Many adults took piano lessons as children, stopped at some point, and think about it ever since. If you want to start playing piano again after quitting as a child, you are in good company, and you have more going for you now than you probably remember.
What is different now
- You choose the music. Nobody hands you the next exercise.
- There are no exams, no recitals and nobody watching.
- You understand why you practise, and you can stop when it stops being fun.
- You already know a great deal about how music works.
Old baggage
A strict teacher, endless scales, the fear of a recital: these memories can make the piano feel like a place of pressure. Name them, then leave them behind. The piano in your living room today has no teacher in it.
A gentle first week
- Day 1: sit down, play whatever you remember, even five notes.
- Days 2 and 3: choose one simple piece you like and read the first line slowly.
- Days 4 and 5: play the first two lines, one hand at a time.
- Days 6 and 7: play what you have learned with both hands, slowly, and enjoy it.
What to do with the old books
You can use them, but you do not have to. Many returning players prefer to start from music they chose themselves, rather than the exercise book of their childhood.
Choose your first pieces
Pick music you would be glad to hear yourself play: a lullaby, a folk tune, a slow classical piece. Short and slow is fine. Your first goal is to enjoy the sound of your own hands, not to impress anyone.
Common worries
- My hands feel stiff: play slowly for a few minutes, and take breaks.
- I forgot everything: you will remember more than you expect, and the rest returns quickly.
- I am too old: adults of every age take up the piano, and many play for decades.
Reading is easier than you remember
If notes were the part you hated, there is a reason: decoding sharps and flats is slow even for good readers. In iCanPiano Style the note itself shows the black key, so the page asks less of you.
- F sharp: right half black. Play the black key to the right of F.
- B flat: left half black. Play the black key to the left of B.
- B natural: no natural sign. A note that is all black or all white is played on a white key.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start playing again after quitting as a child?
Yes. Many adults return to the piano after years, and you start with more understanding than you had as a child.
How much will I remember?
It varies. Often the hand position, the feeling for rhythm and some familiar pieces come back first.
Do I need a teacher to start again?
Not necessarily. Many returners start on their own with short sessions, and add a teacher or a group later if they want one.