Should I Learn New Piano Songs Or Stay With Old Ones

Posted by Yoke Wong on 4/3/2011 to Learn To Play Piano

Question:

As I learn new songs, I forget how to play the old ones by heart (I am a senior citizen), and if I want to review all the songs learned, it will take me a long time. What do you recommend I do?

Answer:

You have indeed brought up an interesting point. Should we continue to learn new songs or just remember the old ones? :)

  1. I would encourage you to learn new songs. Each song gives you different techniques and fingering combinations, and it would help with your brain and hand coordination. This is actually quite good for older people because it helps your brain stay active.
  2. Pick two to five old songs you like the most and perform and practice them on regular basis. This becomes your standard repertoire, and you can easily and confidently perform them for yourself and others.

Playing your favorite songs often helps you continue to learn new songs.I also recommend piano improvisational time, where you creatively play and make music without reading music or playing from memory. It's pure fun time.

Header

8 Comments

teerayut
Date: 4/10/2011 5:06:31 PM
1.stairway to heaven 2.Tears in heaven 3.What a wonderful world
Karen
Date: 4/10/2011 5:39:55 PM
Thanks for the theory quiz! It was fun! I really appreciate the information and encouragement and music that you give on your web site.
Betty Wilson
Date: 4/13/2011 6:43:08 AM
I FIND IT NECESSARY TO KEEP PLAYING THE OLD SONGS BUT I FIND IN TRYING NEW SONGS, SOMETIMES I FIND A BEAUTIFUL SONG I REALLY LIKE AND I WOULD HAVE MISSED ADDING A NEW FAVORITE IF I HAD NOT BEEN PLAYING AROUND WITH NEW SONGS. BETTY
Ray
Date: 5/18/2011 6:02:10 PM
This was very helpful for me. I too am a senior and sometimes having to spend many hours of practice on a new piece. I feel very comfortable playing old music and even attempt to embilish the music when I can..
mmloiuie
Date: 6/2/2011 1:37:02 AM
mmloiuie
Date: 6/2/2011 1:37:26 AM
Sally
Date: 6/8/2011 1:00:17 AM
I totally agree with you. Music is very theraputic for the mind, body & soul.
Roger Linnemann
Date: 9/17/2012 4:24:22 AM
As i am learning a new song, I get to a point of fatigue. Is then when i switch to anold song to relieve the fatigue and anxiety. It works. Tkn you

Add Comment

What's This?
Type the code shown