I am 27 now. I want to learn Piano. I had this urge right from my childhood but due to my financial position, i was not able to learn. I like classical music. Is it OK to start at the age of 27? Is it possible to learn the basics of piano playing from books and online lessons?

Weblinks to piano learning is very much appreciated.

Also, can you please suggest me, what kind of keyboard i need to buy. I am looking for a keyboard which is less than $500. Please help.

I don't want to discourage you or sound negative and pessimistic, but it is considerably more difficult to learn from scratch at such an age. I speak from experience when I say this.

My parents forced me into piano lessons when I was 10 and even against my will I was playing Beethoven sonatas and Bach fugues by age 13. I stopped playing almost completely when I went to the university at age 17 and it wasn't until age 24 that I developed a serious interest to play again. I'm now 26 and I'm still relearning what I knew back then and I find it hard to learn and memorize new pieces now.

Playing the piano, or any instrument for that matter, is like learning a language, I believe. The younger you are, the easier it is. I noticed this when I taught begginer piano to 4 and 5 yearl olds. I'm not sayin that it's impossible, but it won't be as easy as it would've been for you at a younger age.

Also, GET YOURSELF A TEACHER. If for even 6 months. A teacher is essential to learn how to read, to phrase, and to interpret music. A teacher will also exemplify your mistakes and will know what you need to concentrate on. Make sure you find a serious teacher, one that concentrates your first weeks on theory, technique, and other basics like scales and arpeggios. DO NOT GET A TEACHER THAT WILL JUST TEACH YOU PIECES! You won't learn much if you only learn one song here and another one there.

As for keyboard, try to get one with weighted keys. That's essential to build up your stamina and finger strength. When I started playing again 2 years ago I made the mistake of buying a keyboard with light keys and now that I upgraded to a digital piano with weighted keys I'm having difficulty getting through some compositions because my arms and fingers get tired.

I don't know what model to recommend you but whatever keyboard you buy, make sure that it's at least 4 octaves in length. If you don't know what an octave is then count all the keys, white and black, and make sure that there are at least 48.

Learning on your own is not impossible, but you need guidance. You can't start off by reading Shakespeare but you also can't read Dr. Seuss for ever. A teacher will know when you're ready for new things.

I wish you the best of luck and patience.

yes you can learn how to play the piano at that age. However, find yourself a teacher! It will help you much more than by trying to teach yourself. Make sure, though, that your teacher is a good one.

There are not many high quality keyboards for $500, look on eBay and see what you can get for that amount: Rolands and Yamahas are pretty good. Too bad you cannot afford to purchase an accustic piano. But I understand because I too cannot (nor can my family) afford a $10,000 piano or even anything less than that. It is an expensive hobby, with a heavy upfront cost, but I tell you truthfully that no matter what you will find playing music to be very enjoyable, regardless if it is simple music or the most complex of pieces.

Hi guys,

I really value your words. I searched for some Piano teachers in my area and found a good and reputed one. Affordable too.

Now, I need which instrument to buy. I was thinking about one of the following 2 instruments. Please advise me.

Yamaha YPG 525 - http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D65197%252526CTID%25253D205200,00.html
Yamaha P70 - http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0%2C%2CCNTID%2525253D63175%2C00.html.

I did review a lot of options. I am not very much sure which features are to neglect and which are to be taken mandatory.

The product review says that YPG 525 has lightly weighted piano-style keys and P70 has Granded Hammer Standard keyboard. P70 has very simple nad basic features with no display and YPG has some extra features like record and playback, USB and midi connectivity. I am only concerned on the keys with YPG 525. Please advise.

I would look at the P70 if I were you if only it has a sustain pedal! It is senseless to have a keyboard without a sustain pedal because you will not be able to play 99% of the music effectively.

Also, go for they keyboard with the weighted keys, this is important because it helps with finger strength.

Lastly, try out the keyboards in person, if you can, and determine which one sounds, looks, and feels better. Don't buy a $500+ keyboard without testing it first. So as to avoid any disappointments.

Hope this helps.
-JG

I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. I was a bit wayward with confused ideas. Yamaha P70 spec says it has a sustain pedal. http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D63175%252526CTID%25253D205900%252526ATRID%25253D20%252526DETYP%25253DATTRIBUTE,00.html

Can I go for P70 as my first option. Your thoughts please.

I will go in the store and try them before buying.

Hi JG,

With all the factors you mentioned, I found and going to go for Yamaha P70. Thank you for your time and advice.

Looks like a good digital keyboard. I hope you will have an opprotunity to record some of your playing and share it with the forum.

Hey JG,

That means a lot to me. Thank you of your time and support. I will keep pinging this forum.

Vijay