Q. How long will it take for me to learn piano? I mean, well enough to play something I recognize and others want to hear?

A. The answer is "it depends." It depends on what you consider 'good enough' to play for others, but mostly it depends on your self-acceptance as a piano student. Think of it this way; you already have a lot of knowledge about some things. Perhaps you are an engineer, or a homemaker. Regardless of your current knowledge base, you have decided to learn a whole new set of 'things' that will make you a musician. Any piece, regardless of the complexity (or simplicity), sounds great if played well. We'll make sure you can always just sit down and play something fluently. Having a "play list" will accomplish that goal.

Generally, our students walk out the door after the first lesson playing a piece fluently.

Q. Yes, I know that adults can learn new things (I watch CNN), but you cannot tell me that I will do as well in piano now as if I had started / continued as a child!

A. No, I cannot tell you how things would have been different if you had done this as a child. But, what I can tell you is that children do not have these types of thoughts, and that is partly what enables them to learn faster. The openness of childhood goes a long way. I advise you to replicate that philosophy so you can do your best and be your best self.

Q. I never learned to play without the music. The minute I look away from the music, I cannot keep going. Therefore, I don't really enjoy my music-making. Is there anything I can do? I can memorize, but it is laborious and I doubt that everyone has the same difficulty I do (although many do).

A.  The short answer is that you can learn another way to think about your music so that you memorize easily and playing is a lot more fun that it is now for you. It is not about memorizing; it is about matching the task to the brain area most suited to carry out that task. Most people in piano have the same problems you do, and it comes from not knowing how to shift from 'learning mode' into 'playing (performance) mode.' Learning mode is predominately a frontal cortex activity, while performance mode relies on the rear part of the brain, the parietal lobe. It is not easy to make that type of switch (known as task switching), and many do not accomplish it. We routinely teach how to be successful at task-switching, so you will learn it here.

Q. I have memory problems that I did not have when I was younger. When I talk to my friends and neighbors, they have the same problems, so how it is it that adults do learn?

A. Adults can no longer learn by rote. Rote learning is memorizing without understanding. Adults have to approach every new thing they learn by understanding it, which means they must learn conceptually. If you are taught conceptually, you'll do fine, given that you do not have any sort of neurological problems. If, after reading this, you feel your memory problems are unique and that you would have trouble in piano, come and talk to me. I can help you ascertain if you have a neurological deficit of some type, or if you just need a diffent style of learning.

Q. Do adult pianists have to play in recitals?

A. DEFINITELY NOT.

Q. I have a medical diagnosis / several medical diagnoses and wonder how these will interact with piano lessons?

A. We work with nearly all disabilities. If you have a disability, whether it is developmental or acquired, please give us a call. We work with disabilities. Get hold of us so we can see if we can help.

Q. I have arthritis. Can I learn piano?

A. Again, it depends. Some cases with rheumatoid arthritis may not be good candidates for piano. What we normally do is communicate with you doctor. Getting your doctor's recommendations will be crucial. Then, we can devise a curriculum that works for you, changing it as you change.

Q. I have a disability. Is there any way piano lessons can help me regain function?

A. Again, it depends. It depends on your disability, the severity, etc. I have helped many severely disabled people regain function, but every case is different. Contact us so we can discuss what's possible.