Playing the Piano for Life
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- daisybun
- mireda
- Jausten
- mireda
- daisybun
- mireda
This archived discussion is "read only".
» daisybun - The motivation factor
It's so true that without Mom and Dad in the picture that 'trying to please them' motive just isn't there. I played for years after moving from home in Vegas lounges and, of course, the motivation there was to make a good living, which I did. Now that I've retired, I seldom even glance in the direction of the Grand. I'm sure it doesn't help that we put the piano in the same room as the tv.-- posted by daisybun
» mireda - Re: The Motivation Factor
My piano is in the same room as the TV, just like yours. Funny, isn't it, how our feelings about playing and practicing change.I try to set aside special time with my husband to play together on the weekends - just pieces that he and I like to play. Not the music we're practicing for the groups we're in. It's really nice once we get started playing. It just reminds us how much we love it.
Jana (mireda)
-- posted by mireda
» Jausten - Motivation
I took lessons for a year when I was 12, and then quit. I returned to the piano when I was 18 and in college but couldn't keep up with the practicing and studying at the same time. After I married and had children, I saved money and bought myself a piano. I tried to motivate myself to practice, but it was difficult until a few years ago. All three of my children did take lessons, but I began lessons several years ago just to make myself accountable to someone. After playing what I wanted for a few years and only taking two lessons a month, I finally decided to get serious. I took my first Royal Conservatory of Music exam in 1999 and it was a grade 5. I've taken all the theory exams now, and just completed my grade 7. Having a teacher, playing with other adult learners, and also playing duets with my daughter who is working towards her degree in music definitely helps. I was my teacher's student of the year for 2000, and it shows that we're never too old to go back to something that we loved.Cynthia
-- posted by Jausten
» daisybun - Making time
I think that you hit on the key to this when you said you set aside time on the weekend to play with your husband.When I was going through school, I'd get out of school at 3:30 and get home. I'd grab a snack and then out to the living room to practice for an hour at 4:00 sharp.
There was a designated time that practice was done. Now it's ***IF*** I get time. Practicing back then came before even homework.
-- posted by daisybun
» mireda - re: changes in priorities
I can really relate to that. Isn't it interesting how priorities change! Music helps keep me sane -- it has so much value (intangible) you can't even put it into words, and yet, sometimes we think that other, mundane things are more important....-- posted by mireda
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