One thing is clear from the beginning: you are never too old to learn to play the piano. However, as an older beginner, you can expect to encounter some additional challenges, such as fingers that may not move as fast as you would like, or that do not reach the correct keys because they need to stretch with regular practice. The biggest challenge of all may be sharpening your hand-to-eye coordination. These skills are generally easier for younger students. But with practice, they’ll come through anyway, and you’ll find that they have benefits beyond just playing the piano.
The basics:
Depending on your personality and budget, you have a few options:
1. You can find a teacher willing to teach older students. (Church pianists often are.)
2. You can access online tutorials at YouTube.com. (Some are free. Some must pay).
3. You can buy books and learn for yourself. (This is the most challenging way, in my opinion).
How to start:
If you use a teacher, you will probably have weekly lessons. You will start with beginner books that show the basics like how to sit correctly at the keyboard and the proper placement of your hands. When playing a song, you will be shown which finger will play each note (finger placement is very important and can change with each song).
You will need to practice at least 20 minutes every day. As you do this, remember that you are older and that your hands are too. Because of this, you will likely find that it will take a while to get your fingers to always cooperate.
The bottom line
If you are 50 or older, you are not trying to become a concert pianist. You are learning because you love listening to piano music and have always wanted to learn to play the piano for your personal enjoyment. Maybe you want to play Christmas songs and “Auld Lang Syne” during the holidays, or “Happy Birthday” at birthday parties. Every goal and dream you’ve ever had as an aspiring pianist is worth the time and effort it takes to learn to play the most amazing instrument on the planet!
Whether you work with a teacher, use YouTube tutorials, or teach yourself from books, you have a lot of work ahead of you. So give it everything you have and you can be sure that you will get everything you put in. Be true to yourself and become the pianist you want to be for yourself and for no one else.
By having the heart and determination to learn to play the piano in your later years, you can take pride in being able to set, and achieve, positive goals that will change your life for the better. And who knows? You can end up being a positive example and inspiration to others who are thinking about making positive changes in their own lives, whatever your age!
Above all, remember to stay focused and positive. YOU CAN DO IT!