My New Happy: It's Never Too Late To Learn

Monday, July 7, 2014

It's Never Too Late To Learn

I have always loved music, and from the time I was a little girl, I wanted to learn to play the piano.  My parents put everything they had into keeping us clothed and fed, so music lessons weren't in the budget.


That desire stuck with me until I had my own children, and as soon as I felt they were old enough to take it seriously, I enrolled the boys in piano lessons.  We rented an upright piano, and against their wishes (ah, the revenge of parenting) they have headed off every Monday to learn from Miss Kara.

When the boys started their lessons, I hatched a brilliant plan.  Since I was sitting there anyway, I would pay attention to what they were learning.  Then, while they were at school, I would practice, using their lesson books, and teach myself to play the piano right along with them.

Apparently, I'm a bit delusional.  I think I lasted about a week.  Without a teacher to correct my mistakes, and since I didn't have a lot of time to practice, my brilliant plan fizzled out.  I briefly considered signing up for my own lessons, but there just wasn't enough time left every week to fit in another visit to Miss Kara.

The boys first recital, eight years ago.

For the last eight years, I have proudly listened to my boys grow into very skilled piano players. C stopped his lessons when he graduated from high school, but T plans to continue for another few years.  He has reached a level where he will attend a few competitions, and at his most recent recital, he mastered Beethoven's Fur Elise.


All along I've told myself that giving the boys the gift of music has made up for my lack of opportunity, and it does make me extremely happy that they are getting to experience piano even though I couldn't.  

But lately, as I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself when the boys fly the nest, I keep returning to that desire to learn to play.  

Then something happened at T's recital last month that seemed like a sign.  Halfway through the program, a man named Frank made his way to the front, and we were surprised, as there has never been an adult student before.  He played his beginner piece beautifully, with a huge smile on his face.  Miss Kara told me later that he was a retired teacher in his 60's, and he had wanted to play his whole life.

If Frank can do it, why can't I?  I must admit to some lingering self doubt.  Am I too old to learn something as complicated as the piano?  Will I have the time to devote to practicing?  But then I think, if my little boys can do it, so can I.

I think I'll give Miss Kara a call this week - I've decided it's never too late to learn.

Have you learned something new later in life?  I'd love to hear about it.

23 comments:

  1. Good for you! It's never to late to learn something you always wanted to!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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  2. Go for it Lana!
    I encouraged my kids to take piano lessons very early, and purchased a piano so they could practice -- but my ulterior motive was so I could also take lessons again. They lost interest (moved on to other instruments) - but I continued lessons for several years after they did. Unfortunately, my lack of talent and guilt at not having enough time to practice eventually made me decide to stop - but I still sit down at the piano once in a while - and who knows, I might take more lessons down the road!
    My piano teacher had a number of adult students who were studying piano for the first time.
    And yes - it is never too late to learn something new... our becoming bloggers is the perfect example!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Susan. You should start playing again (I know, with all of our free time :).

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  3. Do it! When I have time- I want to learn to play a string instrument.

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  4. I didn't go to college until I was in my 30's (which seems young now). Doing so completely changed the direction of my life for the better. A year from now you will most certainly be a year older and the only thing you might regret is not trying.

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  5. I agree, you should definitely do it! My mom took piano lessons as an adult because she'd always wanted to do it. I admired her for it! I'm sure your boys would enjoy tutoring you a bit for a change, too! :)

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  6. That is excellent! I've always wanted to play piano and I took one semester in college, but sadly, that's not enough to make me even close to proficient. I have a keyboard though, and I'm determined to learn. It's a great thing for kids to learn and be able to do into adulthood.

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    1. It's been such a positive experience for the boys, so I'm sure I'd really enjoy it too.

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  7. This is a great story. I hope you do it.

    I took piano as a kid and although I can still read music okay and can stumble through some easy pieces I'd like to get back what I once had.

    We don't own a piano, so unless I can convince my husband to buy one at the next estate sale this probably won't happen.

    I think forcing ourselves to learn new things as we age ensures we stay young.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I agree with you that trying new things keeps us young - and I'm all for that!

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  8. Good for your sons! Go for it. If you don't like it you don't have to stay with it. Last year I needed an intellectual challenge so I took an intense on line course in medical coding. I figure I sharpened some gray brain cells.

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    1. Thanks Haralee! You're right - if I don't like it, I can always stop (although the boys will probably have something to say about that :)

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  9. Awwww thanks for inspiring me to go back to my roots....yes I have played the piano religiously as a child but then adulthood took over. Now that the kids are grown up, I think I might go back to it! More power to your endeavors!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    1. Thanks Rebecca. You should definitely start playing again!

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  10. I am learning to sew!! I have always wanted to do it! I am not great yet, but I love it! Go for it! Susan

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  11. I think you should go for it. How amazing will it feel in 5 years, 10 years, and the rest of the years that you did this? I have a step-cousin (in law maybe but still, I know her) who was a successful accountant. When she was 42, she realized she hated it, and went to med school of all things. Now, 10 years later, she's a doctor. And happy. So go for it.

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    1. Wow - a doctor - that's amazing! I know I won't regret it - I just need to make that call!

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