Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. Today, we’re tackling a question that’s on the minds of many musicians as they get older: Can you be too old to play the piano? This came up in a heartfelt note from Frank, a musician in his 60s who has some concerns about arthritis in his hands and his eyesight. He’s wondering how aging might affect his playing, and if there’s a point when one is “too old” to play.
Challenges Faced by Aging Pianists
Many pianists, like Frank, understandably wonder how aging will impact their ability to play. Physical conditions, like arthritis, are common concerns, and it’s true that as we age, some aspects of playing can become challenging. Yet, look at the legendary careers of pianists like Horowitz and Rubinstein, who continued to perform into their 80s with brilliance! Of course, each person’s experience is unique. For example, one of my students, recovering from a stroke, found that piano practice was a vital part of her therapy, helping to rebuild strength and coordination.
That said, certain physical limitations, such as severe arthritis or pain, might make playing more difficult—or even impossible at times. It’s crucial to be aware of your physical limitations and adjust as necessary.
Listening to Your Body
Physical health considerations aren’t limited to aging. Tendonitis and other overuse injuries can impact younger musicians as well. I remember my uncle’s wife, the principal flutist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, having to take an extended break due to tendonitis. The important thing at any age is to listen to your body and take breaks when needed to prevent long-term damage.
Keeping Your Brain Sharp with Music<\strong>
Aside from the physical benefits, piano playing offers significant cognitive benefits. Like a muscle, your brain grows stronger with use. Learning and playing the piano stimulate various mental functions, including memory, concentration, and hand-eye coordination. This mental exercise makes piano a fantastic pursuit at any age.
The Beauty of Maturity in Performance
Interestingly, as musicians age, many embrace a more introspective and measured approach to playing. While physical changes might lead to slightly slower tempos, there’s often an added depth and maturity that infuses their performances. This nuanced, heartfelt playing style can bring out the poetry and emotion in music like never before.
A Lifelong Passion
My advice? If you love the piano, keep playing as long as you can! Unless you’re experiencing significant pain, there’s every reason to continue enjoying the music. Personally, I plan to play for as long as possible, and I know many of you feel the same. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Drop a comment here at LivingPianos.com or on YouTube!
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11 thoughts on “Can You Be Too Old to Play the Piano?”
I am a piano teacher and I am 81 years old. I find that I enjoy practicing more now than at any other time in my life. I have a student who started lessons at age 81. She is now 90 and still taking lessons virtually. She has made great progress, and although she will never be able to play the pieces up to speed, she considers taking her lessons and practicing a very important part of her life. She thinks that it is great for her cognitive health as well.
One of the best ever performances I heard on TV, was Claudio Arrau on his 80th birthday playing the Emperor Concerto! He is still my favorite pianist!
Some of the young pianista I hear seems to be racing in a Formula 1 car race and sometime the melody of the piece is lost!
Listen to Horszowski at nearly 100 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bgaj8w9yeg&t=245s&ab_channel=Pawe%C5%82Rybkowski
I loved the skeleton hand as an introduction to your commentary 😊
I started playing piano 5 years ago at age 70. My playing and sight reading are slow. Still, I enjoy the he beautiful chords and melodies even an oldster can create on a piano. I practice 1+hour a day and time flies. Thank you for your encouragement.
Good for you—glad you’re enjoying it!
I started piano lessons from scratch at age 69, wanted to see how far I could go at my age. I take one lesson a week via Facetime, with a teacher who is very attuned to physical ability and not overtaxing my joint stressed hands. I completed ABRSM Grade 3 thanks to her and somehow managed to bag a Merit. Now working on Grade 4, Pescetti’s Presto and
Grieg, other pieces TBD. Presto is frisky and my RH sometimes trips but am getting there. Sometimes I cannot believe how far I have come. One is never too old to try.
“Interestingly, as musicians age, many embrace a more introspective and measured approach to playing. While physical changes might lead to slightly slower tempos, there’s often an added depth and maturity that infuses their performances. This nuanced, heartfelt playing style can bring out the poetry and emotion in music like never before.”
Two examples.
Artur Rubinstein
Claudio Arrau
I also have no signs of arthritis and at the age of 76, I’m playing more advanced Chopin pieces that I couldn’t play 10 years ago. I believe that the more you play at any age you will always see improvement!
I’m 75, teach piano, and fortunately have no sign of arthritis.
One point you didn’t mention – I find that when I sight read difficult music my brain cannot take in the left hand note changes as quickly as I used to, along with the right hand notes at the same time. I’ve always been an excellent sight reader, but I must not sight read at full speed like I used to.
I’m counting on my brain not getting any worse.
The good news is that playing the piano helps keep your brain sharp!
If your brain is sharp, can you still play pieces written in flats? 😉