6 Years of Piano Progress - From 15-year-old Beginner to University Music Major

[@abiplayspiano2379]

0:46: Raindrop Prelude by Chopin (op. 28 no. 15) 1:19: Hand in Hand by David Nevue 2:26: Random piece from my grandma's keyboard :) 2:37: Cloudburst by Greg Maroney 3:07: Hornpipe by Henry Purcell (Classics to Moderns intermediate book) 3:37: Capriccio by Scarlatti (from intermediate Classics to Moderns book) 4:24: Arrangement of "Summertime" (don't remember which one!) 5:14: Valse Etude by William Gillock 6:02: a little piece by J.C. Bach, I think? 6:31: Clementi Sonatina op. 36 no. 4, mvt. 3 7:20: Chopin Waltz op. 69 no. 1 8:03: Czerny Etude op. 299 no. 1 8:40: Beethoven Sonata op. 49 no. 1, 1st mvt. 9:26: Czerny Etude op. 740 no. 3 10:26: Lyapunov Waltz op. 1 no. 3 11:35: Chopin Etude op. 25 no. 2 11:57: Haydn Sonata in e minor, no. 53, mvt. 1 12:59: Liszt Petrarch Sonnet 123 14:05: Schumann Etudes after Paganini Caprices, op. 3 no. 5 15:19: Moszkowski Etude op. 72 no. 6 16:38: Beethoven Rondo in G, op. 51 no. 2 17:29: Chopin Impromptu in A Flat 18:59: Scarlatti Sonata in d minor, L 336 20:02: Chopin Etude op. 25 no. 9

[@sikhanyiso2893]

What uni are you attending. I am looking for one for piano studies but I live in Zimbabwe

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@sikhanyiso2893 it's a small private school in Missouri, USA. Are you wanting to travel abroad to study?

[@sikhanyiso2893]

Yes I am

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@sikhanyiso2893 to be honest, my program is far from the best as far as piano studies go. I simply chose the school for its religious affiliation. There are a lot of excellent university music programs in the US, though, so if you're planning to come over here you might want to Google "university piano programs in the US" or something like that.

[@sikhanyiso2893]

@@abiplayspiano2379 what about the additions

[@peakroofing1895]

Honestly even your "beginner" videos reveal a wonderful talent at the piano. Independence of the hands/fingers and smooth phrasing is not something you usually find in people just starting out. And of course it has only gotten much better with time and practice. Well done, very cool to see the progress!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Wow, this is such an encouraging and kind comment. Thank you so much! 😄

[@sergeisavitski7339]

Agreed! You are very musical, even before you started lessons. As a teacher, I would love to have you in my studio. First thing I would do is that tension in the right hand with the pinky sticking out. It takes 1-3 months to master playing without tension. I’m sorry you had to go through the wrist injury…

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@sergeisavitski7339 oh my gosh, thank you! That's such an encouraging thing to hear, especially since I've always felt like I struggle with music/expressive playing. The pinky was a problem for a LONG time, but I'm finally getting a handle on it.

[@sergeisavitski7339]

@@abiplayspiano2379 just listen to your timing in rubato-it sounds so natural. You can either learn how to bend time or naturally feel it and do it. I think it’s the second one for you. But before you get to that point of expression you have to hear and feel connections between notes. Again, you were doing it right from the start-something only musical students do by feel, they are not taught to do that.

[@FrancisAsin-Gioro]

@@abiplayspiano2379 must’ve helped you self deceiving

[@adamy.7053]

"Never too late to learn how to play." It's a wonderful hobby, folks. Forget fame and money, just enjoy it for what music is, a wonderful hobby.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Absolutely. 🙌

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

It is hard to forget sometimes, because piano is such a technically difficult instrument. I'm just trying to grind my way through Grade 2 and Grade 3 pieces so I can start getting to repertoire that sounds more beautiful and detailed. Also learning some of the studies from Heller Op.47 are helping a bit as well

[@paulkramer7844]

When you mentioned "wrist injury" it made me recall how my right hand weakened gradually until I had difficulty signing my name. Too much practice of long strenuous pieces (like Brahms op. 5 and Beethoven op. 57), aggravated by playing Bach & Mozert on the flute after piano practice. After 16 years away from music, I began playing piano again in 2021. The wrist injury is still there, but not so severe as before. I'm playing mostly Mozart now. I started relearning Beethoven's Appassionata last summer, and the old injury worsened. You must be very careful about such injuries.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thanks for your comment! You're absolutely right - injuries of this sort are nothing to be taken lightly. Those pieces that require a lot of stamina and stretching of the hand can definitely wreak havoc on the wrists. I'm sorry to hear that you've had to deal with that kind of injury. Mine still bothers me from time to time if I'm not careful, but it was more of an inflammation thing than anything and really just needed to be rested. I am definitely aware of how it is feeling now and take a break whenever it gets tired. I hope you are able to continue practicing without issues!

[@christophermhlanga1096]

Non pianists don't believe it when I explain to them, how physically demanding piano is. I have been there too, although yours sounds much worse than mine...

[@tuongvyhoangnhat860]

you should do some research about the taubman approach, it's definitely gonna be useful to you

[@christophermhlanga1096]

@@tuongvyhoangnhat860 thanks for the education. Definitely will.

[@pjbpiano]

Paul, did you research into a change of piano playing technique? I find that when people find playing difficult, it’s because they are going against how their hand wants to move.

[@hobbhies3831]

Tbh, I've been ignoring this video in my recommendations for the past few days, but I'm glad youtube didn't give up. The amount of patience and your perseverance is just beyond amazing. I've been playing piano for almost 14 years, I started at the age of 6, hearing you play Butterfly etude after 6 years of learning made me speechless. There will be more success that will come in your way, you're already a great pianist. Btw, i'm sorry about my grammar, English is just my second language.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you watched it. 😄

[@alexandrobaptiste3062]

your english is perfect..

[@jasonmanley7815]

Hi Abi. I am a 52 year old man who LOVES piano music, especially classical piano music. I took lessons for a few years with a teacher that I loved. Unfortunately I didn't put the needed practice in to get all that I could have gotten out of the lessons but I did make a great friend. Her husband got a dream job offer on the other side of the country, they moved, and I lost the will to continue. I haven't really played in the years that she has been gone. Your video has inspired me to start again. Well, that and my beloved teacher and her husband are moving back by the end of April I believe! I am vowing to get everything I can out of the lessons this time. My Mom is a healthy 80 but I want to play Clair de Lune, her favorite piece, for her before she passes. Thumbs up for your video. Keep up the awesome work!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's so exciting that you want to start again, and that your teacher will be nearby once more! I hope you make as much progress as you want to this time. I love that you want to play that piece for your mom! I wish you the best in your resumed journey!!! 🎹

[@jasonmanley7815]

@@abiplayspiano2379 Thank you so much Abi. Best wishes to you as well!

[@dragon76vincent16]

Your progression is similar to mine! it feels good to see a beginner not playing fantasie impromtu after a year for my egos sake. You play very well!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's so fun! The Fantasie Impromptu people are ridiculous 😆 They make me wanna give up lol. Thank you for your comment!!

[@jeffreywelsh1525]

What a blessing to go along for the ride with you! I’m so glad you decided to record your progress, as it gives me some hope in my piano journey. I’m 63 and decided to go back to playing the piano after 50 years of theater, trumpet, baritone, becoming a ballet dancer, then a teacher, and now a vocalist in church choir. I hope to one day play as beautifully as you!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I'm so glad you enjoyed watching my journey! And I'm happy this encouraged you in your piano progress. It sounds like you've had quite a varied and exciting career! Thank you for commenting and sharing a little of your story. 😄

[@lynncai587]

wow what a fascinating journey that you've had. Hope you're having fun on re-discovering the piano

[@semis4170]

You're a phenomenal pianist. I love the choice of songs, Chopin has definitely been my favorite composer, especially his waltzes. I know the amount of work it takes to practice the piano every day, and I wish good luck to your learning in school and piano!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. Chopin is my favorite too! His waltzes are wonderful! 🎶

[@atnguyentien7897]

After watching your video it inspired me a lot. I have the same family circumstances as you. ( I have 9 sisters 😄), and now when I was 31 years old, I started to learn the Piano 2 months ago, never too late to start. I love your spirit and your bookshelf. 🌼

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I'm so happy you were inspired, and that you recently started learning to play!! I wish you all the best on your piano journey! Thanks for watching 😄

[@donaldtrump2252]

Wow this is an incredible transition from beginner to advanced in just 6 years... I played for yearly 9 years and struggled to get anywhere as good as you!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! I can't take all the credit - God has blessed me with incredible teachers that made possible the impossible. Thanks for watching!

[@sasa1203]

I started piano lessons as a 27 year-old and am LOVING it! The time would have passed anyway, so I'm glad I spent it learning the piano/music theory.

[@DanielSilva-gc4xz]

This is awesome. I’m in a very similar situation, I started learning piano when I was 16 years old, I now have 2 years and 7 to 8ish months of experience. I posted in my channel my first recital of when I had exactly 2 year of experience. And tomorrow I’ll be accepted in piano college. I hope to actually become a professional musician, but it will be difficult. Edit: also, it is also very comforting and motivating to know that there are other people starting late like me and are succeeding. I hope you post more full pieces in the future : )

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! That's really cool that we are both coming from a similar situation. I watched one of your videos, and you're doing amazingly to have started so recently!!! That's so awesome that you've been accepted to a music school! Congratulations! I'm so glad you found this video motivating! I also find your story motivating, because it is so rare and difficult to do what we have done. I plan to post my repertoire from this semester in a couple of months after it's been polished! Thanks again for commenting! :)

[@danielleharvey5785]

This is incredible!!! How is it possible to be able to play so well after only six years!!! Thank you for sharing! 🎉

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! God blessed me with a desire to learn and some fantastic teachers!!! Thank you so much for watching! 😄

[@danielleharvey5785]

Praise the Lord! I hope you continue to feel better after your injury :)

[@sergeirachmaninoff4467]

Your progression is absolutely amazing! It is wonderful to see someone find a gift that they have inside of them and take off with it. I wish you good luck in your music career!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I am very grateful to have been given some musical gifting, however small it may be. Thank you so much! 😄

[@helloolleh4861]

bro my father didn’t believe I could learn piano, he said I would give up in a month. 4 years have passed by since then and I learned all the Chopin etudes in op 10, I’m 16 rn

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Good for you! 🙌

[@potafish5107]

I think this video shows how it is possible to be one day at Uni lvl within 6 years only. This is really impressive

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! It is very hard, but possible! Passion/love for the instrument is the key. :)

[@andreachindamo9532]

Bravo! I'm a pianist and piano professor. Discovering stories like yours gives me hope for the future. Keep going on.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Wow, thank you! That's so nice to hear. Thanks for watching!!!

[@random_videos896]

This is so inspiring. I started to take piano seriously this year at 16 and i wasn't sure i'd get far with it considering my late. I did take a few lessons when i was 8 until i became 9 but that was it. I now feel more motivated to work on my goals. Thank you!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I'm glad you were inspired and motivated! 16 is definitely not too late. Good luck to you!

[@yt.com_]

Hello! I am a 16 year old beginner and I just started taking piano lessons after my birthday, a month ago (Jan 14). When I was little, I used to attend piano lessons but I stopped going because I was lazy and I have no piano to practice to. Now that I'm 16 years old, I realized that I have love for piano so that's why I started again. This video really encourages me more to learn and practice piano and I really want to be a classical pianist too. I am so glad that youtube recommended this video to me.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Hi Jasmine! I'm so glad you found my video! :) That's great that you're starting to play again. Being a classical pianist is an experience like no other. You'll never regret it!

[@milesbano247]

Great! Wish you the best. I quit piano when I was 10 and I’m 25 and started again.

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

Six years!? Absolutely phenomenal stuff! Look forward to seeing more of your progress.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!! I will have more things to upload soon :)

[@shaynasheikh4832]

It’s been wonderful watching this video of your journey over the last six years, from your initial piano level to your incredible ability today. It shows how much you love music. I hope your dreams come true in whatever you choose to do. Music will always be with you.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much! This is such a kind comment. I do love music more than almost anything else in this world! Thanks for watching!!!

[@fastslow6546]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It was very sweet, talented and full of hard work. More importantly, you played and did things your own way, i like that

[@Makenza_]

In my freshman in high school, I started relearning the piano. Thank you so much!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Good for you! Thanks for your comment! :)

[@dnarvarg]

amazing progress ! I love the fact that you are not playing overplayed pieces and the selection in amazing ! keep it up :)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I certainly do aim to avoid overplayed pieces lol. 😁 I appreciate the encouragement!

[@jiyoukang660]

So this is how normal people progress! Thanks for the information, it was a huge help.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Yep, with a lot of determination and amazing teachers. 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa]

Very inspiring!! I started piano when I was maybe 23 or 24, had a lot of frustrating years but now I'm 32 and I feel like I can play anything, right up until I've 80% learned it, then I shoot myself in the foot thinking I'm a moron for wanting more control of my playing. Sometimes it's easy to get in your own head lol and believe you can't because you're just self taught, but then you realize your standards are like insane, stupid, like just way too high, and they are getting in the way of actually progressing lolol. And then you surge forward again. It's great to see somebody else who did it, makes me feel like I'm not an idiot for perservering.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Good for you, both for starting later and for pushing on even when you get frustrated! That's just part of the learning process. Thanks for watching, and good luck in your piano journey!

[@timange124]

As someone just starting out, I’m not sure if this is encouraging or discouraging haha Your skill level is definitely above average. I’m happy for you that you have found your passion. Many people never do, and to find it so young is even more amazing. Keep up the great work!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Haha I understand! I remember feeling that way when I was starting out. Thank you for your encouraging words and for watching this video! :)

[@The2clock]

You have very beautiful touch since beginning of playing piano! Your neighbors are so luckily to have music therapy all the time..😄

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much!!! Our neighbors are pretty far away so they probably can't hear it haha. It would get annoying pretty quickly too, hearing the same pieces on repeat for weeks/months. 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@pianoplayingfishkeeper2094]

I have been playing piano for 3 1/2 years and you are so good! Don't give up, this is amazing!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

How fun! I wish you the best in your practice! Thank you! I have been very blessed! I plan to never stop working my hardest on the piano. :)

[@isaacmancillaskeys]

This was awesome! It was so amazing seeing your love for the instrument grow and seeing your amazing process over the years. It’s really inspiring because I’ve been playing piano for roughly 4 years and this inspires me to keep developing this skill. Keep going! :)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thanks!!! So glad my video inspired you to keep working hard and making progress. 😄

[@sirbonobo3907]

That was wholesome to watchm iam 40 years old and want to start playing Piano myself.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

You should learn! You won't regret it, even if you only play a little bit. 😄

[@adelynekoe1213]

you're doing so well! your butterfly etude at the end gave me a burst of serotonin. makes me want to practice now!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! 💗

[@vcparodi]

I have a very similar story and it's so cool to see someone on a similar journey as me! I started playing piano at 14 and I'm in my second semester of college majoring in music. (So I've been playing for about 4 1/2 years) I've already learned so much, and being able to work on my technique with a professor has helped a lot. You're an amazing pianist by the way!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's so cool to hear! I wish you all the best, and thanks for watching! 😄

[@tamaryellin7043]

Loved watching this! I can always tell when people are self taught vs having classical training based purely on their hand position. In the beginning your hands were very flat (as one would expect from someone self-taught) and you developed a really nice curve to them after you started taking regular lessons. (And I'm of the opinion that it really does make a difference in how well you can play, especially classical pieces. If you don't have nicely rounded hands and fingers it just makes things all awkward.)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

What a great observation, relating to the hand position. That's so true, and it was amazing whenever I noticed that I suddenly didn't have the awkward flat hands anymore! That was thanks to my third teacher - he pointed that out all the time and taught me some very helpful methods for getting rid of the tension. It makes a HUGE difference in how well you're able to play! Thanks for watching and pointing out my improvement! It's very encouraging to hear it from someone else. :)

[@tamaryellin7043]

@@abiplayspiano2379 Agreed, it really does make a difference in how well you can play. (At least for classical pieces; I notice a lot of self-taught jazz pianists have flat hands/fingers, but I'm sure they have their own technique to get the sounds they want.) It's one of those things you can't unsee once you start noticing it. I even notice that I type on a computer keyboard using curved hands/fingers LOL

[@evmafo9300]

Respect to you. You are doing a wonderful job and should be very proud of making this much progress in only 6 years. I have been taking lessons for nearly a decade and cannot play at the level you are playing due to not practicing in my childhood and sub-par teachers. Keep at it, you've got a bright future.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! Having good teachers has been a huge blessing. That can make all the difference! Thanks for watching!

[@vlad_covers]

I do really love your scale on 2:58!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! 😊

[@yomly]

Have been playing for almost 30 years. Really inspiring to see your progress and dedication. Can tell you clearly love the instrument, it really shows! Also a little jelly as you clearly have quite a lot of latent talent 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story - wishing you the very best in all your future endeavours!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much for your comment. That's amazing that you've been playing for almost 30 years! You must really love piano too, to stick with it for so long. Thanks again! Best wishes to you as well! 😊

[@Thomasd706]

Thanks for sharing! I started at the age of 20, 6 years ago and was learning moszkowski in 2021 too - you play it very well! Good luck with your studies

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for watching! That's really awesome that we were both learning Moszkowski that year. 😄 Thank you so much, and same to you!

[@gavinbattigmusic9373]

Amazing and very inspiring! Proud of your progress!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I love to hear that you found it inspiring. :)

[@mmilrl5768]

Watching this made me realize I need to stop playing so much romantic era music from chopin, rachmaninoff and debussy and start playing older classical pieces which will actually improve my technique. I'm a self taught so its hard for me to know if my technique is lacking or not. I did just learn Nocturne Op. 48 no. 1 and it definitely required my technique to improve, but perhaps that's not the best way to improve haha. Thanks a lot for sharing, I do enjoy watching others journeys!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Romantic music certainly won't hinder your progress, but if you're hoping to improve technique, the best way to go about that is to target it specifically (scales, arpeggios, Hanon and/or Brahms exercises, etc.). You're definitely right about the earlier Classical pieces, though - some of them are really helpful with scale runs in particular! And that nocturne is a beast! I'm impressed that you were brave enough to take that on lol. Thanks for commenting! :)

[@taiteyard3567]

How in the world are you gonna act like Rachmaninoff and Chopin didn’t write some of the most technically challenging pieces ever written for piano. Rach wrote one of the most difficult piano concertos of all time, and Chopin wrote 27 etudes that most pianists can’t perform after decades of being a pianist.

[@mmilrl5768]

@@taiteyard3567 You missed the point entirely. I am well aware that their pieces are extremely demanding technique wise. But that is all I’ve been using to grow my technique, so it’s more like I’m brute forcing my way through pieces rather than slowly improving and solidifying my technique in many areas.

[@junmiamorecadenenzafu3694]

Great job , you have showed a lot of people that playing an instrument requires a lot of motivation and dedication even I am amazed by your talent in fact you have made me want to play my intruments again after many years of not playing them

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! My goal is to inspire people and help them see that they can make beautiful music if they are passionate and work hard. :)

[@claryyy]

wow this video is amazing! i’m a pianist as well and this really encourages me to practice and improve :) i’m always happy to hear other people’s stories about how music changed their life and you even decided to study music, wishing you good luck in your further music education!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!!! I'm so glad this video encouraged you to work to improve. Music is very life-changing if you embrace it fully! 😄

[@JRT5573]

I truly enjoyed watching/listening. Good luck!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!!! ☺️

[@danmyname]

I love your dedication. By no mean six years is short, it is but a blink of an eye when you are learning to play music. My daughter is into her 3rd year learning a violin. She's almost 9. I get more frustrated than her when watching her practice because there's nothing I could do if she makes a mistake. Given I can't read music notes at all. 🙂

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for watching! Six years go by very quickly, it's true. That's great that your daughter is learning violin. The mistakes are often frustrating, but if a person can learn from them it's all worthwhile! 🙂

[@celestialrift]

I'm starting a little late - at 18 - but I hope to one day study piano at a conservatoire too. Your playing is just sublime. :^)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's so exciting! Good luck to you, and thank you very much! :)

[@TJMusic2021]

Wow, keep up with the good progress! I started to learn piano at 14 and got into uni music major by 18 also got my diploma at that age too. By the time I graduated from uni, I hit my 8th years of piano learning, which to many people they just started uni after learning piano for at least 8 years. You got a very good teacher and I can tell that from your playing.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! I watched some of your playing, and you're incredible for starting at 14! How inspiring! That's true - most people starting collegiate training in music have been playing since like age 6. One really has to be passionate about music to make it as a pianist starting so late! I did indeed have a wonderful teacher. He completely turned my playing around in the best way. I know for a fact that I never would've made it to university as a major if not for him. Sounds like you must've had some great teachers too based on your technique, artistry, and outstanding progress! Keep up the beautiful playing!

[@mumps59]

Wow, that "Butterfly" etude was really impressive. Your comment mentioned tension, and that's really what that one's all about. After so few years of playing you should feel really good about your ability to master that...my right hand still aches when I think about playing it 🙂 .

[@abiplayspiano2379]

It definitely does work on right hand tension! It took me a long time to get it to a decent level. Thank you for your encouraging comment! 😄

[@soyeux27]

That Chopin Etude... You play beautifully - you have a great tone !

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I didn't feel great about it, but it was my first time fully learning a Chopin etude so it was just a great growth experience! I really appreciate your comment. :)

[@BensPianoAdventure]

Inspiring Story. Incredible playing ❤️ Nice choices of music!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for watching!! ❤️

[@Bassynater2500]

A late beginner at 15! I started formal lessons at 21 about 7 years ago and am so glad to had done it. I’ve been playing drums, bass and guitar before that and learning theory and piano has only amplified my love for music as a whole. I perform bass and keys in multiple bands in my area and teach beginner theory and piano technique to young students! Edit: omg the Chopin Waltz Op. 69 No. 1!! I learned it the same way, over a summer to read on my own, it’s such a beautiful piece and definitely demonstrates your comfort with reading and performing on your own, that’s so great! What a great video of your progress so far (so much in just 6 years!)! It’ll be amazing to see where you go since you have already made it to university for music! What are some of your favorite composers to play?

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Most people consider starting at 10 late if you want to make a career of it! Good for you, starting piano at 21! How cool that you teach theory and piano technique, in addition to playing all those instruments! How fun that we both learned that waltz on our own over a summer! 😄 My favorite composers to play are probably Chopin (that one's a given!), Haydn, and sometimes Bach. His music is a little more tricky in some ways, but a very enjoyable challenge. Thank you so much for watching and for your comment! 😊

[@Bassynater2500]

@@abiplayspiano2379 Bach is such a great brain tease for piano, the counterpoint between the left and right hands in his inventions are wonderful, check out Invention No. 5 and see it in all it’s splendor, the inventions are great! I’m a big fan of Mozart, Clementi and Scarlatti! I wish you all the best in your music journey, I can’t wait to see more videos and progress from your experiences!

[@jakob2536]

This is so fun to see! I am 22 year old from Norway and has played for exactly 6 years now too! I am currently attending my first year at the norwegian academy of music. Love to see the reseblence, even though you are far better at scales/technique than me :)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Wow, how cool! Thanks for sharing! Best wishes to you in your musical studies!

[@jason-to6ws]

Wow, very inspiring! I have always played the piano but i was never really serious about it until i discovered classical music about two years ago. Since a couple months the idea of attaining a conservatoire is a very big dream for me, but i am just very sceptical because i started so late… This really motivates me!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for watching, and I'm so happy it inspired you! 😊 You can do it if you really want to! Best wishes to you!

[@korays0726]

This is really inspirational!

[@tia-l6h]

I`m 18 and started learning piano 3 months ago

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's so exciting! Good luck on your piano journey! ❤️

[@henrykwieniawski7233]

Wow, amazing progress! I started self-teaching myself piano at 16 as a violinist. I was quite mediocre for a while until I exclusively focused on Bach. Fast forward several years of learning the WTC book I and II + other miscellaneous pieces, I can now play at a fairly high level. I’m currently studying Chopin’s Etude No.2, No.4 Op. 10 and Op.24 No.5.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! That's so cool that you've taught yourself--I admire your discipline (and passion for Bach)! And those are great pieces to be working on! I'm learning the Op. 10 no. 4 at the moment as well! :)

[@catestennett9651]

Abi, this was amazing to watch! I think you’re incredible and I can’t wait to see what you do in future because I know it will be amazing! Your hard work is such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing this! Watching you play always makes my day.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Aww, thank you Cate! Reading your comment made my day! :)

[@sildurmank]

I don't know how I ended up here, but beautiful work!! I hope you keep learning and find your way. It's so nice to see young people liking and wanting to learn a classical instrument, so many nowadays don't pay attention at all to such wonderful music, so watching you being so eager to learn is amazing and a joy. Keep the good work on and I really hope you manage you get wherever you want to arrive.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!!! It is sadly uncommon for people my age to like Classical music. It's my favorite thing in the world to play! There's nothing like it. Thanks for watching! :)

[@sildurmank]

@@abiplayspiano2379 Thank you for uploading ;-) . Keep showing us your progression if you please

[@matthew3072]

Great job! I'm 15 years old right now and have been learning for 6 years and this as given me so much inspiration!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! That's great that you've already been playing for six years! I'm so glad to hear that my video inspired you. :)

[@vemberviper]

i’m 12 and have been learning for 8 years :)

[@jaybee4288]

Congrats Abi!

[@shellyw9013]

Wonderful and very gifted pianist. 6 years? I'm guessing you already had basic knowledge of the piano (by rote) before you started classical lessons. I started out at 2 yrs old by rote because my mom taught piano. So my mom taught me through 3rd or 4th grade and then I got a fantastic teacher. She included theory with lessons and also once a week with other peers my age we took a theory class all together. I hated it but it sure helped out in college! I also had wrist issues because I practiced too much and I had to stop the summer before my freshman yr of high school. I was devastated but I was allowed to start full blast a couple months after school started. Well... as much as I wanted to be a concert pianist, I fell in love with the flute more my Sr yr of high-school but I still played piano as well and still do but flute performance is truly my passion. Because of all the practicing for flute, piano, also sax in jazz band and typing, I managed to get carpal tunnel and had to have surgery on my right hand and that put me out of commission on everything except my vocal classes. I was finally able to get slowly back into playing but my fast fingers on piano Never came back and I just couldn't play pieces that had lots of fast passages. It was and still devastates because I can't play my flute as fast as some other professional flute players because I eventually had to get surgery in my left hand as well. The extra fast speed has never returned for flute or piano. Good luck with your piano journey and I hope you have success with your future musical endeavors!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I definitely did have some experience playing by rote before I started lessons. I had already figured out how to play with two hands at once so that helped a lot. I'm so sorry to hear about your injury! I know what a danger that is for all musicians, really, and it's very hard to avoid sometimes. I didn't even notice when mine started getting bad until it would click/snap every time I turned it toward the ulnar side. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! I wish you the best as well!

[@Elijah24553]

Wow, that's amazing! I hope you keep working on it.☺ In the description you said that your mother's friend advised her not to put you in lessons, because you might have gotten frustrated, and my father had the same thoughts about putting me in lessons. But my grandfather knows the person who the local music center is named after, so he called her up and got me a lesson with the head of the music department (chih-long hu), then chih-long referred me to my current teacher.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! I hope to! That's a really interesting story! It's great that your grandfather was able to get you lessons anyway. How long have you been studying?

[@Elijah24553]

No problem! And yes, it is great that my grandfather was able to help me get lessons. I probably wouldn't be at the skill level that I'm at now if it wasn't for him helping in that way. And to answer your question, in March it will be 6 years since I first started. So I guess we started within a few months of each other.

[@Elijah24553]

Also, what's your favorite piece right now? I always ask people that.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@Elijah24553 How fun that we've been playing for almost the same length of time! I have a few favorite pieces right now that I've been listening to on repeat: Chopin's Berceuse in D Flat, Moszkowski's Mousse de Champagne and Air de Ballet, and Haydn's E flat sonata (Hob. XVI 49) which I'm learning right now! What is/are your favorite(s)?

[@Elijah24553]

Yeah, it is pretty cool that we've both been playing for around the same amount of time! By the way, I listened to the pieces you listed, and really enjoyed them! My favorite of the three was probably the Chopin piece. And as for my favorites, here's three that I've been fluctuating between: Rachmaninoff's rhapsody on a theme of paganini, Mozart's sonata in C major arr. Grieg for two pianos and Rachmaninoff's suite no.2 (valse). Also, do you have a spotify account that I can follow? It's fine if you don't.

[@TasarionSindar]

Listen, this is pretty cool and also a very inspiring story. Thank you for sharing, really.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@maxwalsh9950]

Oh my gosh that’s amazing!! Keep going :))

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@reyne8424]

This gives me hope! I had 3 years of lessons, quit at 12 years old, started guitar and never looked back, out of shame for having quit. I really want to start again!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Good! I always love it when I can inspire someone to play. :) Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanangladadavis]

This is great! When I was around 14 I started taking lessons with my aunt and 2 years later I started playing in church. Really nice video!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!!! Playing in church is a great way to get experience playing in front of people and collaborating with people. That's great that your aunt can teach piano!

[@pureblood101]

I was playing Rachmaninoff's piano concerto no 3 to packed out audiences at Carnegie hall after 6 months of teaching myself from scratch using simply piano

[@abiplayspiano2379]

This comment. 🤣 It sounds almost exactly like an ad I've seen at some point...

[@gamerguy5256]

I think what you’ve done is amazing, I also want to put more work into my practice and this is very inspiring. Good luck with your music major!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for the encouraging words!!! I'm so glad I could inspire you to practice! :)

[@aidanreiss208]

Your progress sounds a lot like mine, and it is really encouraging to see that I'm not the only one who is in university for piano with limited experience. I started learning on my own when I was 16 and somehow I made it to university! It's really funny to think how we can go from playing beginner pieces to Chopin etudes and WTC in just a couple of years!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's really cool that we've had a similar journey! I'm finding out how many people are in similar situations to ours! That's great that you're studying at a university too! Thanks for watching! :)

[@orionyxe]

You’ve made amazing progress over your journey! The improvement is fantastic and your playing is lovely :) I’ve been playing on and off 14 ish years, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity for lessons from age 3, but unfortunately I hardly practiced and I stopped at 11 or so. I started to play by ear from ages 13-14, started up lessons again at 15 and since I’ve been taking it much more seriously. Now I try to practice at least a few hours a week, and plan to minor in music. Your improvement is inspiring and I hope when I go to university I can keep my piano up as well 🎵 music is a gift indeed!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's great that you're planning to minor in music! I'm so glad you rediscovered your love for the instrument and hope to keep playing! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@wellthisisinteresting4912]

you are amazing! well done girl

[@abiplayspiano2379]

You're so kind. Thank you! ♥️

[@yetanotherpianist4449]

I'm a classical amateur pianist, going to audition for the conservatory this March. I really like this because I started playing by ear as well and have been playing on a digital piano for years, even won 2 prizes while I had that digital piano. Kids nowadays always seem to be child prodigies with rich parents and an expensive grand piano at home but LUCKILY there are people like you as well :) Also, I would like to say, your thrills/ornaments are very neat. Nice to listen to.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

How exciting! Good luck on your audition! That's amazing that you won prizes while playing a digital piano! It is nice to hear from someone who didn't grow up playing. And thank you! I work hard on ornamentation. :)

[@yetanotherpianist4449]

@@abiplayspiano2379 Thank you! And you're welcome :)

[@fernandogoncalves6990]

Very good evolution, after you had the third teacher, I noticed you had a phenomenal technique improvement, your execution become really pro, so something important you have found , you remember what was it, I guess you said yourself it was some surprising improvement you felt. I'm 67year old and started learning by 1,5 year , I´m not yet to show any work, hardly play Beethoven Fur Elise and Ecossaise and Chopin Nocturne op.9 N.2 some attempts to complete Marriage D´Amour from Paul De Senneville, among some few other excerts from other pieces and authors, but I feel in every of them, that I'm spanking the piano keys, I miss some thing to have that jump in thechnic, I´m doing my best to pick on music theory, sight reading and everything I can, but self learning, even if I bought some few online courses, which I accept that help me a lot! I´m years away to get to an acceptable or audible point. I must congratulate you and whish you the very best, no matter what happens next, you are already a pianist, its beautifull music and good sound you get out of the piano when you play it. Keep posting I´ll enjoy to listen to your playing, it is really inspiring, thank you.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! My technique and sound overall definitely improved greatly once I began studying with my third teacher. It was crazy how quickly I was able to learn new pianistic concepts when he explained them to me. Good for you, learning the piano later in life! Online courses are a great resource when you can't find or afford an in-person teacher. Even if you feel that your sound isn't where you want it to be, just knowing that can motivate you to strive toward the goal that you wish to reach! Thanks again for your kind words! :)

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

Abi, it is very inspiring to see the progress you've made in such a short time. Wishing you all the best at the university. Do keep up the excellent work.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! I love to hear that you found it inspiring. 😊

[@milkymans]

Im a 17 year old beginner !! Still taking lessons, of course. This video really motivated me to put in extra effort in music :) hope to be as good as you one day

[@abiplayspiano2379]

It makes me so happy to hear that you found this video motivating! Putting extra effort into music is always worth it. Thanks for watching, and best wishes to you in your musical endeavors! :)

[@martu5468]

omg I'm in a really similar situation as you as I started playing at 14 years old with not a good teacher and I changed teachers one month after my 15th birthday, in september 2022, and I feel like I made a really good progress, but I'm still struggling with technique and I want to audition to music uni in like 1.5 years but I'm so afraid that I won't be able to do that, but I'm going to talk with my teacher about it and see what she recommends but anywaty, this video made clear that it's not impossible, so tysm because I was really thinking about giving up 💕💕💕 these are really hard and stressing times, but I'm going to continue and do my best

[@abiplayspiano2379]

You should definitely talk with your teacher about auditioning! I bet you could do it if you have a good plan for preparing. I understand the stress, but you got this!!

[@martu5468]

@@abiplayspiano2379 tysm! I will, It feels nice to talk about this with someone that understands💕

[@janhrdousek91]

really, really great job! To be honest, this is kinda inspiring me. I started playing piano around 12 and i could say it went pretty well for me. I wanted to get better so i signed for classes. Unfortunatelly i got kinda bored or better say distracted so i dropped my piano classes (which i attended for 3 years) - i was around 16. Now i realize it was one of my biggest mistakes of my life. Anyway then I started playing on my own and only when i wanted to. The lack of order was bad for me. Although i managed to learn some pieces mostly from film soundtracks and some (for me) challenging pieces (tried la campanella, fantasie impromtu,..) most of them i left open in progress so nowadays i know many pieces but just a half of them. Eventually i "unlearned" reading notes and now in my 20 and when i am attending medical university (which makes me kinda bussy) i am taking larger and larger breaks from practicing as well 😢 but what i wanted to say that this actually might bring me back. I love music and seeing someone getting so much progress done is inspiring me to do the same :) so thank you for making this video!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

I'm so glad to hear that! Inspiring others to play is the goal! Thanks for watching and sharing your story. I hope you get to start playing again!

[@Limonada_RC]

I am 25 and I want to start learning piano after listening hundreds of hours oof this beloved instrument my favorite classical composer is definitely BACH. Love Bach G minor, G on String, passacaglia and so on.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Bach is wonderful! You should definitely start learning! :)

[@PiotrstrashcanŚmietnikPiotra]

Fantastic progress, great playing! Some very demanding pieces!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thanks!!! Some of the pieces toward the end were challenging, for sure.

[@niichigary8609]

I started at 15 too, I'm now 16. This gives some great motivation

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@niichigary8609 I'm glad you found this video motivating!! :)

[@VRChatPianist]

That is such an awesome video! Congrats on your progress, i really liked the improvement steps with you new piano! It can make a lot of difference :)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much! The Kawai piano did make a huge difference.

[@christophermhlanga1096]

Your major strength is that you have 'one hell of good teacher', I tell you. I know people that have played for over 10 years, but can't even attempt a quarter of what you do. I'm so so so impressed! Please hook me up.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

You are 100% correct. I HAD one heck of a good teacher! He resigned from teaching at the school because of some very unusual circumstances under which it would benefit him far more to go elsewhere. As far as I know, he doesn't teach much at all anymore. It took me a long time to get over the fact that I couldn't study with him anymore, but now I have a new teacher who is one of the kindest ladies you'll ever meet. She doesn't push me like he did, but she listens closely to little details and helps me do the same. I'm thankful for every minute I've had with both of them. :)

[@philt6543]

I've played piano or 6 years when I was a kid, and broke into maybe late beginner. You started almost where I left off without knowing how to read music. Now I am 34 and I still struggle to play hymns after 1 1/2 more years of practice. I think I need to approach practice differently.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Hmm...maybe you need a different approach to reading notes! Have you tried writing notes into the score at first just to familiarize yourself with their position? Of course, deliberate and regular practice helps too if you can find the time. I know most adults don't just have lots of hours to spend practicing when it's not their job! Thanks for your comment, and for watching!

[@javiercmh]

awesome, I could really see all the hours that you have spent practicing :) very inspiring to continue playing. good luck!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! Glad you found it inspiring! :)

[@zairavalenz1029]

Keep going girl! I started in a very similar way from ear and at 15 i just got lessons. Now after those years with struggles with music reading (my worst) I'm a ballet pianist and read all the time xD anything its possible just wait and keep doing it

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much! It's so encouraging that you made that much progress after starting lessons at 15. That's amazing! I hope I will get to that level one day. :)

[@imonaplain]

I believe the "Summertime" piano arrangement is by Pianos of Cha'n, very impressive, you made it a long way without giving up!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Ah, yes! Thank you for that! It was bothering me that I didn't remember which one it was lol. And thanks for your kind comment!

[@bel.epoque]

bless you!

[@imonaplain]

@@abiplayspiano2379 No problem! If you are still open to respond, I do have a question: As of right now I'm learning S.139/4 "Mazeppa" and I'm struggling with the ending chords to sum up the piece. Do you have a suggestion on how to get to different / variated chords quickly without tensing up, and any advice how to practice it?

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@imonaplain that's a great question! Although I've never played that piece, I can imagine the struggle haha. That's actually why I haven't played it. 🤣 Josh Wright actually has a great video on that titled "Beginner Chord Strategies (Applies to Advanced Pianists Too)"! I found it very helpful for various chordal issues, and I bet it would help with what you're asking about!

[@nadiialungu]

Thank you for this inspiring video. You're amazing 💕☺️

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Aww, thank you very much. I'm so glad you found it inspiring! 😊

[@simonvanthoff]

That was really a great, great video! Wonderful development, wonderful natural talent, wonderful musical ear, wonderful self reflections, and a wonderfully put together compilation👍🏻🎹

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much. ☺️

[@simonvanthoff]

@@abiplayspiano2379 you're welcome! I also send the video to all my students: such a very good example of good studying, musical ear, development, and self reflection! 🎹👍🏻 kind regards, greetings from the Netherlands, Simon

[@abiplayspiano2379]

@@simonvanthoff wow, I feel so honored! I hope your students can take something from my journey that will encourage and motivate them. I certainly can't take credit for my musical ear - it is a gift from God. Thanks again! 😄

[@simonvanthoff]

@@abiplayspiano2379 yes, you're right, a good ear IS a gift. Also the possibility to develop it (which takes, indeed, years of practice). All a gift. As is someone's natural suppleness (like you also evidently possess), and perseverance, and patience, and some discipline, and the possibility and will and desire to better your playing. All made visible in this one short video. Well done! 👍🏻🎹

[@PetrGladkikh]

+ for music choices.

[@wendyhuang9277]

Please, please make a video of how you learn by ear!!! I am a classical pianist and I admire your ability to pick up classical pieces by ear!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

That's a great idea! When I have more time I'll definitely consider filming the steps of how I go about learning something by ear. I don't do it a lot anymore since I can read notes now, but it works in a pinch haha. Thank you for watching!!!

[@mysto5107]

True :), it's never late to start I started learning piano at 15 as well (4 years ago) Was nice watching your progress! Certainly, as not starting from a very small age we are a bit disadvantaged compared to others, but passion can really do anything.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for watching!!! You're so right - loving the instrument can go a long way!

[@pianoforte17xx48]

right

[@chopinista]

this vid makes me happy. im a sophomore piano student too and you play great!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you!!! That's so fun that we're both sophomore piano majors! 😊

[@thibomeurkens2296]

Inspiring! I started at 13 (I’m 15 now) and this shows me how much I might be able to achieve :)

[@abiplayspiano2379]

This is exactly what I love to hear! You can definitely do great things if you work at it. The piano professor I talked about in the video actually started at 13 and ended up as a DMA in piano performance! If anything is inspiring, that is for sure. Keep practicing! :) Thanks for your comment!!!

[@katehsia]

Truly amazing and inspiring! ❤

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you so much!

[@yakinthebox]

You play great! I also started at 15 (3 years ago) but only started taking lessons about a year ago.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! That's great that you have been able to take lessons. That was a game changer for me. Thanks for watching!

[@jiechenwong]

Wow. It's amazing to see how much you've progressed in 6 years. I'm on a similar journey myself, but I'm only about 2 years in.

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you! How exciting that you're making progress. The early stages of learning can be the most exciting when you see all the practice starting to pay off.

[@faithk25]

Love this 🤩

[@ripplingwaterz123]

Yes! We practice to make progress!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Exactly! 😄

[@AnaLuisa-si9pp]

i like how you view it not with a competitive and capitalistic centered mentality but rather as a fulfilling and exciting journey. i begun taking classes at 11 (i'm from Brazil, so i learned mostly bossa nova and jazz, considering that my teacher had a gospel background). i didn't really study but i did pretty ok with my lessons. i'm 16 now and managed to get into a conservatory for jazz/MPB (brazilian popular music) piano, and the idea for pursuing it as a major in college makes me really happy. though i have no knowledge of classical music i recently asked my teacher if i could learn some (she is the one that transitioned from classical music this time), so i don't know what may come next. thanks for sharing your very inspiring progress!!

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you for commenting! I do indeed view it as a very enjoyable and worthwhile journey, not something to be competed. One of my teachers often encouraged me to compete but I never have and don't have intentions of doing so. It takes the joy out of it, in my opinion! I'm glad this inspired you, and good luck to you as you continue your musical journey! :)

[@ciararespect4296]

Excellent video and I can see your progress. I had similar progress starting late at eighteen and bad pianos /teaching/ time to practice and convenient surroundings ( noise etc) I realise that to perfect pieces is the hardest part I can play through chopin scherzo etc and learn but if I leave it for a few months it degenerates and also many mistakes

[@abiplayspiano2379]

Thank you very much! Bad pianos, teachers, and lack of practice time can be very frustrating. I've experienced a little of each too. Perfecting a piece is definitely the hardest to do! And it's hard to keep the memory intact! Oh, to have more hours to practice. 🥲😂