1. Embracing Imperfection Is Liberating
I’m not exactly a virtuoso at the piano—far from it, actually. Sure, I can list reasons for my lack of skill: I’m a novice, I’m beyond the “ideal” learning age, and my pinky fingers seem determined to be unhelpful. Regardless, my current skill level is disheartening. I have a tendency to shy away from activities where I’m not excelling (like math). However, in my house, I’m surrounded by two talented sons who create breathtaking music, while I’m just trying to hit the right keys. Yet, it turns out that my friends still value my company, and my piano teacher greets me with enthusiasm each week. My sons even offer gentle encouragement during my practice sessions, though they still expect me to assist with their homework—thankfully not math.
2. The Enchantment of Music Is Accessible to All
Before beginning my piano journey, I knew music could evoke powerful emotions. I understood the impact of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and treasured ballads from my prom. However, diving into piano lessons revealed that music’s essence is alive within every note. Even as a clumsy beginner, I learned that simply pressing down on middle C and then hitting high C can conjure memories and feelings associated with “Over the Rainbow.” This realization transformed my perception of music into something magical that I can create, however imperfectly.
3. Repetition Enhances Skill, Even If Perfection Remains Elusive
It surprises me how practicing a skill repeatedly leads to improvement. While this concept is straightforward, it had slipped my mind. Many tasks I perform—like typing or rolling out dough—have become second nature to me over the years. The learning process can be frustrating, yet it’s exhilarating. As I practice “Amazing Grace,” I find that each session makes the piece smoother and more natural, transitioning from mere exercise to something deeply meaningful.
4. Acknowledging My Age Can Be Humbling
Learning a new song can take me an eternity. My mind feels sluggish, while my fingers seem to lag even more. I find myself verbally guiding my fingers through each movement, almost like a parent instructing a child. The thought of mastering the pedal is daunting, as it would complicate things further. What truly underscores my age is the realization that I may not have enough time left to reach a high level of proficiency. According to Malcolm Gladwell, it takes about 10,000 hours to achieve expertise, and at my current pace, I’d be celebrating my 95th birthday before I could call myself a great pianist.
5. Aging Might Not Be As Dismal As It Seems
While sitting at the piano, I find myself immersed in trying to perfect a few measures. I repeat them, each time getting closer to the intended sound, only to stumble again. Through this process, I become so focused that everything else fades away—my long to-do list, unfulfilled dreams, and even the regret of not starting lessons decades earlier. Whether I’m 25 or 80, in those moments, I lose track of time and find solace in the music I’m creating.
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Summary
Taking piano lessons at 40 has taught me valuable lessons about embracing imperfection, the magic of music, the benefits of practice, the realities of aging, and finding joy in the present moment. Despite the challenges, the experience is rewarding and transformative.
Keyphrase: Learning piano at 40
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