We’ve said it before… it’s never too late to sign up for music lessons! In fact, taking music lessons as an adult has many advantages. And in turn, these students inspire our teachers! Check out Citrus Heights, CA teacher Jenny G.‘s story…
There’s a saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I’ve never liked that expression, because most people don’t like being referred to as an “old dog!” However, I’ve also had plenty of proof that you CAN teach older students!
In most of my 20 years as a private voice and piano teacher, I have taught younger students. I have taught piano students ages five and up, and I have mainly worked with middle- and high school-aged voice students. I LOVE working with this age group, and I feel extremely happy and comfortable working with kids.
Lately, I have been increasing my hours of availability in my studio, and with that, I have had a huge increase in adult students. My adult students range from college age into their 50s and 60s. I have taught students in their 70s and 80s in the past, as well. In spite of age, obligations, and other limitations, these students are pursuing music, and it really inspires me.
One of my students in her 50s has been with me for a few years. She is a professional nurse, but she just loves singing and dancing, and keeps active in those activities. Another student used to be a highly active singer and took years of lessons, but as she pursued advanced degrees in addition to marriage and children, singing took a backseat. She now hopes to revive her singing and record a CD in the near future. Another recent college graduate is busy with her career as an esthetician, but she used to sing and play piano in high school, and she feels the need to continue her interest and improve her abilities.
Not all of my adult students come from a background of experience, though. Some have come to me with little to no experience, but something has brought them to music at this time in their lives. One student has been playing guitar recreationally for some time, and he just wants to improve his voice so that he can also sing comfortably and confidently. Another mom of two has enjoyed singing in church and would like to join the choir, but she is aware of some vocal problems she has and wants to work on correcting them. Another woman sang briefly with a choir that was put together at her workplace, and she realized that this could be a real source of joy and comfort in her life.
I can’t tell you how honored and humbled I am to be able to work with these students. How exciting it is to be able to help introduce people to singing and piano, or to help them reach goals they had only dreamed of before! In most cases, these students are older than I am, and this inspires me in my own life. I hope that I will be brave enough and have the energy to try something new and pursue goals or dreams in my later life. If you have always wanted to have music in your life, I encourage you to go for it, no matter what age you are!
Jenny G. teaches piano, singing, Broadway singing, music theory and opera voice lessons in Citrus Heights, CA. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music from San Jose State University, and joined the TakeLessons team in February 2013. Learn more about Jenny, or search for a teacher near you!
Photo by Kyle Monahan
Suzy S.