Don't Learn the Piano Until You're 21!

New Zealand Listener, Volume 15, Issue 374, 23 August 1946, Page 22

Don't Learn the Piano Until You're 21!

(Written for "The Listener" by

PAUL D. L.

Von STURMER

S reported in the issue of The Listener of August 2, 1946, the eminent piariist, Solo‘mon, with all the wisdom of his namesake, states that he would never let a child of his be’ an infant prodigy. If I may be permitted to speak in the same breath as Solomon, I should like to take the matter a step further, and say that a child should not be allowed to learn the piano at all. The choice of whether or not to take up# lessons should be left ‘to such child when he or she is grown up. How often have I heard these words: | ey wish I could play the piano," with the usual addition "Of course I learnt when I was young, but I couldn’t play @ note now to save my life." Little does such a person realise that it was probably through learning music too early that he or she has irrevocably lost that precious gift. On the other hand, one who, being over the age of 21, starts taking music lessons, almost invariably ‘retains until death the ability thereby acquired. * % * A mature intellect is a prerequisite ‘to the true appreciation of music. A child may -go through the motions of producing music, but the result is often meaningless to the player, and what is meaningless is soon forgotten. How many of us, at school, regarded with loathing the works of Shakespeare. Years later we may have reluctantly or accidentally dipped into one-of his plays. What a world of majesty and beauty is opened to us! Our ageing is the orily miracle that has transformed the stodgy drivel into a masterwork of delight. So it is with the understanding of music? Further, the grind of practising the piano places an intolerable burden on immature brains and immature fingers. The monotony of practising brings an unnatural note into my idea of a normal, happy childhood. Why, then, do parents insist that young Bill, or (more usually) young Helen learn to play the piano? Do they think that it is the thing to do? Or do they merely want to have on hand a performing pet to entertain visitors? a x %* To be thoroughly mercenary, we must also realise that a child has little idea of the value of money, and less idea of what its tuition fees actually cost. If the reader, over 21 and regretful of his inability to play the piano, takes

lessons, he will be paying for them himself. He will therefore make sure that he gets full benefit from the fees. Speaking mathematically, an adult undoubtedly learns the piano at least four times quicker than the average child. Tuition fees are thereby reduced at least 75 per cent. x %* * % Returning to the plaintive cry: "I wish I could play the piano!" The obvious reply to the crier is "Take lessons." There is no reason why an adult who is musically inclined should not play the piano. There is no magic about it-only hard work. And there is no age limit. _ Julius Caesar (no, I’m not being irrelevant) did not take up soldiering until he was 40. The most colourful figure in New Zealand’s legal history, Mr Justice Alpers, did not practise law until he was 40, Similarly, many eminent pianists did not start learning the piano until they were the wrong side of 40. Your fingers may be stiff, but a few well-chosen exercises will loosen them. And you will have that strength, the’ lack of which severely restricts the child’s repertoire. x a Bg So don’t envy the pianist-start learn- ing to play the piano yourself. Always remember that music is a safety-valve for the outlet of emotions. It offers blessed relaxation and boundless joy to those who desire it. It satisfies an undoubted need in our being-and immeasurably more so when we ourselves are making the music. Don’t deny yourself this boon on the ground of age or lack of previous training. Music is not, and should not be, the exclusive domain of the young. I wonder if music teachers and pianodealers will pay me a commission for the above exhortation. Solemn thought. But I cannot dwell on this aspect-I must go back to my practice.