Hello everyone,

I have been reading the many discussions for the past few months and have finally decided to take the plunge and join. I find the discussions to be quite informative.

A little about myself. I am returing to the piano after a long gap of 25 years. I completed my Grade 8 practical in my 20's. Shortly after that life picked up, with marriage, followed by a set of twins and then a singleton. Time for the piano became almost non-exsistent. I wanted to practise but could do very little but give the dear piano an occasional dusting.

As the years flew by, I still craved to become more proficient at the piano but I had a deep fear of subjecting some poor, unsuspecting teacher to my playing. Without continued practise, my technique and sight reading had waned. So I waited and waited and I got older and older, using one excuse after the other why the time was not right to begin piano lessons.

Then I had enough with my fears and sought out a teacher. I was now in my 40's and quite self-consious about my playing. My fingers felt lazy and clumsy, my arms ached after half an hour of playing and simple pieces posed a challenge for me. Fortunately my teacher is very understanding, kind and considerate. She can even find something pleasant in the most perverse rendition of my Bach's Fugue. (Bless her)

The discussions on this forum about adult learners have made me realise that I am not alone. Other adults share the same fears and concerns that I have and just knowing that gives me an added boost of confidence and encouragement.

So I am back on this exciting journey of piano playing and quite enjoying it. I am even considering doing a practical exam in January 2010.

I hope to contribute favourably to the many discussions.

Thanks,

Metrognome

Hello Metrognome, welcome to the forums from another enthusiastic , even more mature amateur !
There are lots of us here, including quite a few who have come back to piano after time out, others like myself have kept things going but never with aspirations to professional music.

I am sure you will enjoy it , and it can also be addictive. Join in as much as you can.

and once again

We look forward, with interest, how you get on, and what grade you will attempt in January.

ENJOY!

Regards, Peter. (Adult learner, aged 50!).

Hope you'll enjoy being a member of the forums. I also play piano, though I'm not an adult learner.

I love your username, by the way!

Nick

from one with very similar history (although I did not reach the dizzy heights of G8) and (like fsharpminor) even more mature older. You will find lots of support here. Spend some time to learn the search functions - there is a wealth of useful information here

Mole

Welcome.

You call 25 years a long gap? I returned to the violin after 44 years (having once reached a marginal grade 2.) I am so delighted that I did so, although I sorely regret the wasted years in betweeen. I find that now I am really not at all embarrassed by my playing although I was when I was a child. I didn't even mind waiting for my grade 3 with a collection 12 year olds.

Hello

to the forums!

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

welcome!

Hi.

And it's a very warm welcome from me!