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.

[@dmelf321]

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

[@lanceregan2571]

I am 78 and practicing and learning everyday. When it comes to learning anything age is just a number. Forever young. When I finish the piano lessons I paint and listen to the music. The child like curiosity is with me always.

[@donschneider7953]

...73 here,,,learning everyday...curiosity, kindness to self and others, appreciation and acceptance of how "the flow of life" wants to unfold...and saying, "Yes, thank you" to all worthwhile opportunities, while remaining much more focused on what is important.

[@messiahh]

"The cure to boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." Dorothy Parker

[@michellemonet4358]

Beauuutiful Lance.

[@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]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jonnysterling6917]

55 Years old and 4 months away from getting a graduate degree in Jazz Piano Performance. 35 year pro career as a keyboard player doing rock and roll and theatre and a bit of classical and hacking my way through some jazz. Decided I wanted to be able to teach my students who wanted to learn Jazz way better than I could, and was feeling stagnant as a player in general. It's a journey without end. Just keep going...

[@ChoBee333]

Glad to hear this! I’m also studying for my 🎹performance degree at 48 after not playing for yrs. It’s never too late to pursue a passion!

[@michellemonet4358]

🎉🎉rock on . Jazz on!

[@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.

[@remcogeelen]

Real people. Talking about real things. Truly and openly. With a sauce of piano on it. It just doesn't get any better.

[@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.

[@MattLeGroulx]

"Personal growth machine" is how I feel about being an educator. I tell my students that if they really want to improve they should start teaching.

[@Jazzmentl]

Great episode. It's so true that it's never too late. I burnt the tendons in my forearms and my jazz career was over in a minute. I had to reinvent myself and figure out how to make a living outside of music. I did. I was fortunate. Two decades later at 60 years old I circled back to give my passion another go and I started playing again. It took 20 years for my arms to heal, and I was deeply committed to playing again. I don't feel there is an age cap as to when you can start over. If this music is calling you and you want to start over, start with day one. ❤

[@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.

[@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....

[@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

[@dokko1231]

What a beautiful podcast ❤ the intro brought a tear to my eye - from a guy who started learning at 28

[@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!

[@michellemonet4358]

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

[@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!

[@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❤

[@arosguitarduo8149]

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

[@brettliebermanmusic]

Just keep on learning all kinds of music. Every time I think I know it all, I come across some players that just floor me and I am back to the woodshed. Even teaching modern pop tunes to students, I have picked up new chord progressions or phrases.

[@michellemonet4358]

Seymour Bernstein is my hero/mentor. Hes in his 90s and just "getting started!"

[@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"🔥

[@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!

[@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! 🎉

[@fiscaldisco5234]

What a cool version of It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over!! Took me back to listening to that on my discman in the backseat of my mom's car.

[@michaeltamul500]

Thanks! I recognized the melody but couldn’t name the tune!

[@michaeltamul500]

lol, after unpausing the video after the intro he goes on to say what it is anyways 😂

[@fiscaldisco5234]

@@michaeltamul500 haha I also commented before seeing they mention it

[@zechariahstudios]

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

[@gregory9028]

I only heard the first 60 seconds before I have to go back to work. It took about 45 minutes of humming the opening melody in my head and thinking about every R&B tune I'd ever heard. Before the melody revealed it author to me. Lenny Kravitz " it ain't over tell it's over". Quite a brain teaser. Then on my break just now I heard Peter solo and It becomes clear I was right. I really love how Jazz can reinterpret different genres of music.

[@coreycongilio]

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

[@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.

[@monoswinger]

I after a close to 10yrs long break, with way worst general,and specific physical (health) condition make myself way better than ever was, as a self taught, between my 40-43 (what is now) and it's an ongoing process

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@grega6759]

Adam, watching you and Peter over the last year got me back into playing and studying piano. I think it would be great if you would talk about your sobriety and the path to it as an artist.

[@joenlivingston7050]

Man I watch you guys all the time so inspirational .. I've been a drummer all my life since a kid in church. And started playing piano in my 40's and there's some guys that have been playing piano all they're life I have outgrown and become better than them learning and growing is so much fun..I appreciate your podcast..vou tube wasn't around in the 90's Im 67 yrs old

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rrundquist]

About twenty years ago I saw my first show at the Dakota in Minneapolis, The Erin Bode Group. I spoke during break with the pianist, a very affable young man who had studied at the New School. It’s interesting that it might have been you, Adam! I’m 72 and still trying. I really appreciate what great content you and Peter are providing at Open Studio. Thanks!

[@adammaness]

That was me! Love the Dakota.

[@adammaness]

That was me! Love the Dakota.

[@trombonemunroe]

I'm experiencing another upsurge of geometric growth as a player in my 60s. The single most important thing is to never put limits on your growth! Whenever you catch yourself wasting time, ask yourself how much more amazing you could be as a musician if you were shedding instead!

[@sanferrera]

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

[@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.

[@RyanBridwell-wq9bo]

Thanks so much gentlemen! Your discussions are always useful and timely to my own path. You are very appreciated teachers!

[@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!

[@GM-qz9fo]

Great channel guys! fast becoming a favourite. Pure joy.

[@pianoman_JP]

GALA another great heart to heart talk, thanks Adam, for your openness! I'm 78 & still in the game & loving the journey.

[@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!

[@BennettYancey]

This video was amazing AF! Thank you both for sharing your thoughts, and thank you so much for the work you all do helping us be better musicians and individuals.

[@jayumble8390]

So much good stuff here guys....one thing I want to add is that, I used to think it was all or nothing meaning that if I wasn't a full-time musician, I lost at the music game. But what I've come to realize is that, yes one can have a day gig and still be a great musician. I could never understand this as a young musician but it's actually true. After 40 years of being a fulltime musician I now am doing a part-time day gig and I love it and haven't lost a thing with my musical output. I first started to get used to this idea from book I read about Byron Janis a great classical pianist. His point was, you CAN do more than one thing! What a concept!!

[@EP-ki2zu]

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

[@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!

[@olekiilerich4191]

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

[@user-md1cz1yf5o]

An amazing topic and such honest, open and helpful discussion. Thank you.

[@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

[@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…

[@alx3539]

Thank you for sharing this inspiring conversation.

[@dillonvado]

Appreciate this conversation! Thanks dudes

[@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.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Great one, Gentlemen. Thank you for sharing your journey,Adam. Touching and moving. Mentor and Protege=2 Maestros=2 Explorers. Blessings to you and yours.⭐🌹😎😎🌹⭐

[@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 🎉🎉

[@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!!

[@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. ❤

[@user-ld3jm7ui4u]

Great talk, thanks !!

[@jajackso18]

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

[@lincolnzeras]

Great and inspirational! Thank you!

[@Muravchix]

Beautiful, inspiring episode, thanks guys

[@lonefirhotclub1941]

This is the best episode yet. And that's saying alot. Love your channel.

[@RwilsonPhoto]

Love this episode! I'm also playing my best in my mid 40's, I would say mainly because I found a solid group of guys to gig with that keep me engaged and having fun.

[@gitarmats]

Great episode on an important topic!

[@mirrorengine]

great talk... thank you guys!

[@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.

[@roaldraschner1627]

Wonderful episode. Adam, you are a jazz player!

[@dancam4685]

Great video and info Adam.

[@Marunius]

We can definitely learn a lot of things better than as kids! Great point.

[@JamesOKlippel]

Very nice guys. Appreciate you immensely

[@BarceMessi]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@albertocorrea5536]

BRAVO, COOL!!! I could listen to this DUO, for many hours! ❤

[@sagandalya108]

In my 40´s I'm finally figuring things out, your videos being a major help

[@jddazzle]

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

[@toddhouston4523]

One thing not really mentioned but alluded to that hinders many musicians is many musicians place themselves in a box and don’t learn anything new. It’s great to hear the different mechanisms he uses to grow. We all need to use those to grow in whatever we do whether it’s for our profession or something we don’t make money at but love to do.

[@nkuthalomampofu6078]

These guys are living their happy lives🙏🇿🇦

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidanthony729]

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

[@eqapo]

Love you guys!

[@patzimmusic]

Y'all are the best!

[@jakejohnson61]

You guys have helped me develop my piano in my late 30’s! I have been a sax player my whole life and that came easier since the foundation for that was coming from my adolescent years. Learning an instrument in your 30’s and 40’s is not an easy feat! I do believe that anyone can do this stuff but you have to want it. Anything is possible if you are willing to put in the work that it takes to hone the craft.

[@mathieupe666]

Great one!

[@nilkilnilkil]

These fellas can be some of me mentors ... Yippee !!! Cheers !!!

[@abadiejazz]

I always felt like you were great Adam Mannes.

[@TyboBot]

Thanks Adam. You are truly inspiring a bunch of 40 year olds to be better people. Hugs!

[@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.

[@TheChaserTV]

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

[@CalvRobb]

Great video ! From Calvin in Borehamwood Herts UK.

[@grocheo1]

Thank you guys