"Is it too late for me to learn the piano as an adult?"

You are not alone if you sometimes ask yourself that question. Many have wanted to learn an instrument, and maybe not had the opportunity earlier in life, or perhaps learned for a bit, but then quit (which can be for all kinds of reasons). But here are my thoughts on why it is never too late for you to learn, whatever your age.

As an adult beginner, you have some skills and advantages that will boost your progress.

By the nature of having spent a few more days living life than a young child has, you have been able to get to know yourself a bit better. You know your taste in music, and have heard a lot of it. You likely have a bit more experience in how you best learn. You have learned other things that you can relate your brand new music knowledge to (you would be surprised how many things you can find parallels to with music). You have fine motor skills that children are still developing. Your drive to learn comes from You. Not your parents, not your teachers, it's you who wants to learn an instrument.

So if adults have so many advantages, why don't we usually think of adult age as the best age to learn an instrument? I think one of the main reasons for that is that in comparison, children's main "thing" in life at the time (besides just being a child) is learning and education. So learning an instrument fits right in. As adults, we have lots of things going on in life, work, relationships, often parenting, managing a household, putting food on the table (financially and practically). Life being busy is what gets in the way of quick progress the most frequently. But it's also one of the reasons why learning an instrument as an adult is such a great thing. Playing an instrument can be incredibly relaxing and fun. It helps you to switch off from all the things that are going on for a bit and just enjoy the beauty of music, and enjoy making it yourself. Many also find the process of getting better and mastering their favourite songs or pieces deeply rewarding. As adults, we often find it hard to do something just for ourselves. Learning an instrument could be that thing. And you could even learn your loved ones' favourites too, and play them their very own concert, how nice is that?

As you can see, I am very passionate about adults getting to learn music. One of the reasons for that is because of all the good music has done for my own life, from childhood to being an adult. And seeing the same thing happening for my students makes me very happy.

So if you are considering learning the piano, violin or singing, but you have been hesitant to start, struggled to find a teacher, or maybe don't know where to begin, I would love to hear from you and help you make this dream a reality.

(If you are not based near Runcorn or like the convenience of learning at home, I also offer online lessons.)