Do you think start learning piano at age 18 can still play really well? i have n

Question:It's never too late. I started taking lessons at age 15. And don't worry about not being able to read music yet. It's all Greek to you just at first, but you have to remember that there's a pattern to it. Start slowly--don't expect too much of yourself, or you'll set yourself up for failure (My father once bought a banjo, and the first thing he tried to play was "Rocky Top." He got it to half speed after intense practice, and gave up). Just remember that you won't play anything perfectly the first time you lay eyes on it--my piano teacher would assign one piece per week, and even if I practiced hard, she might have to reassign the harder songs. And I was supposedly one of her "star pupils"! What happens is, you develop what's called "finger memory"--after a while you don't have to read the music note for note, because your fingers get used to just how they're supposed to hit the keys, and you only use the sheet music to keep your place. Good luck, and remember that you're never too old to start something new--Grandma Moses started painting at age 80!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It's never too late. I started taking lessons at age 15. And don't worry about not being able to read music yet. It's all Greek to you just at first, but you have to remember that there's a pattern to it. Start slowly--don't expect too much of yourself, or you'll set yourself up for failure (My father once bought a banjo, and the first thing he tried to play was "Rocky Top." He got it to half speed after intense practice, and gave up). Just remember that you won't play anything perfectly the first time you lay eyes on it--my piano teacher would assign one piece per week, and even if I practiced hard, she might have to reassign the harder songs. And I was supposedly one of her "star pupils"! What happens is, you develop what's called "finger memory"--after a while you don't have to read the music note for note, because your fingers get used to just how they're supposed to hit the keys, and you only use the sheet music to keep your place. Good luck, and remember that you're never too old to start something new--Grandma Moses started painting at age 80!

If you prefer sheet music rather than classical beginner's books, it is not that hard. You'll have a melody line (right hand) and chord symbols (left hand.) It's possible you can do this without a teacher. There are music books that explain all of this. The whole process will be fun and sometimes frustrating, but stay with it... don't give up !
Barnes and Noble I believe carry such books.

cross gave some good advice. I would look specifically for someone who teaches adult beginners. They understand the unique set of frsutrations you may bring to the table and how best to help you get over those obstacles. There are specific techniques for that so don't even worry about it. Call a few local teachers and ask them about it and don't hesitate to look in your local community class booklet as well. I know I saw a teacher advertising instruction specifically for adult beginners...

Hey, if a 4 year old can do it, so can you!

best of luck!
Marianne