturbing" point for me right now was your first point: "Not having a compelling future that you're working toward". Of course in your case it was the choice of a career, which is an important choice for anyone and everyone agrees about that. In our case as adults learning for the pleasure of learning it is less clear in anybody's mind if it's important or even good to spend a lot of time on this activity. Given that after some time it can get more challenging than fun to make progress, this might be the reason that many adults give up at that point. And actually the biggest, hardest step for an adult is to start in the first place. So many people are convinced that adults can't learn anymore or that there's no point to it. Personally I am convinced that playing the piano brings a lot to my personal development. Since I started I developed my musicianship so much. But being 40 years old now I cannot imagine any compelling future to work towards as a bigger picture. I only work towards some desires (learning to play this song, learning to read, to play by ear...) that are not necessarily part of a bigger picture (at least not visible to me). I am actually ok with this and not convinced that the bigger picture is needed. I guess I took a path that I am enjoying, no idea where it is leading but quite sure it's a better place than where I am now. A place in which I have more abilities and am therefore more fulfilled.
Bravo, you nailed it. The combination of your intelligence and honestly is incredibly inspirational. Been a fan and follower for a while now; got addicted to your no fuss approach for sorting out the problems many pianists have with their technique. Thank you, really enjoyed this video, this one is extra special. Keep on climbing. Two thumbs up!
I am retired and My compelling future is Looking forward to every day, one day at a time. I loved what you said about enjoying the journey ' Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it'. I believe that there is no one better than you, who teaches piano and offers on-line courses in technique that work. Your videos and technique courses are the best and sell themselves to those who are serious about learning to play the piano and willing to be teachable. Looking forward to your next video where you tell us how you broke the chain.
Thanks so much, Anna! Isn't it funny how people can have all kinds of hobbies that give them a sense of fulfillment, but for some reason, if that hobby involves a musical education, all of a sudden there's the "why bother?" attitude? I'm so glad to know that you look forward to playing every day. ❤️
To complete my previous comment, about finding it disturbing that I don't have a compelling future to work towards in regards to piano (and that you think it's important), it reminded me of my similar situation with singing. I started voice lessons with a vocal coach in April and one of her first questions was why and how did I see my future in regards to singing. Impossible for me to find a "why". I only want to find out what my voice can do and develop it as much as possible, reach my full potential vocally. But I have no idea why and how it will serve me, I have no ambition to become a singer. A bit the same with piano. I have no ambition to be listened to as a pianist or to share my music (yet?). What's interesting is that people question a lot less why you are doing sports and what your goals are. They will say "oh it's good that you train your body to be in good shape, no matter what sport you may choose". I kind of see playing the piano as training your brain, but it's not why I do it, it's all because of a deeper desire of developing my full potential. What do you think about that? I'd love to have your thoughts about this.
It seems like you answered your own question, Vera! Your deep desire for developing your full potential is a very compelling reason for doing what you do.
“Alas, for those that never sing, But die with all their music in them!” (16:36) Holy cow, does that strike a chord with me! Pun intended. Thank you for your video. I really enjoyed it and connected with your words. I entered a "quitting" phase a few years ago after a lifetime gigging as a solo coverboy (singer/guitar player). Not only had playing other peoples’ music lost its charm, but I was no spring chicken (now 68, yikes) and I didn’t want to kick the bucket with my music still inside me. So I stopped gigging intending to focus on my own music. Problem is: I haven’t Sure, I noodle with tunes and lyrics. But I’m not making my music and I’m sure not putting it out there. And your vid makes me wonder: Maybe my musical goal isn’t “putting it out there”? And if it is, maybe some fresh thinking on the subject can help me move from the coverboy arena - where I am a seasoned pro with total confidence and comfort - to the singer/songwriter realm - where I am a total rookie with zero confidence or comfort - with more joy and excitement. Your vid was a reminder to re-examine a few things, let other stuff go, and continue my musical journey; I thank you for that. Perhaps my music won’t die inside me after all PS - I found you because I just bot a keyboard and will be teaching my self piano. Even after 50+ years on guitar I’ve always wanted to play. I’ll be viewing more of your content!
It's interesting because I totally lose track of time when I'm composing, songwriting, or recording my own music, but there's still that hesitation to sit down and do it. It is worth thinking about why that is. For some reason, I've always been very aware of the brevity of the life of this thing called "me", even as a child, and have lived life like there's no tomorrow. Your "problem" is you think you have time, but there's only now. How do you want to spend your "now"?
My Mom and you would fully agree. She told me I would hate learning piano. So I played, guitar, trumpet, bassoon saxophone -- you name it. Even into my sixties I played solo trumpet in a big band. But I played piano too, but self taught -- I just never had a teacher. I learned on my own and played what I loved. When UA-cam came along I could hear and see technique. Then when I retired I started practicing piano 4 hours a day. Since I had been playing rock, pop and jazz all my life on my other instruments I wanted something different on piano, I went classical. A million years ago when I was a music major on bassoon, my practice room was next to a sophomore or junior piano major (I was a freshman). I listened to her play through the wall and loved it all. She even asked me to turn pages for her during recitals. I cannot even remember her name, but most of my repertoire now is hers. (That was my only year as a music major - my draft number was 50 -- I so a joined the Army as a bandsman) Besides classical, I wrote an arrangement of Autumn Leaves in memory of my mom, and an arrangement of Danny Boy with a lot of texture in the harmonies. I also play a couple nice tangos because my wife likes Tangos, but the heart of my repertoire are pieces that were very ambitious (junior piano major stuff) - yet I skipped over all the intermediate and advanced intermediate and all the other pieces that I would have hated but "had to play" to advance. My mom told me -- never waste your time learning a piece you hate. I go one step further, never keep a piece in your repertoire you don't love. You the best!! BTW: on jazz, like most guys my age, I just played along with records. We didn't try to play the solo on the record, but tried to play our own ideas. It's terrible the first 100 times, but things start happening and they get under your fingers.... You know what I mean. And because I also played guitar the lead sheets seemed natural to me.
Thanks so much for sharing your compelling and inspiring story! You brought up issues I wish I had been aware of when first started taking piano lessons💕💕💕
I took 3 years of lessons as a child and quit. Reget it now. Somehow I remembered how to read notes but I read them slowly. I play piano at my church only because the small church has no one else. I'm getting a little better but it's a slow go, especially when one has to play while people are singing. I would love to play the classical music that you play. It's always been my favorite genre. Mozart, Bach, Chopin..just beautiful! I'm watching your channel for tips. Any advice would be great. Thanks so much.
So happy to know that you found your way back to the piano! There's lots of advice and many tutorials on my channel, for sure. Look around and find what's helpful for you, and when you're ready for more structured help, please check out my website. thepianokeys.com
I’m teaching myself piano at the moment. I learned guitar like this, some guy showed me E shaped and A shape barre chords and the standard pentatonic boxes and then he said “Good luck” I wish I got real music training when I was a kid. Had the opportunity available … buuuuuttt … kids will be kids. The way I learned anything, before the internet was even a twinkle in anybody’s eye, was to turn on the radio and try to keep up with whatever came on. Picked up a few tips here and there along the way, got laughed at, yelled at and thrown out. Eventually through shear determination I was able to make something out of nothing. Music is tough business. Even if you’re an expert there’s no gaurauntee you’ll get anywhere, especially these days, it’s all about image and little to nothing to do with talent. Personally I think, like anything else, it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
@@ThePianoKeys Here’s something Ive heard and known about forever but ignored until literally 2 days ago, counting. 1&2&3&4, playing on the beats. Just from some very simple rudimentary exercises it’s already making a difference. Suddenly songs Ive been struggling with are beginning to smooth out. Playing on the beats rather than throwing darts in the dark, who would have thought? Duh 🙄
This reminds me of a piano teacher I know. I am a guitarist and came from a rock background where we improvise all the time with our solos. She needed a guitar player for a gig and asked me if I would do it and I said, of course. During practice I asked her if she wanted to take a solo and said no because she had no idea how to improvise or solo... totally classically trained. For me... that is the fun part and most expressive thing to do.. I felt kind of sad for her actually.. to have never felt that exileration of letting go... she was never taught how
Hi Marina Thank you for this video and your openness. Seriously, everything you have said - literally word for word is my piano journey hence I gave up and stayed where I was technically. I went back to playing some 30 years after giving up and although a little rusty, I was still at grade 6/7 standard - I don't know how this miracle came to pass and I am so grateful that I was able to play and remember and not have to start all over again. But your journey has mirrored mine or vice versa right down to letter. The only other thing I would add, is that, and I think it was very common in the 70's, not only did teachers not know how to teach, there still are a lot of charlatans as teachers but are relatively good to excellent pianists out there teaching. They don't teach everything but expected you to know about the circle of fifths and all the altered chords or even how to play a diminished chord etc. I thought I was the only one in the world who also felt that as I wasn't as good as my peers, it was a waste of time and stop pursuing my piano journey. I now know that I was never alone! Thank you. This really is appreciated.
I'm so happy to know that you came back to piano! I'm glad that my story was relatable to you, and really, that's why I made this video. We tend to suffer in silence, alone, but when we share our experiences with others, we learn that we are not alone at all. ❤️
@@ThePianoKeys It's so true. I'm also glad that we both found it back to piano! You're absolutely right about suffering in silence. Unless you play an instrument but I would say more for us pianists, it's difficult to understand the connection with have with this beautiful instrument! This is why the community you're creating here is not only beneficial it really is so crucial for us to congregate and share experiences enjoying our mutual love for this wonderful instrument.
Good morning I came across your video on UA-cam this morning and I kinda like they way you teach And I will like to be your student I'm from Nigeria I have the passion to really learn how to play the piano but so far I haven't come across any one that can really teach me the piano in a way I can understand I really want to play contemporary piano and jazz
It’s tough! You were so young! But I hear on worrying about what others think or say. I gotta let that go but somehow I feel I want validation. I don’t know how to get that. Was trained non-classically, I always knew there were things they knew that I didn’t. I’m retired now and have sat at that piano 4-6 hours a day for the last 5 years finally learning theory and all the things. New concepts are rapidly appearing in my playing. I don’t know how I can accompany a jazz pianist, WELL, all over the keyboard; but I cannot pick out the tune and play the melody with all the cool chords; yet. I think peoples journeys are so interesting. Thanks for sharing yours!!
For me, it was about finally deciding that I wanted to live my life to please myself, not others. And once you truly get that, then your confidence radiates out of you and other people start to respect you and see you differently.
I never thought I would hear a Big Lebowski reference in a video on The Piano Keys channel. I am inordinately pleased. Sister Shamus, we should work together, you know, on a case. I really admire your work. I'm glad you got your Creedence back.
I think this video was very inspiring, you are a remarkable woman, I am beginner on the piano, I want to learn to play this song,Somewhere in time is beautiful, my first goal, to play it would you please give me your advice on what to learn first,thank you , Phil
I hate to think of how many brilliant, young minds have been slapped down to mediocrity by a one-size-fits-all educational system that is basically an assembly line only interested in producing more parts for the factory. I guess it's not much different in musical education. Good for you for taking the red pill at a young age and making the hard journey ahead, your journey instead of one that was laid out for you.
Yes, I agree with you Greg! Schools, for the most part, aren't in the business of nurturing minds and encouraging originality. I guess that's why I now create so many courses - I'm making the things that I wish had been available to me when I wanted to learn them.
There's really only one way - you need to work on your technique. I have lots of technique courses to teach you everything you need to know. Check out my website thepianokeys.com
Some good tips, but you didn't mention if you ever came back to learning things by ear, if you learned how to play pop music, or if you ever learned how to play jazz. you didn't explain why you came back to piano. Most of the video is basically you discussing how music was difficult for you and how you didn't get the kind of assistance you wanted. I agree there are problems with the classical method of teaching, but do you think it did anything good for your playing? Do you think some of what you learned in your classical training was useful in your approach to piano now in terms of both playing and teaching? Most of this video can be summed up by the fact that you were letting other people think too much for you for too long before realizing you have your own autonomy to make your own decisions. It is a common problem in a lot of areas in life for a lot of people. Our educational systems (not just music) factors into this a lot.
Yes, you are absolutely right! I'll be making another video to explain how I was able to take what I learned as a classical musician and expand upon it to be able to play many other styles of music. This video is to basically help other people understand the journey I went through and to learn from my mistakes. Many times people think they are the only ones going through a situation or a hardship, and it really helps to see someone else who has gone through it and how they handled it.
Here's what happened when I decided to quit piano. I've never told this to anyone outside of my friends and family, but I think it's important to talk about. I learned some important lessons that can help you to not quit and truly enjoy learning and improving - whether it's in piano or any other skill that you want to learn. Check out the links below:
👉 Join My PATREON for free: patreon.com/thepianokeys
💡💡FREE COURSE PREVIEW: bit.ly/3MMnEyh
🎹 1 Year Piano Success Blueprint: bit.ly/4aDd07h
🌟 Piano Pedaling Course: bit.ly/48S75JF
🗒 Practice Makes Permanent Book: bit.ly/4ciVlTe
✔ Get Weekly Practice Tips To Your Inbox: bit.ly/3Rwk3aN
🎹 REACH YOUR PIANO GOALS: thepianokeys.com
📕Master Piano Chords With My Book: bit.ly/4bs9g8A
Donate to support my channel: 💖 PayPal: paypal.me/thepianokeys
Donate to support my channel: 👉 Cash App: $ThePianoKeys
Thanks for sharing your journey. I just read your email with your comments on the response. Not sure that 6 people dropping off your list is of any concern and likely unrelated. Your words resonate with me though.....I naver had time to learn piano as a busy physician and parent of 3 active kids. I am now 67, retired for 2 years, and 2 years ago I bought a piano and am practising almost everyday and getting knowledge from you and several others on UA-cam---thanks for being there!
That's wonderful! Sounds like you're really enjoying it. 😊
Marina, I've watched a number of your other videos dealing with technique, which have all been helpful in my (so far but hopefully not indefinitely self-taught) boomer-age piano journey, but your candor in describing your own path is at least as helpful as all the technical advice in the world. It's really a breath of fresh air in the sea of UA-cam music instruction to hear someone share honestly their own challenges and offer heartfelt encouragement and dare I say wisdom about dealing with these things. If you weren't a pianist you'd probably have made a great therapist or life coach! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm happy to know that you find my videos valuable.
Hi Marina ! Thanks for sharing your story. Inspiring, as always. I guess the most "disturbing" point for me right now was your first point: "Not having a compelling future that you're working toward". Of course in your case it was the choice of a career, which is an important choice for anyone and everyone agrees about that. In our case as adults learning for the pleasure of learning it is less clear in anybody's mind if it's important or even good to spend a lot of time on this activity. Given that after some time it can get more challenging than fun to make progress, this might be the reason that many adults give up at that point. And actually the biggest, hardest step for an adult is to start in the first place. So many people are convinced that adults can't learn anymore or that there's no point to it.
Personally I am convinced that playing the piano brings a lot to my personal development. Since I started I developed my musicianship so much. But being 40 years old now I cannot imagine any compelling future to work towards as a bigger picture. I only work towards some desires (learning to play this song, learning to read, to play by ear...) that are not necessarily part of a bigger picture (at least not visible to me). I am actually ok with this and not convinced that the bigger picture is needed.
I guess I took a path that I am enjoying, no idea where it is leading but quite sure it's a better place than where I am now. A place in which I have more abilities and am therefore more fulfilled.
Hi Vera! You posed such a great question, that I devoted an entire video to answering it! 😊 ua-cam.com/video/6MxKFKkalO0/v-deo.html
@@ThePianoKeysthank you, I really appreciate it!
@ThePianoKeys
Thank you Marina! I really appreciate it!
Bravo, you nailed it. The combination of your intelligence and honestly is incredibly inspirational. Been a fan and follower for a while now; got addicted to your no fuss approach for sorting out the problems many pianists have with their technique. Thank you, really enjoyed this video, this one is extra special. Keep on climbing. Two thumbs up!
Thanks so much for your support! I was wondering if people would find value in this video, and I'm so glad that you did!
I am retired and My compelling future is Looking forward to every day, one day at a time. I loved what you said about enjoying the journey ' Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it'. I believe that there is no one better than you, who teaches piano and offers on-line courses in technique that work. Your videos and technique courses are the best and sell themselves to those who are serious about learning to play the piano and willing to be teachable. Looking forward to your next video where you tell us how you broke the chain.
Thanks so much, Anna! Isn't it funny how people can have all kinds of hobbies that give them a sense of fulfillment, but for some reason, if that hobby involves a musical education, all of a sudden there's the "why bother?" attitude? I'm so glad to know that you look forward to playing every day. ❤️
To complete my previous comment, about finding it disturbing that I don't have a compelling future to work towards in regards to piano (and that you think it's important), it reminded me of my similar situation with singing. I started voice lessons with a vocal coach in April and one of her first questions was why and how did I see my future in regards to singing. Impossible for me to find a "why". I only want to find out what my voice can do and develop it as much as possible, reach my full potential vocally. But I have no idea why and how it will serve me, I have no ambition to become a singer.
A bit the same with piano. I have no ambition to be listened to as a pianist or to share my music (yet?).
What's interesting is that people question a lot less why you are doing sports and what your goals are. They will say "oh it's good that you train your body to be in good shape, no matter what sport you may choose".
I kind of see playing the piano as training your brain, but it's not why I do it, it's all because of a deeper desire of developing my full potential.
What do you think about that? I'd love to have your thoughts about this.
It seems like you answered your own question, Vera! Your deep desire for developing your full potential is a very compelling reason for doing what you do.
“Alas, for those that never sing, But die with all their music in them!” (16:36) Holy cow, does that strike a chord with me! Pun intended.
Thank you for your video. I really enjoyed it and connected with your words. I entered a "quitting" phase a few years ago after a lifetime gigging as a solo coverboy (singer/guitar player). Not only had playing other peoples’ music lost its charm, but I was no spring chicken (now 68, yikes) and I didn’t want to kick the bucket with my music still inside me. So I stopped gigging intending to focus on my own music. Problem is: I haven’t
Sure, I noodle with tunes and lyrics. But I’m not making my music and I’m sure not putting it out there. And your vid makes me wonder: Maybe my musical goal isn’t “putting it out there”? And if it is, maybe some fresh thinking on the subject can help me move from the coverboy arena - where I am a seasoned pro with total confidence and comfort - to the singer/songwriter realm - where I am a total rookie with zero confidence or comfort - with more joy and excitement. Your vid was a reminder to re-examine a few things, let other stuff go, and continue my musical journey; I thank you for that. Perhaps my music won’t die inside me after all
PS - I found you because I just bot a keyboard and will be teaching my self piano. Even after 50+ years on guitar I’ve always wanted to play. I’ll be viewing more of your content!
It's interesting because I totally lose track of time when I'm composing, songwriting, or recording my own music, but there's still that hesitation to sit down and do it. It is worth thinking about why that is. For some reason, I've always been very aware of the brevity of the life of this thing called "me", even as a child, and have lived life like there's no tomorrow. Your "problem" is you think you have time, but there's only now. How do you want to spend your "now"?
My Mom and you would fully agree. She told me I would hate learning piano. So I played, guitar, trumpet, bassoon saxophone -- you name it. Even into my sixties I played solo trumpet in a big band. But I played piano too, but self taught -- I just never had a teacher. I learned on my own and played what I loved. When UA-cam came along I could hear and see technique. Then when I retired I started practicing piano 4 hours a day. Since I had been playing rock, pop and jazz all my life on my other instruments I wanted something different on piano, I went classical. A million years ago when I was a music major on bassoon, my practice room was next to a sophomore or junior piano major (I was a freshman). I listened to her play through the wall and loved it all. She even asked me to turn pages for her during recitals. I cannot even remember her name, but most of my repertoire now is hers. (That was my only year as a music major - my draft number was 50 -- I so a joined the Army as a bandsman) Besides classical, I wrote an arrangement of Autumn Leaves in memory of my mom, and an arrangement of Danny Boy with a lot of texture in the harmonies. I also play a couple nice tangos because my wife likes Tangos, but the heart of my repertoire are pieces that were very ambitious (junior piano major stuff) - yet I skipped over all the intermediate and advanced intermediate and all the other pieces that I would have hated but "had to play" to advance. My mom told me -- never waste your time learning a piece you hate. I go one step further, never keep a piece in your repertoire you don't love. You the best!! BTW: on jazz, like most guys my age, I just played along with records. We didn't try to play the solo on the record, but tried to play our own ideas. It's terrible the first 100 times, but things start happening and they get under your fingers.... You know what I mean. And because I also played guitar the lead sheets seemed natural to me.
Sounds like you are a true music lover! I'm so happy to know that you are enjoying playing the piano!
Thanks so much for sharing your compelling and inspiring story! You brought up issues I wish I had been aware of when first started taking piano lessons💕💕💕
Thank you, Diane! I wish I had been aware too. lol ❤❤❤❤
I took 3 years of lessons as a child and quit. Reget it now. Somehow I remembered how to read notes but I read them slowly. I play piano at my church only because the small church has no one else. I'm getting a little better but it's a slow go, especially when one has to play while people are singing. I would love to play the classical music that you play. It's always been my favorite genre. Mozart, Bach, Chopin..just beautiful! I'm watching your channel for tips. Any advice would be great. Thanks so much.
So happy to know that you found your way back to the piano! There's lots of advice and many tutorials on my channel, for sure. Look around and find what's helpful for you, and when you're ready for more structured help, please check out my website. thepianokeys.com
I’m teaching myself piano at the moment. I learned guitar like this, some guy showed me E shaped and A shape barre chords and the standard pentatonic boxes and then he said
“Good luck”
I wish I got real music training when I was a kid. Had the opportunity available … buuuuuttt … kids will be kids. The way I learned anything, before the internet was even a twinkle in anybody’s eye, was to turn on the radio and try to keep up with whatever came on. Picked up a few tips here and there along the way, got laughed at, yelled at and thrown out. Eventually through shear determination I was able to make something out of nothing.
Music is tough business. Even if you’re an expert there’s no gaurauntee you’ll get anywhere, especially these days, it’s all about image and little to nothing to do with talent.
Personally I think, like anything else, it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
I also was laughed at, yelled at, and thrown out. 😁 But the spirit endures. Glad you stayed with it!
@@ThePianoKeys Here’s something Ive heard and known about forever but ignored until literally 2 days ago,
counting. 1&2&3&4, playing on the beats. Just from some very simple rudimentary exercises it’s already making a difference. Suddenly songs Ive been struggling with are beginning to smooth out.
Playing on the beats rather than throwing darts in the dark, who would have thought?
Duh 🙄
This reminds me of a piano teacher I know. I am a guitarist and came from a rock background where we improvise all the time with our solos. She needed a guitar player for a gig and asked me if I would do it and I said, of course. During practice I asked her if she wanted to take a solo and said no because she had no idea how to improvise or solo... totally classically trained. For me... that is the fun part and most expressive thing to do.. I felt kind of sad for her actually.. to have never felt that exileration of letting go... she was never taught how
Yes, this is the case for most classical pianists. It really is sad because it is so limiting.
Hi Marina Thank you for this video and your openness. Seriously, everything you have said - literally word for word is my piano journey hence I gave up and stayed where I was technically.
I went back to playing some 30 years after giving up and although a little rusty, I was still at grade 6/7 standard - I don't know how this miracle came to pass and I am so grateful that I was able to play and remember and not have to start all over again. But your journey has mirrored mine or vice versa right down to letter.
The only other thing I would add, is that, and I think it was very common in the 70's, not only did teachers not know how to teach, there still are a lot of charlatans as teachers but are relatively good to excellent pianists out there teaching. They don't teach everything but expected you to know about the circle of fifths and all the altered chords or even how to play a diminished chord etc.
I thought I was the only one in the world who also felt that as I wasn't as good as my peers, it was a waste of time and stop pursuing my piano journey. I now know that I was never alone! Thank you. This really is appreciated.
I'm so happy to know that you came back to piano! I'm glad that my story was relatable to you, and really, that's why I made this video. We tend to suffer in silence, alone, but when we share our experiences with others, we learn that we are not alone at all. ❤️
@@ThePianoKeys It's so true. I'm also glad that we both found it back to piano! You're absolutely right about suffering in silence. Unless you play an instrument but I would say more for us pianists, it's difficult to understand the connection with have with this beautiful instrument! This is why the community you're creating here is not only beneficial it really is so crucial for us to congregate and share experiences enjoying our mutual love for this wonderful instrument.
Good morning
I came across your video on UA-cam this morning and I kinda like they way you teach
And I will like to be your student
I'm from Nigeria
I have the passion to really learn how to play the piano but so far I haven't come across any one that can really teach me the piano in a way I can understand
I really want to play contemporary piano and jazz
Thanks and welcome!
It’s tough! You were so young! But I hear on worrying about what others think or say. I gotta let that go but somehow I feel I want validation. I don’t know how to get that. Was trained non-classically, I always knew there were things they knew that I didn’t. I’m retired now and have sat at that piano 4-6 hours a day for the last 5 years finally learning theory and all the things. New concepts are rapidly appearing in my playing. I don’t know how I can accompany a jazz pianist, WELL, all over the keyboard; but I cannot pick out the tune and play the melody with all the cool chords; yet. I think peoples journeys are so interesting. Thanks for sharing yours!!
For me, it was about finally deciding that I wanted to live my life to please myself, not others. And once you truly get that, then your confidence radiates out of you and other people start to respect you and see you differently.
I never thought I would hear a Big Lebowski reference in a video on The Piano Keys channel. I am inordinately pleased. Sister Shamus, we should work together, you know, on a case. I really admire your work. I'm glad you got your Creedence back.
😁 I was wondering if anyone would pick up on that.
I think this video was very inspiring, you are a remarkable woman, I am beginner on the piano, I want to learn to play this song,Somewhere in time is beautiful, my first goal, to play it would you please give me your advice on what to learn first,thank you , Phil
Thank you, Phil! Please check out my 1 year success blueprint at the link for direction on how to get yourself off to a great start.
100% agree. Well said! I quit after grade 2 and started playing grade 8 pieces. Badly, but I enjoyed it a heck of a lot more!
So glad you're enjoying it!
I hate to think of how many brilliant, young minds have been slapped down to mediocrity by a one-size-fits-all educational system that is basically an assembly line only interested in producing more parts for the factory. I guess it's not much different in musical education. Good for you for taking the red pill at a young age and making the hard journey ahead, your journey instead of one that was laid out for you.
Yes, I agree with you Greg! Schools, for the most part, aren't in the business of nurturing minds and encouraging originality. I guess that's why I now create so many courses - I'm making the things that I wish had been available to me when I wanted to learn them.
How can you move ahead when I cannot even play both hands independetly, Marina
Thanks
There's really only one way - you need to work on your technique. I have lots of technique courses to teach you everything you need to know. Check out my website thepianokeys.com
A QUESTION, I'm 84 years old, is it too late for me to "try" to learn to play piano, considering I would want to play OPERA PIANO SCORES?
There's only one point in your life when it's too late to 'try', and you aren't there. So, yeah...try.
Well said, Greg!
You should definitely go for it - there is nobody stopping you. 😊
Some good tips, but you didn't mention if you ever came back to learning things by ear, if you learned how to play pop music, or if you ever learned how to play jazz. you didn't explain why you came back to piano. Most of the video is basically you discussing how music was difficult for you and how you didn't get the kind of assistance you wanted. I agree there are problems with the classical method of teaching, but do you think it did anything good for your playing? Do you think some of what you learned in your classical training was useful in your approach to piano now in terms of both playing and teaching? Most of this video can be summed up by the fact that you were letting other people think too much for you for too long before realizing you have your own autonomy to make your own decisions. It is a common problem in a lot of areas in life for a lot of people. Our educational systems (not just music) factors into this a lot.
Yes, you are absolutely right! I'll be making another video to explain how I was able to take what I learned as a classical musician and expand upon it to be able to play many other styles of music. This video is to basically help other people understand the journey I went through and to learn from my mistakes. Many times people think they are the only ones going through a situation or a hardship, and it really helps to see someone else who has gone through it and how they handled it.
Same! I also quit.
I hope you came back.
@@ThePianoKeys I didn’t. I quit like I said
👍👍❤❤🎶🎶
Thank you!
Plus let go of icky teachers who do not respect your hard earned money by just vegetating.
There are too many of those...
👍❤
How can you move ahead when I cannot even play both hands independetly, Marina
Thanks
This is a very common issue, and there's really only one solution. You can read about it here: bit.ly/46S2yr1