It’s never too late to take a piano class or learn guitar! Confirmed by a recent article in The Washington Post (see blogpost for more), adults – especially older adults ages 55 and up – are discovering the joy and fulfilment of music lessons later on in life.
On November 10th, Washington Post staff writer Tara Bahrampour posted an article titled “More older adults learn it’s never too late to pick up a musical instrument”. The article explains the growing national trend for adults to engage in music learning and making.
“Mastering a new musical instrument has a reputation as a young person’s game. Like learning a foreign language, it is commonly seen as something that must be embedded during the formative years, otherwise the learner will be hopelessly behind, if not simply hopeless,” writes Ms. Bahrampour. “But increasingly, adults are embracing musicianship late in life. Some finally have time after their wage-earning and child-raising years have ended. Some are spurred on by studies showing the health benefits of playing music. Many describe it as scratching an itch they’ve had all their lives. And while some are happy to get to the point of playing ‘Happy Birthday’ for their grandchildren, others achieve a level of competence that allows them to join ensembles and even earn money playing.”
READ FULL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE HERE
Potomac Arts Academy offers several music classes for adults, with the next session (Spring 2017 Semester) starting in February. Piano Teaching Artists Ina Mirtcheva Blevins and David Norfrey present piano classes for adults, including specialized classes for older adults 55 and up. Mason professor and Grammy educator nominee Glen McCarthy teaches guitar classes for adults, and Voice Teaching Artist Seon Gyu Park instructs voice class for adults. Through a collaboration with Encore Chorale, we also offer a vocal ensemble for older adults.
Registration for Spring 2017 is open – sign up now and start making music in February!