Greetings from New York (Manhattan). I've been reading through these forums quietly, and as a newbie here... the sense of community looks amazing. Looks like a nice musical home on the Internet.

I am a thirty-something adult beginner on piano and I am absolutely loving the learning, though certainly challenging and downright frustrating at times (no different than a 10-year-old in this way). I want to go out there and buy a Steinway baby grand! (Both money and space constraint preventing me, of course.)

I have a few questions, but here is some more background so you can understand my perspective: My long-range goal is to successfully complete ABRSM exams through Grade 5 Piano and Theory. I think I am being realistic in that, as of today, I do not think I'd get up to the level of Grade 8. But who knows; I'll cross that bridge after Grade 5+. Therefore, for now, I have my sights set on Grade 1 exam in 2010.

In my mind, I am telling myself that although I am 30+ yrs old, my musical age is more like a 10 yr-old. While I am certainly more mature than a 10 yr-old (on most days ), I am woefully naive and innocent in the field of music playing.

So, here's what I am doing to make "Grade 1 in 2010" happen as I began a few months ago... and here is where I am humbly looking for input from forum members (I've read though numerous other posts... wow! Alot of collective wisdom!):

• Hired a private teacher for weekly 60-minute lessons. This teacher currently focuses on adults only.
• I diligently practice approx 60 minutes nearly every day; some days more, some days less.
• Four of my five very young children take piano lessons, so I help them with their practice/homework five nights per week (each child does 5-15 minutes depending on age)
• I have purchased a few miscellaneous workbooks on sight reading, etc. that I study on my daily train commute to work. (I started from *square one* when it came to sight reading a few months ago (I didn't know a Middle C from a Smiley Emoticon!))
• I listen to classical piano music on my iPod (been doing that for years) from great artists such as Rubenstein, Brendel, Horowitz, Gould, etc. Here's nice one to watch heart-stopping piano hand movement (audio sound is a bit tinny on the Internet): Rubenstein, Appassionata, 3rd
• I browse websites, look at online tutorials, watch free YouTube videos, and (now) posting on forums

Anyone with any thoughts on my plan and course of action outlined above? Some more specific questions about ABRSM:

1. I am a Sabbath observer, but I noticed all Theory exams are given on Saturday in the US. This presents a problem, however I am able to get a letter from my Rabbi/clergy stating I cannot take exams on Saturday. I believe I read something in the Entry Form that implied accommodation for this (in section 4 of the entry form, under specific needs, it is option letter X). In the course of my education, I've taken many professional exams (SAT, LSAT, GMAT, CPA, etc.) and in all cases the administering body offers an alternative exam date for those students who are not able to sit on Saturday due to religious reasons. Has anyone encountered difficulty with ABRSM?
2. Practical exam... same question... the website does not state when the practical exam is... is it usually weekday?
3. Do I *need* my teacher to submit my entry form (I have not signed up yet). Or can I mail it myself?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions as I get deeper into my playing. Thank you in advance for your time.

- Ezra

to the forums!

we're all nice. promise !

This weblink tells you the exam dates (well months anyway) in the US:

http://www.abrsm.org/regions/en/usa/united...try/exam-dates/

Either the exact dates are not clear, or maybe the exams take place throughout those months stated? Then again there wouldn't be exams on Christmas Day would there?...

In the UK, there are three exam sessions around March/April, June/July and November/December (A, B & C). In the US (according to that link), there's only two, but both are over three months periods. Also, the exams usually take place Monday-Saturday during the exam period (except for the date when the theory exam takes place). I assume the US is the same as the UK in that context, although someone will probably correct me if I'm wrong.

Car Expert

Yes... I noticed the general months, which is why I was curious about specific days of week? From past postings, it seems as though the exams are indeed given on weekdays quite often unless I mis-read just now...

Welcome Ezra - we are indeed a pretty friendly lot - most of the time!

In the UK you are able to request 'no Saturdays' in the case of practical exams. I can't imagine it is different in the States. I have a pupil who is a Seventh Day Adventist and have never had any problem avoiding Saturday practical appointments for her.

I don't know about theory exams though - in the UK they are not always on Saturdays, but some sessions the theory will be on a weekday at 5pm. There may well be, as you mention, some accommodation.

Hello ezra

Nice to see another adult piano student here - hope you find the forums useful

Hi Ezra, welcome to the forums and your musical life.

The best thing to do re the theory exam on the Sabbath is to contact the board, they should be able to put you in touch with a local rep who may be able to help - they are very accommodating to special requests whereever possible. Anyone can enter themselves for an exam, you don't need a teacher to do it for you.

The one thing that strikes me from your post is the amount of practice, I find that with teaching adult beginners the ones that progress the best, without getting too stressed are the ones who do a small amount of practice little and often. 60 mins a day is great, provided you are enjoying it and finding the work load comfortable and it does not become a chore, then that's fine, but the most important thing as an adult learner is to keep it fun. If you are diligently practicing for 60 mins a day, but not enjoying it, it is often not as effective.

Thanks for the valuable insights. Yes--I do practice for fun, but I recognize that the "fun" is sometimes challenging. (Having been privileged to attend graduate schools for my profession, I know that not all studies are fun all the time, but the goal is still there.) On days when I feel I need a break, I practice for less. If I were a real 10 yr-old, I might not recognize the luxury of giving myself a break (or I might just storm off to my room...!). My kids don't practice every single day, but the good thing about having so many kids is that someone is sure to be found sitting at/near the piano at any given point in time. So, I can always find someone to practice with or just play some relaxed easy melodies and simple chords (my two eldest (8 yrs old and 6 yrs old) are only a tad behind in current lessons to their dad!) The littlest one (2 years old) does not take lessons yet (obviously), but she adores sitting on the piano bench and hitting the keys. Her innocent 'music' is the prettiest.

As for the Sabbath question, I'm getting the impression that it will not be an issue. I did send a question via the ABRSM contact form on this site a few days ago, so far I just got a standard reply "yoru email has been forwarded to the right group..." so hopefully they'll send me some specific info soon. Surely I am not the first Sabbath observer to take an ABRSM exam. And as someone pointed about about Seventh Day Adventists... same thinig

Welcome to the forums!

In answer to your question about entering yourself - yes this is OK. I enter myself, the only stipulation being that you have to register with the ABRSM beforehand.

Best wishes with your targets.

Now I'm lost. What do you mean "register with the ABRSM beforehand"? DO you mean above and beyond completing the Entry form (found here: http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/postalEnt...ernationa.html) I need to somehow register in another way too?

I thought I simply fill out that Entry Form. Am I wrong?

To enter, you need an applicant number (or something called something along those lines) which you have to fill in on the form.

You can register to get a number here.

You need to be over 18 to register, although I can think of at least one under-18-year-old who is registerred so they obviously don't check. But, given by the fact you have 5 children, I'm guessing that's probably not an issue anyway.

Ah, I understand now. It's a non-factor issue. The form (at least the International version) states that if this is the first entry, leave the Applicant Number blank as ABRSM will assign one upon first entry. Nevermind.

I think that's what I did when I first entered, but if you want to do an online submission then you need to pre-register.

Hi Ezra,

It sounds like you're making all the right moves here. As an adult you can tackle learning piano from many different angles simultaneously - reading about it, thinking about it, listening, playing etc. which is all beneficial. Here some simple advice from me :

- Slow, careful repetition solves *every* problem you will encounter. There will be things that you think are absolutely imossible at first that you will do subconciously in time. This transfer from concious to sub- will just happen so don't worry, just concentrate on the task in hand.

- You are at no disadvantage to younger people. They have strengths and weaknesses and so do older folk.

- Enjoy the process of learning. I find being a bit older i'm less impatient and can hear myself progress over weeks and months, rather than expect quick results. I've been working on one piece for 8 months now! It still gets a tiny bit better every time I practice.

- Explore the repertoire and find things that you enjoy playing. This will be different from your children. One of the reasons I gave learning up as a child is that I couldn't stand the pieces my teacher gave me. There's plenty of easier pieces out there. Ask on the forum if you need help.

Good luck!
Dave.

Hello Ezra and

It sounds like you are doing everything right at the moment.

Enjoy your practice time, I have let mine slip a bit recently and it shows

Oh, I do so hope this applies to other instruments as well as piano! I've been having such a frustrating time with a particular piece (supposed to go very fast - 2/2 time sig at 112 bpm, which I realised with a little horror meant the quavers in it need to be played at something in excess of 7 per second ). My teacher assures me that practising it slowly and cranking up the speed little by little will get me there, but it ain't happening at present and my reserves of patience and optimism are running a little dry 2 months on...

make sure you don't get impatient and try playing it at the proper speed--don't play it any faster than you can play it properly. do you use a metronome? that's a useful way to record how much you're improving...

I do indeed use a metronome, and I'm trying to be really patient and not go a single click faster than I can play it neatly, but I'm SUCH a long way off the proper speed that it can get depressing. However, I shall persevere...

Welcome to the forums Ezra.

I've been learning piano for about 12 months now and love it.

I agree 100% with iamdjoc about the slow practice. It certainly works for me. It's great to look back and see how you progress as time goes on. This time last year I couldn't play a note. Last week I managed to get through a whole sonatina at a forum concert without collapsing with nerves!

Enjoy

Lois

And very nicely too.

Welcome to the forum Ezra. You find lots of help and support here. If you follow the regime you've outlined should reach G5 comfortably - and perhaps more.

Mole

Mole - thanks for your comments and thoughts. Although, I must admit that "reach G5 comfortably" seems a bit daunting to me now.... is it indeed true that with perseverance and practise it will be possible to reach G5 for even an adult learner? Certainly I can see/feel/hear myself getting a little bit better every week (or two)...

Ezra - My goal is to reach at least Grade 8 on the piano. While at the moment it seems like a pipe dream I'm determined I'll get there eventually.

Have faith - anything is possible. Age is definately no barrier. If you have faith in yourself then you'll get there. Ignore completely anyone who says you can't do something because you're an adult learner because they're talking rubbish With practise and perseverence you'll get there in your own time

Lois





Thank you!

Yes, it's true.

Being an adult when you start learning doesn't put a limit on how far you can get with an instrument.

I started singing lessons at 38, am waiting for the results of my Fellowship diploma now. Started Recorder and Violin lessons considerably after that, and have grade 8 in the first of these and grade 5 in the latter. I also re-started piano lessons and got to grade 5 with that before I gave up again.

I have a book recommendation for you, Ezra: 'The Perfect Wrong Note' by William Westney. You are so lucky to be living in the US, as Westney does so many workshops ( or Un-Master Classes, as he calls them) there, and only a very few in the UK. But the book is inspirational, and I re-read it constantly.

I would also suggest that you keep an open mind concerning your perceived limitations. OK, maybe you won't have a professional recital career, but there is so much accessible piano music that will sound very rewarding relatively soon. A good teacher, coupled with hard work and perseverance on your part, will make for excellent progress.

Hope you enjoy your musical adventures.