How I Became A Better Player In My 40's

In this episode, Adam takes us on a ride through his musical journey, sharing how he transformed into a more accomplished piano player and musician as he's gotten older. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the hard work he put in, and the moments of self-discovery along the way.
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[@bunnyhollowcrafts]

Just turned 64. Since 59 and retirement, with a fantastic instrument and time on my hands, I found myself pursuing my passion. Piano always in my life but no theory. I have poured it on for the last 4 years, hours every day, and the change is LIFE CHANGING. I have been chasing my piano heroes on KZbin and the gains have been incredible! It is never too late.

[@michellemonet4358]

Sooo cool! Me too. I had never touched a piano until age 59. Ive played 4 hours a day for 3 years. Its lifr.changing ..I agree.

[@ra6378]

It's so encouraging seeing these comments. I'm 40 and trying to build a full passive income by 55 working 13hr nights and days. All I want to do is play my tenor saxophone 🎷! I even built a soundproof studio in my house...one day I'll get there too. I bet your getting better every day. Must be an awesome journey. Slow and steady wins the race!

[@marcusplaysmusic8628]

I just turned 40, struggling with alot of things mention in this segment. You have no idea how I needed to hear this today. Thank you so much

[@pianopeter]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@michellemonet4358]

Im 62. Learning more now. Taught myself piano at age 59. Have not looked back.

[@petershea8199]

Great vid! As a classical pianist, I became very depressed in college realizing that I would never measure up to the greats of Yuja Wang and Vladimir Horowitz. It all takes time to accept some of these things and just keep practicing for myself

[@TheMisterGriswold]

Right there with ya !

[@turtlespiritflutes7570]

Watch the scene in Field of Dreams where DOC has to cross the line to save the choking girl and leave his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. It wasn’t his mission in life. He served life in a different way. Millions will play an instrument. Few will rise to the top and become Miles Davis or Horowitz Nor are we supposed to. Does not mean what we can’t achieve greatness and uplift others with what we do. Fame is overrated. Being at peace with our accomplishments is underrated

[@Marunius]

@@turtlespiritflutes7570 any tips on achieving it :P?

[@pjbpiano]

@@turtlespiritflutes7570, a part of it is this notion that was pushed on us telling us that talent does not matter and all that separates you from the greats is simply practicing. It is not true. Some people are just so gifted that no matter what you do, you would not be able to close the gap. It is a depressing though to realise that they can do things in five days that would take you three to six months of careful planning and training.

[@turtlespiritflutes7570]

@@pjbpiano That's true, but the broken dream is a gift that takes awhile to realize that there is a gift in it. There are higher callings than being a world class performer and getting mass recognition for your talent.

[@lucaslieberman7625]

"Aw I'm not gonna be Brad Mehldau... Oh, I'm gonna be Adam Maness, which is something different" was so real. Really powerful.

[@pfazza19]

Great to hear Adams honestly about struggles and sobriety. The 40's involve even more techtonic plate shifting of the psyche so it seems he's in a much better place for making that journey

[@federicomelo1853]

Adam has tremendously developed as a musician and in the way he can communicate deep concepts in a direct way and with enthusiasm. Adam is the new standard.

[@LokeyeMC]

I notice that I come for the clickbait titles, stay for the jaw-dropping jam sessions, and leave with a gem or two of wisdom that make the time investment worthwhile. Now that I'm noticing this pleasing pattern, I surprisingly am also noticing I am not even subscribed to this channel. Well starting today I am now a proudly subscribed viewer. Thanks for being.

[@bassapace]

Thank you for sharing Adam. I am in my mid 30's, sober, and I have a therapist myself . Hearing you talk about your similar struggles really gives me hope. I have a great admiration for you being able to talk about that without shame or harsh self criticism. I just came out of a place where I could not even play music because of how alcohol and music were intertwined. I'm so happy to be playing again. I'm extremely grateful for what you and the team do at Open Studio Jazz.

[@dmelf321]

Can we talk about that intro!!!??? Very nice, fellas!

[@KeenBulldozer]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@guitarfriendtim]

As an avid viewer of this channel, and someone who makes content too, seeing the caliber and polish of your youtube shorts - which was already super high - get SO tight, without seeming gimmicky....and then on TOP of that Adam's playing and talking at the same time are so on point...I think that's what has even us jaded online muso types being like "dyamn, Adam"🔥

[@arosguitarduo8149]

That absolutely amazing. This is what social media needs. People talking about their journey through music, and life.

[@jgbirds]

Thanks for this topic. I’m 45 also, never was that good but always loved working on stuff and playing. Recently began learning jazz guitar. I’ll never be super good but I’ll never stop trying!

[@JezNashMusic]

"...I’ll never be super good..." - delete this part of the sentence from your life immediately!

[@colombojazzbeats]

Hey Adam, appreciate your openness! Might I add, that you forgot to mention your exceptional verbal talents? It’s one thing to play at a high level, but don’t leave out the talent to communicate verbally about the playing. It’s all communication. That sets you (and Rick Beato for that matter) at the top level of the jazz game imho!

[@inkwells6813]

I’m a 73ish retired blue collar worker with no musical education and experience. I bought the Major Scale Course and a midi controller the first day I saw Adam’s KZbin video on his course on September 2023. Something about it just made me do it. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go any distance when I first started. But with every lesson it’s like you’re right there with me. That is really next level teaching , I’ve benefited immensely. The biggest help for a beginner is how the courses are structured so that I can quickly understand what it takes to become a better player by setting up a journal and practice routine to keep me motivated. I listen to Open Studio and You’ll Hear It Podcast every morning as part of my meditation before practice each morning. They are both motivating and relaxing and sets me up for a good practice session. Music sounds better than before. I started reading and transcribing and really feel that I am living a musical life.

[@adamhogan636]

This is very inspiring and moving. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@inkwells6813]

@@adamhogan636 Thanks Adam for reading my post. I wish you a musical life. Happy practicing.

[@carlosjimenez5174]

Excelent theme. For a long time I was away from my piano and now that I’m retired I started to watch your videos and I think I’m getting better. I am seventy. I am not that fast to learn but definitively I’ve learned a lot from you two. I have a lot of expectations. Thank you Adam for shearing, I feel and felt the same way personally

[@pnojazz]

OS is the finest pod on KZbin!❤

[@coreycongilio]

As someone in their mid 40's, this resonates massively with me. Thanks for the transparency and vulnerability.

[@bodhibeats8257]

Good video! I studied jazz at a small Midwest liberal arts school. I was an okay trumpet player, but nowhere near good enough to go a performance route. I was a theory nerd who could understand most things but had a hard time translating them to real-time playing. By the end of my 20s, I’d basically given up music and didn’t really play anymore. I’m now 47. About five years ago, I got interested in music again, this time focusing on production, piano, and EWI. I can’t explain it, but 20 years away from music seems to have done wonders for the mental side of music for me. The theory knowledge was all still there, and somehow I seem to be able to access it more rapidly, leading to a much better ability to like, sight read a lead sheet and see concepts like “oh, turnaround here” rather than trying to remember “A7 D7 G7 C.” It kinda blows my mind that this stuff - which I was pretty good at in college - is somehow *so* much easier in my 40s after decades away from music. I don’t get it, but I’m here for it. I’ve still gotta do the physical work of getting things under my fingers, but man the understanding part just comes so easily now. Being old ain’t so bad. 😁

[@lucaslieberman7625]

you probably internalized a lot from the extra 20 years of listening 😂

[@lucaslieberman7625]

nice!

[@ManelRuivo]

hey guys, been listening to you for a while now. dude, seriously, that jumpstart jam is really the thing that was missing when you started this podcast. this is lovely! listening you sirs is a blast more than ever!

[@felixtani4030]

Can really relate -I’m also in my forties and doing my best progress ever. Also got sober 2 years ago , in therapy and working a lot on myself. Your telling my story❤

[@emuhanna]

This is wonderful. I've been so inspired by Adam's apparently unlimited growth over the past 5-6 years. He has an unmistakeable sound, impeccable time, beautifully lyrical solos.

[@natescape]

I'm a bluegrass mandolin player and while you'd think that'd be a fairly distant point of connection, this conversation speaks to such universal wisdom, both about cultivating a musician's practice, as well as making a way through the world as a creative person. Really valuable discussion - I'm in my mid-30's now and looking forward to really explore the next levels through my 40's and beyond!

[@michaelkeithson]

Guys! This really resonates. Turned 40 last year and just starting to feel like I’m finding my pathway. Really appreciate what you guys are doing.

[@sean4630]

Gentlemen, you have such an impact because you speak to us, not at us... The relationship that you have developed with all of us in the Open Studio Family is exactly (at least to me), one of Mentor and student... Thank you. I'm 54 (next month), studied at two post secondary institutions in Toronto for Jazz (*Cough* back in the 90's) and having come here feel like I'm super hungry to learn all over again Cheers

[@mauryallums2898]

I love Adam's comment. There is no finish line. Outcomes are way less important than process. Daily stacking habits...mentorship, focus, personal growth, rigity of uncovering, there are levels, seasons, line up to the wind, put your ear to the ground....

[@fatestarne2694]

Stacking Habits is something I’ve truly been working on this year and it has absolutely turned my life around. Thank you so much for the much needed video at this point of my life!

[@denominator208]

Great intro! Love that song by Lenny Kravitz. I'm in my mid 30s, started playing sax again a few years ago. I'm really motivated to get better, but I also get discouraged when I realize how much I have still to learn. If you don't enjoy the process you will never improve.

[@EP-ki2zu]

Absolute gold. THE conversation I needed to hear today aged 52. Thank you both for having this conversation on camera 💛

[@raneyjr]

Another very interesting discussion. From my point of view, the issue of evaluating yourself amongst your peers and feeling, "oh I'll never play like that guy" is a constant discussion in my head and honestly very often unavoidable. I recall meeting Larry Goldings when he was a bushy haired kid at 17, he showed up at my father's gig at Bradley's. My father had just done a clinic at the New School and invited him to come down. Dad then said to me, "He can really play". And there I am still in the learning stage (mid-80s) thinking "oh shit". Or later on his New School cohort Brad Mehldau at Augie's in the late 80s who was wailing away on Dave Berkman's house Rhodes. Or Dave Kikoski in his mid twenties in Roy Haynes band. At some point I got better enough to be the house pianist at a jam session and some of the best players would drop in and I had to cut it and make it but I still carried around that starstruck nature whenever I would hear them. There is a certain amount of youthful chops I think that you can get at a young age and through a number of factors - perhaps by choice or physical limits these things are no longer a feature of your playing - I think Evans, Getz or some of our current surviving masters are examples. I still am discovering things in regards to timing, phrasing, LH and ballads that were lacking in my playing even when I was out there playing publicly. As long as my mind stays intact and I stay focused on things I can't do and should be able to do and see it through then I see no reason why one can't improve well into advanced age.

[@rdctd8690]

Great conversation. I feel that teaching is one of the very best ways to improve. It's also so incredibly rewarding when you can see on your student's face whatever concept you're addressing has clicked with them. You grow, and you help them grow. So awesome.

[@EliaGaitau]

I turned 50 last October. Listening to you guys in my 40's and deciding to join Open Studio to learn from all you masters over the past 5 (or more) years has been a great way for my own musical growth. I'm still inspired and grateful for each day to learn and practice something. Adam, you're just as inspiring as Peter and all the other mentors. Keep being you, and congratulations for being sober. Thank you for sharing all of what was said here. Peter & Adam, always inspired, and always inspiring. Thank you both.

[@Nestor_Fernandez]

Amazing video on struggling to be a better person and player no matter what it takes. Trying to be the best version of yourself and take a small step every day towards it is the outcome. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@NorkelFjols]

I'm 42, and recently started taking certain things about the "physicality" of playing more seriously, with some good information from an online resource. How I'm using my hands, arms, relaxation, that sort of thing. I'm already a better player. Things just flow more.

[@PianoDanny]

I think I’m that working class musician who’s made a decent living out of teaching music. I have over 40 weekly student’s ranging from beginner to professional (often within electronic music). I have my own studio and KZbin channel and am making a decent living out of it. Teaching music isn’t second best. You were very right to mention the process matters. I’m 54 and still enjoying improving. Will I ever have the quite the technical virtuosity and quick thinking virtuosity on the flat like Peter? Probably not, because I was more into rock and songwriting as a young kid with a publishing contract. Quick development goes with struggling with the idiom when young. Jazz was secondary even though I performed a bit at jazz festivals. Yes, the pangs of inadequacy are inevitable but they happen to the best of the best. G-d bless for allowing me a career in music and balancing that with wide and kids. It hasn’t been easy - so I do empathise with Adam, who’s playing and technique have definitely become more fluent of late.

[@jajackso18]

At 63, I’m so glad I found you two! You’ve fostered a lot of growth for me and others. Bravo!

[@CarlitosScheffer]

Thank you for this amazing video! I'm turning 40 this year and your words meant a lot to me 🙏🏽 I really think that the next few years can be of a lot of growth for me since I have much more life experience and a lot better habits that make my life easier and more enjoyable. To listen to your story has been of great help and it was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks again!!

[@zechariahstudios]

Yo! I'm tripping out about this DOUBLE PIANO DESK!!! RAD!!!!! 😎

[@sanferrera]

A lot of love for you, Adam. I have learned a lot from your lessons and your great attitude as a teacher.

[@messiahh]

I started piano 2 years ago, at age 36 The struggle with everything is real, but finding a mentor and giving the craft time is essential. I hope to get to 66 and look back at this incredible journey that is learning music

[@jeshurunabinadab6560]

I’m 46 and just set out on my journey to learn drums, Jazz is the destination. Zero prior experience on any instrument. Lets GO! 🎉

[@endangeredoddities]

27:10 this point is great. I've been struggling with being too results oriented lately but this idea flips that on its head and makes the process the goal itself. Thanks for that.

[@HorizontalHoldRecord]

This was great! Such an honest share. It’s so hard to get better, feels so impossible, but it can happen. Stack habits, focus, and finding a mentor! Really needed to hear this. Appreciated this immensely 🎉🎉

[@joshbottz]

I loved this chat. I’m still quite young but I’ve often wrestled with these ideas, as I’m committed to the piano and writing epic fantasy books. I can’t compromise either, they are too precious. So I have to come to terms with being just myself, and progressing at my own rate and exploring my own unique contributions to the world.

[@raybergstrom]

Thanks, Adam. It's refreshing and encouraging to hear this. I'm also 45 and feeling like I'm just starting to find my way as a musician. I've just stayed in the game long enough, focusing on the daily process of practicing, to get to the point where music is finally paying the bills. I'm just a low-level working musician, an ant compared to talented people I've met, but I can say that through hard work I'm able to provide for my family by playing the guitar.

[@donschneider7953]

I love when you guys talk about the personal growth aspect of the musical path through life. We are all learning and growing all of the time. The question is whether we will grow intentionally, or as a result of getting hammered by life for insisting on our old conditioned dysfunctional habits. Establishing constructive habits is primary, in my 73 years of experience.

[@Steve-xl1en]

LOL so bizarre I just read this big profile on Lenny Kravitz on the weekend talking about everything you were talking about (I was massive early fan of his). Then suddenly I watched this video to improve my piano playing, and you are jamming on it aint over til its over. Must be a sign!!! :) I have just joined Open Studio. Many of us aren't probably going to be professional musicians but I would love it if you could include what you have learned from the mentors, as many of us wont get one.

[@fjzingo]

You two are an amazing team, great to hear about your journey Adam. You two are big part in me growing as a jazzpianist well beyond being 50…

[@BarceMessi]

you guys are aso awesome. fill my heart with a love for music - that i didnt reawlzie i had .lov u dogs!

[@adamtullymusic]

This is such a wonderful story and meaningful lesson for musicians. Congrats Adam, and Peter, on everything you've built. I've become a megafan. And by the way GALA adhered to!

[@abadiejazz]

I always felt like you were great Adam Mannes.

[@davidanthony729]

I too am in my 40s and I've also grown since watching Open Studio 🙌🏼

[@jddazzle]

low key looove the joni mitchell clouds t-shirt. Also that first 2 minutes totally slayed, wow.

[@jakekeys88music]

That is such a catchy loop you played in the intro, but it keeps itching my brain because I want it to resolve to a 1-6-2-5-1. And no wonder it sounded familiar! I don't listen to Lenny Kravitz much, but I need to play with that. It's giving me some good ideas.

[@Ry-gh4xe]

Love the Joni Mitchell shirt! Great video, guys!

[@gregister72]

Great video, completely agree with you guys! Having a mentor make such a huge difference. quick question: What type of keyboards are you using at the desk? They sound great. Thanks, Gene R

[@TheChaserTV]

The song at the start sounds so much like ‘That’s the way of the world’ by EWF

[@dillonvado]

Appreciate this conversation! Thanks dudes

[@mirrorengine]

great talk... thank you guys!

[@EliaGaitau]

Loved that intro … as soon you played it … all I could hear were the lyrics❤ “Here we are still together… we are one..🎵” Lenny Kravitz! Yeah boiii Please do more jamming over non jazz tunes!

[@judsonclinton3790]

Excellent conversation! Have been playing/practicing in seclusion and tending to another career. Have been hoping this topic would arise... 46 and seeking a mentor 😊 seeing other comments about starting school this late in life and that's very encouraging. My degree is in another field. I have been wondering if that route is beneficial and if any schools are better than others for my cohort?

[@Tribarchat]

Love your content guys! I still have fond memories of Peter in the piano chair with The Danish Radio Big Band and Dianne Reeves (and me ;-) some years ago. ❤

[@rdettwyler]

Letting go of results, focusing on process. Yeah. Thanks.

[@michellemonet4358]

Its all about...progress and the process.

[@victoza9232]

The street-level "office" setting cracks me up. Is this what you guys do when not approving bank loans? 😄

[@roaldraschner1627]

Wonderful episode. Adam, you are a jazz player!

[@tommuellner6633]

I love you guys… terrific players! what kind of keyboard does Adam have? I really love that Rhodes sound... Also, the acoustic piano sound that Peter has is really authentic for a keyboard… come out to Chicago sometime… I’ve been playing jazz piano for about 50 years and always agree with pretty much everything you cats say and do

[@olekiilerich4191]

You guys are a great inspiration to me! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@MrRossharrell]

Wow- Adam's story is really similar to mine. I'm coming up on 5 years sober, I play so many instruments, I'm in so many bands, and I feel like I'm too all over the place to make progress. I've been in and out of college jazz programs and I've been a private lessons teacher for years. I feel like maybe joining OS Pro would be a good fit.

[@BlurredTrees]

Great convo. Not shallow.

[@JamesOKlippel]

I wish i saw their reaction when he hit the major 7th at the end lol

[@Muravchix]

Beautiful, inspiring episode, thanks guys

[@mfurman]

How about people who are introverts and do not want to work and interact with others (like solo activities)? Is there any jazz playing future for them? I always worked alone (I am CS engineer) avoiding team work.

[@michellemonet4358]

Im alone in my studio writing and rehearsing music daily too. Good question.

[@gordparkin2848]

Please share the opening progression, love this

[@bluecrueful]

My playing got better in my 40s too, man!

[@RiccardoPearlman]

What an opening statement for this video. IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER, BABY. Go learn that new language. Go pick up that new instrument. Go lose that weight you always wanted to lose. Personal work is ALWAYS rewarded!

[@MiguelMartinez-ui8nl]

Oh shit I cried with this episode, adam you good man

[@cfloyd199]

Great episode. Life doesn't end when you hit 40

[@Turtlpwr]

How I started getting serious at 35 and still feel like a compete primary schooler on the instrument at almost 40 now

[@JuroJanik]

Lenny Kraviiiiiitz 🖤🔥🔥🔥

[@bajtucha]

I'm starting at my 40's and I won't stop before I turn into pro. How about that? ... at least one gig in a local jazz pub to mark the challenge done ;-)

[@dancam4685]

Great video and info Adam.

[@patzimmusic]

Y'all are the best!

[@rebeccamouse9294]

I would love to have the kind of wordless conversation with someone that you two had at the keyboards in the introduction to the video. Not happening. I’m So far below the musical skill level of the intended audience.., but that must be so fulfilling.

[@CalvRobb]

Great video ! From Calvin in Borehamwood Herts UK.

[@mauryallums2898]

54 and I am still trying to get to a level

[@eqapo]

Love you guys!

[@humorpotamus]

You also lost some weight, Adam. Great job! Congrats!

[@perryfrimpongmensah3710]

Watching this while eating some jollof and if i remember correctly Adam's wife I a food nerd / foodie. Have y'all tried jollof before? Just out of curiousity. LOVE YOU GUYS!!'

[@pedrohattnher8247]

whats the name of the song from the intro? can't quite recall

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

35 here... Leveling up. Thank you

[@johnwilson5944]

Mentorship, focus on process, great advice . Many thanks

[@nilsklavierklasse3278]

What's the name of the song of the Intro?

[@wadecottingham]

good topic. thx!

[@rutger_greve2926]

Wholesome

[@thomapple]

I related a lot, except on one crucial point... I have to work a bullshit job 8 hours a day, and most of the free time is spent doing the chores and mentally recovering from this bullshit job. Very hard to find motivation to practice music in an efficient way :/

[@precisionhoops365]

Kool

[@feratgoogle]

Like this? Then watch Rick Beato's story 'Fortune of failure'.

[@cuisonte]

Didnt know Luka Doncic was that good at jazz piano

[@noahv8671]

Who is Jon Batiste’s piano teacher?

[@eagleeggs3862]

Sword fighting