Sunday, August 18, 2013

Piano Instruction For All Ages

By Helga Stokes


Most people at one time or another have been guilty of uttering the phrase, "I wish that I could play a musical instrument". Some people have actually done something about their wishes, and have learnt how to play an instrument. The way in which they have gone about this has varied, some have used programmes on the internet, and some have taken lessons, such as those who have taken piano instruction.

This practice was more prevalent a few decades ago, and countless children went for weekly lessons. If anyone wishes to learn an instrument there are a lot more choices in how to do so. It has to be said that the best way is still to use a teacher, at least you will be assured that you will not be getting into bad habits right from the start.

As people began to have more leisure time there was a tendency for children to start avoiding lessons. Thankfully during the eighties there was an upsurge in those wanting to learn. This was largely due to the style of music people were listening to. This was the era of electronica, which had an emphasis on keyboards and synthesizers.

Children being children wanted to emulate their musical idols, in much the same way as their parents did. However for a long time people have been learning how to play. Just consider the early church meetings with bellows powered organs, or scenes from black and white films.

There were many historical Christmassy type films in this medium, and the majority depicted a family gathering round the piano as someone played carols and other festive songs. Think of films depicting times of austerity and hardship, similar scenarios were depicted in those too. Many people do not aspire to become concert standard but they do like to be able to play a recognisable tune.

Even the old traditional English pubs used to have pianos for customers to play. If there was a good pianist they would have their drinks bought for them for as long as they were supplying the tunes for people to sing along to. Nowadays any form of musical instrument is a rare sight in an English pub.

There are certain institutions where you can often see pianos being played. Quite often if you venture into a residential home for the elderly you will see one there in the communal areas. Although they might be elderly they still enjoy a good sing song. Maybe it does remind them of their younger days.

The elderly pianist is often very lucky as they still retain the suppleness in their hands and fingers. Many of their co-residents will be suffering with arthritis in their hands and fingers. Maybe the pianist has managed to avoid this ailment by constantly using their hands.

It would be impossible to state that anyone undergoing piano instruction would manage to avoid arthritis. However you will get plenty of fun and enjoyment along the way. You might end up being concert standard, part of a band or just entertainment at family gatherings. The last option doesn't sound too bad.




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