It’s been almost a year and a half since I shared my very first blog post on my piano journey. So much in life has changed but my passion for piano has stayed the same. When I look back on my first group class and flip through pages of our lesson book, it’s hard to believe how much I’ve learned along the way. More importantly, what can be achieved with some hard work and dedication. It’s been quite the journey and I figured it was time for a quick update.
Over the last 12 months, I transitioned to private piano lessons. Although COVID initially made that decision for me, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Through private lessons, I have learned a great deal about myself and have truly found comfort in learning piano. I mentioned in my initial post that I had no musical inclination growing up. Although interactive group sessions were fun, as a true beginner, I found myself struggling and constantly comparing myself to others who seemed to learn quicker. Comparing is not only dangerous but can be detrimental physically, emotionally and on your ability to learn. What felt natural to so many felt foreign to me. I am a perfectionist and my own biggest critic but through private lessons, I have learned that it is okay to not succeed at every lesson and with every song. It is okay to ask the same question more than once and embrace that you still may never understand the answer. All of this is okay because what’s most important is that you try and continue to try even when you fail. Piano has taught me patience but on a different level. As a doctor, I am accustomed to practicing patience with my patients in order to build trust. But piano has taught me to have patience with myself and to trust the process. Through my medical training, hard work and commitment have been two key components to succeed, but I’ve learned through this journey that any hobby or passion requires the same ingredients. Anything in life truly worth having requires some amount of effort to maintain. When you achieve your goals, it makes every second worth it. Although I have a long road ahead, I think back to my first lesson and can’t believe how far I have come today. I may never be a pianist but what I learn during every lesson and practice session is new, exciting and something I hope to continue to build upon forever.
So the moral of this journey? Don’t be afraid to try something new. I started piano lessons in my thirties and for anyone wanting to start a new hobby, transition to a new career, move across the country for a fresh start, I challenge you to take that chance and make it happen. If you try it and decide it’s not for you, move on to the next. By keeping an open heart and mind, you never know what opportunity may come your way or what hobby may become a lifelong passion.
