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Adults taking piano lessons in Singapore

Can an Adult Learn Piano?

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Can an Adult Learn Piano?

The question is not “Can an adult learn piano?” It is about the challenges and benefits. Based on our decade of experience as a music school in Singapore, we can confidently address this age-old question. So if you are an adult looking for some answers, let’s dive in and get you sorted out.

Adults taking piano lessons in Singapore

Singapore Uncle playing the piano

Why do Adults want to Learn the Piano?

It is on most adults’ bucket list to learn the piano. The reason for learning can vary quite a bit! Based on our experience offering piano lessons in Singapore, here is a list of reasons.

  • They believe learning the piano can help them shift their focus and reduce stress.
  • Learning the piano feels like an excellent workout for their stiffening fingers.
  • It can help fight dementia.
  • Piano music is too beautiful and listening to it is not enough.
  • Something they could not afford time and money to learn when they were younger.

Our perspectives shift as we move through different stages of life. While understanding why we should learn to play the piano is important, it’s often not enough. Starting something new requires courage, discipline, and determination. Many people worry about the possibility of failure and wasting their time, even before giving it a try. Whatever your reason for hesitating, we’re here to support you. Let us share the inspiring story of an adult who took the leap of faith to learn the piano with us. We will also explore the benefits of embarking on this piano journey.

Encik, the adult piano student who became our inspiration!

James, or Encik as we affectionately call him, is one of our most dedicated adult piano students. Even though he has been with us for many years, his passion for music continues to inspire everyone around him. Despite being surrounded by younger students, he never finds it awkward to share the stage with them. He embraces every performance opportunity with confidence and enthusiasm. He works tirelessly on his pieces and always striving for excellence! His commitment shines through in every performance. His hard work and unwavering determination set a wonderful example for our entire music school, proving that the love of music transcends age.
James is the best example of how an adult benefited from learning the piano. As an adult, he understands the true meaning of practicing, is able to plan his schedule well, and has discipline. In short, adults can see the bigger picture that children simply can’t process. Adults also have more learning experiences to help them apply it to their piano lessons, ensuring they benefit the most from every lesson.

piano lessons relief stress

What can an Adult benefit from taking Piano Lessons?

One of the most rewarding benefits is finally being able to check off the goal of “I can play the piano.” Overall, learning the piano as an adult can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that enhances both mental and emotional well-being.

  • Stress Relief: Playing the piano can be a therapeutic escape from daily stress, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Musicians love being “in the zone” during their practice sessions. It is a feeling where the world around you seemingly disappears, time is irrelevant and every note you play creates a blissful experience.
  • Cognitive Improvement: Learning music enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and overall brain function, as it engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. Playing a musical instrument, like Mahjong, has the benefit of fighting dementia.
  • Improved Focus and Patience: Practicing piano requires concentration and patience, fostering a sense of discipline and mindfulness that can be applied to other areas of life. It also develops our sense of humility, enhancing our humbleness and helping us improve.
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Mastering a new skill brings a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance, especially when performing for others or achieving personal milestones. Most of our students feel a sense of achievement after they take the stage during our annual recital. They feel very good about themselves!
  • Creative Expression: Playing the piano allows adults to express emotions and creativity, offering a fulfilling and enjoyable way to communicate through music.
  • Enhanced Coordination: Similar to certain types of computer games, piano playing improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are beneficial in maintaining dexterity as one ages. The spider-sense in us deteriorates as we age, we must sharpen it through various activities, and piano playing ranks at the top of the list.
  • Social Opportunities: Joining recitals or group classes can open up social connections with others who share a passion for music, building a supportive community. Like James, many of our students made new friends through various events. Such opportunities reinforce the first benefit of our list, stress relief!

Conclusion on piano lessons for adult

If you are ready for all these benefits, we are here to assist you with your piano lessons. If you need something better than a chat, take a Trial Lesson with us! Regardless, we would like to share that it is a wonderful experience to be able to play the piano. The joy of music creation is hard to describe but it keeps us happy.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Alternatives to ABRSM for piano lessons in Singapore

Alternatives to ABRSM

By Music Articles No Comments

Alternatives to ABRSM

As a music school in Singapore, we are often asked about the alternatives to ABRSM for piano lessons. The common reason why parents are less keen on sending their child to classical piano is usually because it is irrelevant. At face value, piano lessons are about the ability to play beautiful classical pieces. But if we dive deeper, the benefits that come along are reasons why classical pieces are still very relevant. However, we shall leave those in our next article and focus on the alternatives to ARBSM today.

 

Some examples of ABRSM alternatives

Before we share more about the available alternatives to ARBSM, do take a look at what our students have put up. The Vinnie Classroom Piano Series  is a series of performances done by our students using songs from the ANZCA syllabus. As shown in the videos, students were enjoying their lessons and excited to share what they can do on the piano. As music teachers, it is important for us to keep out students motivated, a good syllabus definitely makes it easier. More on ANZCA later this article.

List of Piano Syllabus available in Singapore

To help with your research, here is a list of piano syllabi offered by music schools in Singapore with piano lessons.

Broadly speaking, every music school in Singapore can create its syllabus. Yamaha is one example where they have their in-house syllabus that is not related to any others on this list. The question should be about why we choose one syllabus from another.

Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts (ANZCA)

One of the most well-established alternatives to ABRSM is ANZCA. ANZCA’s music exams offer a broad range of options for musicians of all levels. Their repertoire includes genre such as blues, jazz and pop!

  • Wide Genre Options: ANZCA allows students to choose from a wider variety of pieces, offering more flexibility in exploring different genres and styles.
  • Performance-Oriented: ANZCA uses pieces that are often more upbeat and modern, setting students up to be performance-oriented.

Piano Lessons in Singapore have changed drastically!

In our previous article, we shared how Piano lessons in Singapore have changed drastically. In the article, we focus on how ANZCA benefited our piano lessons.

Trinity College London (TCL)

One of the most well-established alternatives to ABRSM is Trinity College London. What sets Trinity apart is its flexibility in exam repertoire and the ability to focus more on practical skills than theory for some students.

  • Repertoire Freedom: Trinity allows students to choose from a wider variety of pieces, offering more flexibility.
  • Performance-Oriented: Trinity places greater emphasis on musicality and performance, allowing students to express themselves through their playing.
  • Rock & Pop Exams: In addition to classical exams, Trinity offers Rock & Pop assessments for students who are more inclined toward contemporary genres. This includes vocals, guitar, drums, and more.

London College of Music Examinations (LCME)

London College of Music Examinations (LCME), part of the University of West London, provides another highly regarded alternative. LCME’s exams are recognized internationally and cover a broad spectrum of musical disciplines.

  • Comprehensive Subject Choices: LCME also offers contemporary music, music technology, and even composition.
  • Digital Exams: LCME has embraced modern technology by offering online and recorded assessment options. This makes it easier for students to take exams remotely.
  • Flexible Syllabus: The LCME syllabus is designed to be flexible, catering to different learning paces and preferences. Students can mix classical and contemporary pieces to reflect their individual music journeys.

Rockschool (RSL)

For students with a passion for contemporary music styles like rock, pop, and metal, Rockschool (RSL) is an excellent choice. Specializing in graded exams for popular music instruments like guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and piano, Rockschool offers an exciting alternative to the more traditional classical path.

  • Pop & Rock Focus: With its focus on genres that are more popular in today’s music scene, Rockschool’s syllabus caters to students looking to learn and perform contemporary music.
  • Skills Beyond Playing: RSL exams emphasize broader musical skills, such as improvisation, composition, and playing in bands, which are essential for many professional musicians today.
  • Accessible Learning: Rockschool is ideal for students who may not connect as deeply with classical music but still want to achieve measurable musical progress.

Conclusion on Alternatives to ABRSM

Do we actually need any alternatives to ABRSM? The answer is largely based on how you want your piano lessons to be. In Singapore, we are pampered with the wide options available for music lessons! Choice overloading is a real situation, it is a cognitive impairment.  It often leads us to lesser confidence, greater regrets, and overall dissatisfaction. So while nothing is conclusive, we hope our article helped shed some lights on the options on your plate.

Talk to us, we are here to help. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂