In our results-focused society, the first question many parents (and students) ask is, “how long will it take to learn this instrument?” Some instruments may appear more complex than others, but once your student starts studying, you’ll find there’s a lot to learn and enjoy.
Of course, if you’re an adult taking piano lessons, you may be more concerned with not sounding like your 10-year-old niece. Your teacher will help guide you to meet your musical goals and if you approach it with a beginner’s mind, you’ll see progress in every lesson.
The “10,000 Hour Rule:” Fact or Fiction?
In writing his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell learned many success stories didn’t come about until after 10 years of practice and study. However, this rule seems to apply most closely to classical musicians, surgeons, chess players, and other professions that have defined rules with repeatable actions. If your student starts playing the piano at 5 or 6, and consistently practices, they typically play advanced-level pieces by 16 years old.
While practice is definitely the “secret to success” for all musicians, you or your child can play confidently no matter how many years you have put into the instrument. When you practice a variety of musical styles, you can improve quickly in one area with room to grow in others. This also keeps things interesting while you work towards more advanced goals.
Consider your musical goals
A good teacher will give each student the tools they need to perform at their best in every recital. However, if your goal is to play keys in a band, the instruction will look different from more classical piano. At Architekt Music Academy, we always teach the fundamentals while making sure you’re meeting your own goals. By discussing your goals, we’ll know better whether to primarily focus on note-reading or teaching you the improvisation techniques required to perform with your band.
All teachers will tell you it takes time, specifically years, to become proficient in an instrument, but if you practice regularly you can “speed up” the process and be proud of your accomplishments. It’s about the journey, not the destination!
What about “naturally gifted” students?
Even students who seem to pick up music easily or naturally have the correct hand positions on an instrument need to work hard to improve their skills. All children have different interests, and your student may actually enjoy music and practice time more than other activities. These students progress more quickly, and outside observers may attribute the progress to talent, but you know your child sits with their instrument every day!
Students who pick up an instrument quickly at first sometimes become discouraged when new skills start to get challenging. Discuss this discouragement with the teacher -- sometimes the solution is simply more practice, but they may be able to teach the technique through a student’s favorite song to provide motivation.
You’ll never know everything
Just when they think they’ve mastered one technique, music students find another area to learn and grow. For example, a classical musician could benefit from improvisation training, and jazz pianists usually need to develop note-reading because they rely on their ear.
After many years of lessons and practice, a student will feel comfortable and confident with their instrument. But the great benefit of music is in its lifelong pursuit. Even when your child has played for 10 years, they can still find enjoyment in new skills, styles of music, or ensemble performances as they get older.
