Our Piano Journey in its Living Context
Written by ANDREW EALES
”In the beginning of training, it may seem as if you are doing very little. You compare yourself to your teachers and to more accomplished people, and you may despair at ever reaching their levels. But if you are diligent, then it is inevitable that you will make something of yourself. Once you reach such a plateau, you will be able to relax a bit and contemplate where you are on your journey.”
Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao Daily Mediations (204).
Piano students, and adults in particular, often underestimate the time it will take to become proficient players, to play the music they aspire to, and to sound as good as they hoped.
When newcomers ask me, “how long until I can play really well?” I typically answer, “How does ten years sound?” It’s an easy (if entirely random) guess, but the point is the aspiring pianist’s response. Are they mentally prepared for the climb ahead?
The idea that after ”ten years” a player will be attempting advanced repertoire isn’t entirely incorrect. It can be qualified by pointing out that if “really well” equates to ABRSM Grade 8 (the highest amateur qualification), many who start as children progress by around one grade a year. Unless they make exceptional progress, young beginners who stick the course can expect to be attempting the higher grades in their mid to late teens.
But there’s a much more important truth, which I quickly bring up. Unless something is very amiss, we do not begin to enjoy playing music only once we reach that the more advanced stages of playing.
EVERY STEP of the journey is a real ACCOMPLISHMENT in which the player should take personal satisfaction and find musical engagement and reward.
We may wish our skills could be multiplied, but often moving a single step at a time counts for more. One PLUS One is actually more than One TIMES One, and it is foolish to miss out steps along the way. Mistakes and weaknesses in our playing can lead to us losing our footing long before we reach the upper summits.
And ultimately, as piano playing is a journey with no fixed destination, it’s important that we really take time to enjoy the scenery.
If patience is really a virtue, perhaps it is because learning to appreciate each moment leads to a rewarding lifetime of happiness and health.
You can access Andrew’s personal support at the piano using his
Video Feedback Service or by Booking a Consultation at his studio.
His book How to Practise Music is also packed with helpful advice.
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