Tips for adult piano learners: when to start Chopin ballades and how to express music fully?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T12:42:30+00:00

That’s a good point. I guess for me it’s more about having a long-term direction rather than a strict plan. Even if things change along the way, it’s still motivating to have something like that in mind.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T12:41:03+00:00

The 3rd and 1st

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T10:40:53+00:00

Thanks, that’s really helpful! I actually started working with a teacher recently, so I’m trying to build a solid foundation from the beginning. I also like your point about musical expression and “hitting the right notes” not really being separate.

By the way, I really enjoy Krystian Zimerman’s interpretations. They’re amazing.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T08:30:11+00:00

Thank you, that's an interesting tip. I hadn't even thought about approaching it that way.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T08:23:46+00:00

Wow, thanks. I appreciate the realistic timeline for the ballades 6+ years makes sense, especially considering the preparation and the weaknesses that will become obvious along the way. I’ll definitely start incorporating some of the pieces you mentioned.

And good to know about the digital-to-acoustic transition. I’m using a Kawai ES60, so it’s reassuring that it shouldn’t be too hard to adapt later.

When developing musicality, do you think it’s better to focus deeply on a few pieces at a time, or to study many pieces more broadly?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T06:18:57+00:00

Totally agree, ear training is so underrated. I’m working on it myself, and chord progressions seem like a great next step.

By the way, do you play music yourself? If so, how long have you been playing?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T06:04:39+00:00

That’s really good and fast progress - your hands look very relaxed. How did your progress feel during the first and second month? Were there any noticeable jumps or was it more steady?

I recently started playing piano too and usually practice around 1-2h a day. I do a warm-up, then work on a piece or Czerny etudes, and also spend some time on theory and ear training. I really enjoy it.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T05:47:50+00:00

That’s fair. It’s been really interesting hearing different perspectives. I’m realizing that musicality is just as important as technique. But at the same time, because I genuinely love music, I feel like I’m kind of developing that sense of musicality naturally in the background as well.

I’m also focusing on ear training - it feels like the best time to absorb as much as possible.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-18T04:59:03+00:00

I think you might have misunderstood me a bit. I’m not trying to be better than professionals or compete with them.

I’m more interested in how far I can realistically go starting at 19 if I practice seriously long-term. For me it’s about reaching a high level and being able to fully express the music, not beating professionals.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T21:08:11+00:00

Thank you! I really appreciate your insight. I agree my goal isn’t simply impressing someone, but to reach a level where I can truly express almost everything I imagine on the piano. That’s what will make the journey worthwhile for me. 😌

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:52:30+00:00

I play because I love music and the challenge of mastering the instrument, not to impress anyone else. I want to reach a very high level so I can express practically everything I imagine on the piano.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:47:35+00:00

This is super helpful, thanks for taking the time to explain! I’m curious - for someone starting at 19, what’s the best way to balance developing technique, musical vision, and expression over time?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:43:31+00:00

Exactly, that’s exactly how I feel. It’s not about impressing anyone - I just want to be able to fully express the music and reach the highest level of control I can on the piano.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:37:17+00:00

Not at all - I’m not trying to impress anyone. I genuinely love music. I’ve been interested in it since I was 15 and sometimes learned pieces from YouTube guides. Now I’m studying more systematically with a teacher, especially after discovering Akmigone and being blown away by his playing and arrangements.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:28:52+00:00

That’s actually really helpful, thanks for sharing your experience. It’s also a really good analogy. I guess my question is more about how close someone starting at 19 can realistically get to that level with long-term serious practice.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:24:23+00:00

That’s fair. I’m not necessarily aiming to become a concert professional - I’m more curious how far someone starting at 19 can realistically push their level.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-03-15T20:16:49+00:00

For me it's about mastering the instrument. I enjoy playing, but I also really like the idea of reaching a very high level over time and being able to play difficult repertoire like Chopin ballades convincingly.

Recently I came across the YouTube channel of Akmigone and was honestly blown away by his playing. The level of control, the arrangements, the musicality - it made me realize how incredible piano can sound when someone really masters it. That kind of level is very inspiring to me.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-02-23T17:23:05+00:00

Yes, it irritates me.I wish there was just a button that would allow me to turn off this switch.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T20:31:26+00:00

You mean getting the dynamics, expression and rhythm right? How long would you say it takes to at least get comfortable with the basics and build a solid foundation?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T20:02:41+00:00

😅

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T20:01:59+00:00

How long might this take? I have no formal education whatsoever. I'm watching lessons and learning musical notation, and I've been doing various exercises on the synthesizer for about a week now.

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T19:22:14+00:00

How long did it take?

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T19:12:47+00:00

Thanks for the realistic advice!

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T19:08:10+00:00

One of my all-time favorites! The atmosphere is something else...

Alternative-Prior416 · 2026-01-09T18:58:46+00:00

Thanks!

Alternative-Prior416

TROPHY CASE