I've always wanted to play the piano but surely I've left it too late?
Sound familiar? More and more adults are taking up, or returning to, the piano, but once they've made the decision to do so, they don't know where to turn! Pam Wedgwood is here to help!
"I have been teaching adults for many years and have seen how playing the piano has transformed their lives" says author Pam. With over 30 years teaching and writing experience (including the best-selling Jazzin' About and After Hours series), and a real understanding of the rewards and challenges that can come from learning later in life, she has created a new all-in-one piano tutor It’s Never too Late to Play Piano!.
Unlike many other tutors, this book has been designed for older learners of any age. “The key to success is for students to have something they really want to play” says Pam. "It might seem obvious, but most beginners want a bit of everything and to get playing straight away, so this book introduces a wide range of styles; favourite classical tunes that people will know, as well as jazz, blues, folk and pop. The arrangements are quite short so you feel you are progressing and playing real music quite quickly, and CD backings are included right from the start to make even the simplest pieces sound great".
“Adults also learn differently; they tend to use their brains in a different away, needing both structure and stimulation” says Pam. The book is organised into slowly progressive units which break the learning process into bite-size, manageable chunks with plenty of opportunities to review what’s been learnt. All the essential music theory and technique is covered and helpfully reinforced with activities and games (such as quizzes and crosswords) and new ideas (such as listening activities, improvising and sight-reading) which are included in the early stages to stimulate learning.
Designed to be used with or without a teacher, plenty of information and help is included, presented as top tips and fact files with teaching advice included in "Pam's noticeboards". Activities help with challenges such as co-ordination and memory skills (for example using your weaker hand to clean your teeth to help strengthen it for a more balanced performance). There’s even additional support material and free downloadable teacher’s accompaniments for pieces at www.pamwedgwood.com.
Finally, most adults don't just want to play, they want to improve their understanding and enjoyment of music in general, so fascinating facts on the great composers and their music and recommended listening ideas are included to help you widen your knowledge.
Not just a prolific composer, Pam also teaches, writes and is an active sportswoman. She has just completed a trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for cancer research, as Pam was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - surely testament to the idea that it’s never too late to do anything if you really want to! So what are you waiting for? It's never too late to play piano!