Piano Progress - 3 Year Adult Beginner

Songs learned:
0:00 Bach - Prelude No. 1 in C (month 5)
0:21 Bach - Minuet in G (month 6)
0:45 Joplin - The Entertainer (month 6)
1:07 Beethoven - Fur Elise (month 7)
1:34 Pachelbel - Canon in D (month 9)
2:42 Gary Jules - Mad World (month 10)
3:05 Satie - Gymnopedie No. 1 (month 11)
3:39 Billy Joel - Piano Man (month 12)
4:29 Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake (month 18)
6:18 Game of Thrones (month 21)
7:23 Tetris (month 24)
8:04 Yann Tiersen - La Valse d’Amélie (month 26)
9:08 Bach - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (month 35)
10:48 Elvis Presley - Can’t Help Falling in Love (month 40)
Pianos used:
Yamaha P-45
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-745
Kawai K-300
Total hours:
800
Books/Apps used:
Flowkey
Alfred Basic Adult All-in-One Book 1-3
Faber Piano Adventures Book 1-2
The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences
Hanon - The Virtuoso Pianist
Czerny Op. 599
Bela Bartok Mikrokosmos (Volume 1-3)
Improve Your Sight-reading! Piano (Levels 1-7)

[@stevenkanik]

Songs learned: 0:00 Bach - Prelude No. 1 in C (month 5) 0:21 Bach - Minuet in G (month 6) 0:45 Joplin - The Entertainer (month 6) 1:07 Beethoven - Fur Elise (month 7) 1:34 Pachelbel - Canon in D (month 9) 2:42 Gary Jules - Mad World (month 10) 3:05 Satie - Gymnopedie No. 1 (month 11) 3:39 Billy Joel - Piano Man (month 12) 4:29 Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake (month 18) 6:18 Game of Thrones (month 21) 7:23 Tetris (month 24) 8:04 Yann Tiersen - La Valse d’Amélie (month 26) 9:08 Bach - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (month 35) 10:48 Elvis Presley - Can’t Help Falling in Love (month 40) Pianos used: Yamaha P-45 Yamaha Clavinova CLP-745 Kawai K-300 Total hours: 800 Books/Apps used: Flowkey Alfred Basic Adult All-in-One Book 1-3 Faber Piano Adventures Book 1-2 The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences Hanon - The Virtuoso Pianist Czerny Op. 599 Bela Bartok Mikrokosmos (Volume 1-3) Improve Your Sight-reading! Piano (Levels 1-7)

[@benarr8689]

A small suggestion. Dont play pieces that takes more then 3 months to learn, especially for the short pieces ur playing. Ive been there and progress became faster when I practiced pieces that I were able to learn faster. Anyways great progress! Keep going

[@rodimarincassemiro]

Wow! Thats soooo fantastic! 👏👏👏

[@AB-tq7ys]

Great progress!

[@hollyavillella554]

Excellent! Inspiring! ❤

[@DrSmithSJA]

really inspiring! thanks so much for sharing

[@TheRealAudioDidact]

You are really good! Keep up the good work and I look forward to your future progress.

[@euanmccabe4962]

Good for you! You're doing amazingly

[@MooreMusic12]

Beautiful and brilliant 😊😊😊

[@mrj62081a]

What an amazing journey! Thanks for sharing.

[@danielmeb84]

Sick man! I really like the pieces you chose too

[@MizuPiano]

Good job, amazing progress and beautiful playing

[@mygift28]

Thanks for sharing the progress. It looks great

[@dees3179]

Well done, that’s an impressive commitment.

[@mohamedm.r.mostafa8909]

Well done... Keep going, you're making a great progress...

[@michaellawrence2762]

All credit and respect for your dedication . Your achievements are amazing !

[@MyPianoWay]

Crazy how good you were after just one year. Keep up the great work!

[@Olleg.G]

Insane progress, Steven! Love your fluid playing, nice smooth touche and consistent learning. Keep trying! 💪🎹

[@Thinkabout1]

Wow! Congratulations for your conquer to learn piano. 👏

[@themightyant.]

This is very inspiring. You are doing great. I used to play a lot but haven't for several years. This has given me a bit of well needed a kick. Thank you!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

I am always in awe of progress as an adult beginner! It takes so much grit and consistency. Way to go!

[@kayajackson50]

Congratulations! The way your consistency and control developed in the first year really reflects your hard work. Keep going!

[@HuiyaMindfulMelodiesOfWellness]

Wow, congratulations on your great progress and victory! I am truly envious your success as I am still continue to work hard on my learning journey. You inspire me and thanks again for sharing 🫶!

[@niklas2458]

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu diesem Fortschritt ! Cooles Video !

[@user-wn6uy7yx5j]

This is so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing, wow! Also the 6 months it took you for Swan Lake was so well worth it. I am totally blown away!

[@CrackerJayherber]

Awesome! I love that Tetris song.

[@D57ve]

Great progress

[@AnElectricViolin]

Just came across your profile and this video - you're doing a great job and I don't think you can call yourself a "beginner" anymore - especially not with how beautifully you played the Jesu Joy!

[@pianodugi]

Prelude Nr. 1 will be the last song of my Piano beginners book. Look forward to play this beautiful piece. Nice progress anyway. 😊 keep on playing.

[@jim1664]

Great progress!. Man, I want one of those pianos! One day...

[@TimothyLiem]

Look at this dedication! Learning so many songs consistently shows incredible commitment. You should be so proud!😃🎹🎶 Your musical journey is so inspiring! It's incredible to see you conquer new work every few months. Keep up the great work!💪🎁💕

[@Alsu-yz3dg]

Very inspiring❤

[@chui2689]

You are amazing. I can't believed that you are an adult leaner. Many people said that if you learn piano during adult, you can't play well. What I see from you is that you really play very well ! Well done.

[@xktr6665]

People say lot of bullshit. Especially those who do nothing.

[@katttttt]

I don't understand why someone would say that. Are we suddenly losing some kind of ability when we turn into an adult? Lol

[@xktr6665]

@@katttttt You dont lose the ability as un adult. If you learn a lot a things when you are young, your brain will accept better to learn new things as an adult, including difficult ones. But actually a lot of people think they are not able to learn because of self limiting believes. They don't have learned many things in their youth so they think they cannot learn as adults. Or they don't accept the difficulty. Or they believe in the greatest lie in creative activites : the talent. It is often a mix of those different reasons. A friend of mine once said "it's to late for us to learn drums, we would have begin when WE where young". We were 20. Today we are 35 and i play guitar and drums in bands and he does nothing... You see, learning music requires hard work, dedication, time, patience as all the good things in this word. Drinking alcool and taking drugs does require nothing.

[@chui2689]

@@xktr6665 Well said👍 . Most of the adult *choose* to believe that they can't or too late because this is more "easier" for them compare to put in efforts on a certain things.

[@benarr8689]

​​@@xktr6665I think its difficult for adults to get a very high level of proficiency. I yet need to see someone that can play gaspard de la nuit or similiar difficult pieces on concert level and started with 20 >= Though you certainly still become very good and the mindset of adults are often whats limiting them.

[@DirkdeZwijger]

Very impressive work. I love that you didn't start trying to tackle pieces far above your level, but that you still challenged yourself in different ways. I play for 4.5 years now and I am addicted to Bach's fugues. I recommend you to try out one or two of Bach's two-part inventions. Lovely pieces of music and very good studying material. (I personally loved the 4th in d minor!!)

[@Skochel]

Awesome work man! You can tell that you started to feel the music as you got more comfortable, which sets a piece apart from that of rote memorization

[@stevenkanik]

Thank you!

[@snbh2440]

I loved the swan lake part, totally worth the six months, tho I wish it would sing more (basically just making sure there’s always change in dynamics from one note to another, to give it that singing, flowing feel). The last bach you played was better in that regard. Keep it up bravoooo :)

[@robertmclauchlan5870]

Well done, mate 👍

[@nikred280]

Thanks for inspired us

[@gabi.coroian]

Bravo! 👏

[@mahaila81]

I also started my studies in 2021, congratulations on your progress

[@lluisrafalessole-classical5068]

Fantastic

[@screamingpiano]

Omg after 40 months of learning piano I would've been unable to play a SINGLE one of the pieces you've just played. Well done!!

[@katttttt]

What about the first one, Bach prelude in C major? I mean I also can't play it completely correct yet, but it's technically easy Or wait do you don't play piano, but you would assume that about your progress 🤔

[@kahotam7975]

Awesome! I'm 6 months into piano now and finished faber and alfred's book 1. I feel I'm also similar to where you were at around 6 month

[@user-od7nb8ey1c]

Wonderful… I use the same books … scales, arpeggios, … etc.. basis for any pianist. I practice them everyday … congratulations… well done 🎹

[@marciahorton2203]

Do you alternate each day on what you practice?

[@Shaneeyyy]

Happy to see you sight reading too. Sound great pal

[@kaitoracing9391]

Nice job. I love the way you play Jesu joy of man's desiring. A lot people uploading how far they got learning piano being an adult, however, most of the videos only last one year. I myself started piano 8 months ago. Don't know how far I'll get eventually.

[@keys6]

Keep going... I started March 2020... to always....

[@2002328]

I am now 65, just started to learn piano 2 months ago. Don't know how far I can go😢

[@xmpltdf]

Very far I suppose. I heard that you need around 10 years to have a good level for classical music. I dont know if it s for young people or adult.if you have motivation and time I bet you will go far 😊

[@mohamedm.r.mostafa8909]

It's never too late to start.. You should be proud that you started... It's an amazing journey...

[@katttttt]

0:24 your ornaments (or whatever they are called) are nice! I added them later as I learned the piece because I used to have no idea how to move my fingers that they can play something like that😂

[@max_rove]

well done

[@sharingmatters]

Congrats

[@xmpltdf]

Great job. For me it's in the same time inspiring and desesperating because I learnt since one year now about 1 hour per day and I am far away from your level. I am wondering if I have the good way to learn. Yet I have a teacher weekly and a great motivation. Again, congratulations.

[@noah.benson]

I feel like you are probably just as good as other people who have done similar progress videos and if you just push yourself to learn something challenging you will realise that

[@hollerschnigge5133]

Thank you for this video. I'm not sure, if I should be depressed or motivated ;) . I'm fifty and startet with organ and piano half an year ago.

[@BblackMaxx]

Muito bom man! Senti falta de uma peça de Chopin

[@pauloya]

I think from Tetris, month 24 you sounded a lor more fluid and dynamic, really interesting to watch your progress!

[@nighthawk8764]

I've always wanted to learn to play the piano, but at 74yo I don't know if it would be worth the financial investment. I guess there's only one way to find out. You have really progressed in a short amount of time. Cudos!

[@pianodugi]

My recommendation is: just do it 😉

[@Louise-xr5ok]

Go for it, I am starting as a 57nyear old

[@ghidafarchoukh1218]

Just do it ❤❤

[@Alifer9]

Just do it! :)

[@keys6]

Never too late.... piano is beautiful ❤

[@sallywfu2915]

You are really improving fast with a teacher every other week. How do you search a private good teacher? Could you give some advice? And how can you practice Hanon and others just in one hour?

[@RY-fe3rt]

Well done! So inspiring, keep going! ✊ PS: If you're done with the 745, I'll happily take it off your hands... but only if you throw in those curtains for free. 😁

[@JosephAtJapan]

Hey Steven great progress you are making, I'm just starting out as an adult as well, and got a teacher myself, I was wondering how does it work for you with a teacher, do you follow only practices assigned by teacher, or do you follow the book's progress and let teacher help you on part that you're struggling with?

[@AnElectricViolin]

Hello there, I was watching the video and saw your question. I'd suggest asking your teacher... while it can be tempting to move ahead, it's easy to develop some wrong playing habits that are harder to unlearn later. Conscientious music teachers will be alert to this when teaching beginners, even when the student is an adult. There are some fields where self-directed learning is the norm, but if this is your first instrument, chances are your teacher will guide you more closely at first. After you get some experience then you can probably do more learning on your own. Hope that helps

[@Dingding465]

Very impressed by your progress! I am a mid age self taught learner and looking for buying a digital piano too, may i ask if buying a basic dp like p45 or go for a intermediate dp like your clp745 suit the needs?

[@marciahorton2203]

Wow your fingers glide across the keys I wish mine could do that. Any suggestions? Such beautiful playing!

[@stevenkanik]

Thank you for the kind words! I don't feel like I'm that good, but I appreciate the compliment! Mostly it's just daily, consistent, 1-hour practice. There's really no shortcut. It's just putting in the time and effort.

[@MichaelJustGreat]

Steven, congratulations on your piano journey. Just a few questions if you do not mind. Are you self-taught or do you take piano lessons? If you take piano lessons, how long for each piano lesson (30 min, 1 hour?) and how frequent (every week?)? And finally, how long do you practice, every day I assume? Keep your beautiful journey of learning to master this amazing instrument, the piano.

[@stevenkanik]

Hey Michael! I was self-taught using the Flowkey App for the first 6 months. Then after 6 months I started taking piano lessons. The lessons were twice a month and 45 minutes each session. I usually practiced 5+ days a week for about an hour.

[@Dingding465]

You are doing great! Just wonder if you are self-learned or taught by teacher?

[@christophers7070]

I am in awe, congratulations. I have a question. When you learn a piece, do you learn 1 line at a time? and gradually put it together? Or do you try the whole piece and gradually refine it? thanks

[@stevenkanik]

Thank you! I usually learn 2 or 4 bars (or measures) at a time. I usually just learn those 2 to 4 bars for the entire week. Hands separately first, then hands together, then make sure I have no errors, then make sure the tempo is correct. That usually takes me a week to master 2 to 4 bars. Once I don't make any more mistakes and I'm at the correct tempo, then I move onto the next 2 to 4 bars. It takes me a long time to get it correct, but if I practice everyday consistently, I eventually get it.

[@kevsfernandez03]

Hey man, which bela bartok book did you use? I'm seeing blue and pink on amazon. 😅 btw really good progress!🎉

[@stevenkanik]

Hey I learned all 3 volumes of the Pink version. To be honest though, I didn't really like the Mikrokosmos series.

[@buiavhamri4904]

I like the way you play "Jesus Joy of Man's Desiring". Is this the piano transcription by Myra Hess?

[@stevenkanik]

It's this one: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/JesuPf.html?vid=4uFUiIvPjYY#tab=video

[@DelfinRelopez]

Did you think that Flow Key was helpful or not - but Great work!!!!!

[@stevenkanik]

It was definitely helpful for the 1st year. It made it "fun" to learn in a gamified way. I would recommend it for anyone starting out, especially self-taught learners.

[@marciahorton2203]

Did you have previous lessons when you were younger playing the piano?

[@stevenkanik]

I think I had like 10-20 lessons when I was like 7 years old. When I started learning as an adult, I learned as if I had no prior experience. I didn't remember anything that I learned as a kid.

[@thehauntedpumpkin1232]

As an expert pianist, I’m gonna tell you that you got better throughout this journey, but I think your technique could do some work and your feeling. You definitely need a lot more feeling other than that Good job. ❤❤❤❤

[@thehauntedpumpkin1232]

The stuff I mentioned is the stuff that I would focus on

[@enchanterZX]

You are definitely well done for such efforts. But you still need to work on your technique. Pay attention to the position of your hands. Your fingers are pressing the keys at the wrong angle. You need to play with support on the two bones of the phalanx with a rounded shape of the finger, the pressure should be at the junction of your nails and the finger pad. I can also notice that your wrist is too tight and inactive. You need to make them “breathe” and remove all tension. If you work on this, your sound production will become much better. Good luck!

[@nowirehangers2815]

No

[@alanjaymanzano]

What metronome are you using?

[@stevenkanik]

Seiko SQ50-V Quartz Metronome

[@robertz9949]

Hi, did You play ever before? Or maybe do You start lerning from zero?

[@stevenkanik]

Basically learning from zero. I think I had like 10-20 lessons when I was like 7 years old. When I started learning as an adult, I learned as if I had no prior experience. I didn't remember anything that I learned as a kid.

[@vityavertu526]

did I get it right that you had private lesson with a pro pianist on a regulat basis?

[@stevenkanik]

Yes, I had lessons twice a month for 45 minutes per lesson. She has a PhD in Piano Performance.

[@kodikash33]

Damn brother, for 10 grand I would hope the Kawai sounds better 😭

[@bytemixsound]

There are a lot of things to consider with an acoustic upright piano compared to a digital piano. Tuning and overall condition of the internal mechanics of the piano being a big thing, whether or not the hammers were voiced and if the action was dialed in and fine tuned by a certified tech. Not to mention placement inside the room, microphone position, etc. It's just a different creature compared to a digital piano that has settings and samples taken from popular grand pianos that would cost 5 to 8 times the price of that Kawai, or more. For a sound closer to what's coming from the Yamaha Clavinova, you might have to look at something like a Kawai RX-2 parlor grand. But that K-300 is fine for a beginner to intermediate student, maybe a bit beyond, and he should be able to get at least a few more years or more out of that upright before his technique really develops to the point where he'd need a grand piano for the more nuanced response. But it's very good that he moved to the acoustic, because it is a completely different interaction and overall experience, as the acoustic piano will vibrate through your fingers and bones, and the technique is more nuanced as you sometimes "massage" the sound out of the acoustic piano, which changes depending on how you approach the strike of the key. As an acoustic instrument the piano (assuming in good condition and properly serviced) supports the musician and they interact as a whole. The musician doesn't just play the piano, but also responds to the interaction of the piano and how the piano behaves with the musician. Playing notes and learning the notes is all well and good, but it takes a more nuanced touch to truly make a piano "sing." And one cannot develop that technique on a digital piano alone. I mean you "kind of" can a little, but it's a pale imitation compared to practicing with an acoustic instrument. Anyway, the upright probably sounds a bit better in person than in the video. To me it sounds like a pretty decent upright, decently balanced sound. Maybe just slightly detuned and could be due for a tuning session at that point in time in the video, but it doesn't sound bad to me. That said, I just spent $8K on a used 2004 Petrof IV Chippendale parlor grand. But I got extremely lucky to find one locally at that price (they usually go for about $15K on the private market depending on condition/age), and there was some risk in that there wasn't time to get my tech to evaluate it. (I was able to see it in person, and from my knowledge of Petrof and limited knowledge of internal mechanics of a piano, I was able to ascertain that it was likely a safe purchase, just that I had no way to check the tuning pins/pin blocks, so a little risk.) My tech got to see it on Monday, and said it was in great shape and I did good. We'll do a fine tune next month after the wood finishes acclimating to the new environment.

[@keys6]

If he is not using a condensor mic x2. And a room with good acoustics...plus decent camera or phone, the recording will always be compromised... I guarantee...in person in the room it will be beautiful 😊

[@stevenkanik]

@@keys6 I'm just recording on my iPhone haha. The Kawai sounds great in person. The video doesn't do it justice. It sounds WAY better than the digital Yamaha Clavinova, even though the Clavinova was ~$4000 😅

[@Watchnerd-68]

Why i dont believe you …. Technic ist Not better bevor 6 month to 26 month. 6 month is to good … 😉

[@FurinCine]

Did you edit something that made the sounds bad?

[@stevenkanik]

I was just recording on my iPhone so the sound quality isn't great

[@nowirehangers2815]

@@stevenkanikit’s fine

[@KathyPiano3]

Did you use a teacher?

[@borosouros]

45mins every other week

[@KathyPiano3]

@@borosouros 👏 ...