Learn to Love Messy Piano Progress (You’re Not Failing)

One of the main reasons piano students give up is because they feel like they're getting nowhere no matter how hard they try, and that other people seem to find it easier. But that's really not the case.

In this video I want to help you get comfortable with the idea that piano progress is messy, never straightforward, and you should definitely not give up for that reason!

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#learnpiano #beginnerpiano #pianotutorial

[YaelEylatTanaka]

Indeed! I began to study piano at age 70, and been frustrated at my lack of progress! Your words are very reassuring. Thank you.

[ajdup]

I am 63yrs old and just started my piano playing journey a few months ago. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, I am very passionate about my journey and will NEVER give up. If i keep steady progress I know that in a few years time i will be able to play my favourite classical pieces that i love so much. It is people like you that make this all possible. Thank you so much.

[goettling]

Quitting has entered my mind, but then I work on a new piece and I'm in love with the piano again. It is the joy I get out of playing and tackling more challenging pieces that keeps me going. Thank you so much for your encouraging words.

[markmokris]

There is so much wisdom in this video. This crystallizes perfectly my experience at the piano!

[vivianamarcellah]

Thank you Leah, happy to see you back. Not only your e-mail about going back in time gave me the reassurance I needed but also your video. Your explanation described me to a T! However, as disheartened as I sometimes feel, I never stop practicing. I do make it a point to sit at the piano, no matter if I am dead tired after a hard day even it is only to play scales. I also see that I am not the only one struggling. To my fellow piano lovers I can only say, keep persevering, we will overcome!

[Sandy-wenw]

Thankyou. I am passionate about the piano. But I often feel
Like I’m not making any real progress. This short video appeared on my screen at just the right time. Your words are always encouraging. I am 70 years old, just retired and still longing to play well. It is so helpful to find someone who really encourages an older piano student. Thanks

[MichaelCarter]

" Make it sound like music, " my teacher said. Indeed! The simplest pieces, early Schaum books for example, can sound beautiful; I found one on YouTube

[remowo_]

Thank you. Honestly, that was the tap on the back to push me practice more by relearning the old scores that I really never understood completely

[GedLambe]

Thanks, it’s like you read my mind. 2 years into jazz piano and some days it seems insurmountable

[lshwadchuck]

Leah, I live alone in the woods and my teacher works via Skype, so feeling alone in my non-linear progress is a real thing. I can't explain how much sort of company I've gotten in the week or two since I found Shane's Piano Journey. He's a middle-aged beginner with the good fortune to be married to a piano teacher. He began a year ago and makes lots of videos of whole lessons, his performance pieces (warts and all) and his short journal-type reviews.

[kettd]

Thank you, I needed this video. One day, I feel so happy with my progress and the next day, things fall apart. But a good day, sure makes one happy (I just need more of them).

[Ja-dvth]

Thank you, this is what i needed to hear today :)

[fidelogos]

Thanks for this reminder! I do get frustrated when I can't seem to learn a new piece as quickly as I think I should. I got out my Christmas carol book recently and though I played them well last year, you'd think I'd never played them before.

[markherzog]

Leah, you clearly, sincerely care about us out here and it comes through in all of your content. I am a regularly performing flamenco guitarist in Atlanta and am an avid follower of your work and counsel and apply it to what I do. Big hugs and appreciation from the ATL!!!

[sujayasuj]

Thank you so much I needed to hear this! 😊 I have to revisit and revise whatever I tried to learn half way and quit because I had picked the harder ones as a beginner!

[vic]

In reading the comments, it's reassuring that many other adult students are having the same experiences and frustrations as I. I know one of my problems is watching people play on YouTube videos, and thinking everyone can play the piano well except me. I think learning as adults is like a double-edged sword...we get frustrated easier when we don't play something perfectly, as opposed to kids who are always learning and making mistakes is just part of the process for them. Also, and I'm speaking primarily for myself, I think I should learn and proficiently play a song after a week or two, however, most of the time it's a matter of months. On the other side, especially those who are retired, we do have more time to practice. It's funny, in watching this video, I really got the feeling you were talking to me personally, as you hit on everything I feel. Thank you.

[Cansyrian]

I needed a reminder that the progress is not linear, so truly thank you for that!

Also i agree with the "forgetting the piece part".
every day i dedicate a one to two hours of practicing a new piece and
a one hour session where i only play the pieces i know so I don't forget about them.

[unclemick-synths]

As an adult I find myself too goal-oriented but learning a musical instrument has to be process-oriented - it's not like anyone truly "finishes" learning an instrument unless they're happy to settle for a certain level of ability. It's about enjoying the journey.

[debramorgan]

I get very frustrated with my perceived lack of improvement but joining the 100xs challenge has really shown me that I am making progress. Thank you for your videos and encouragement.

[Louise-xrok]

That’s me right now, I spoke to my teacher about this just yesterday