Almost gave up, almost sold my piano

Well, I almost gave up and sold my piano. 

My wife and I have been considering a move to France or Ireland for two years. The logistics and costs of moving my Yamaha DYUS5 overseas were daunting. Apartments were often small, elevators tiny.

 

After a lot of pressure from my wife, I agreed to sell the piano and not move it. I joined ToneBase to try to increase my motivation but that did the opposite, I despaired.
 

After a lot of soul searching, I have decided that I cannot face a move to Ireland or France, that the cultural, language, and housing issues are too much, to say nothing of switching healthcare systems, finding housing, and dealing with tax problems, oh God, the tax problems.

So, after a lot more discussion with my wife, we have decided to move to Philadelphia. It’s in the same state as where we live, has a strong classical music scene, and will allow us to get away from a house with stairs. We are able to afford a 1000-1200square foot apartment, which should help with noise issues. Anybody know any good piano teachers in Philly? 
 

During all this back and forth, I had agreed to sell my piano to my teacher but there was uncertainty over it fitting in his small elevator. I finally decided to not sell the piano, that I wanted to keep trying to play, no matter how poorly I play.

 

Besides, my piano is a player piano, a Disklavier, and I would be giving up the sound of acoustic piano playback, to say nothing of the brilliant Disklavier recording by our own Dominic Cheli.

 

So, I canceled the deal and went back to the piano bench. I redid the ToneBase level quiz and got it to push me down to Level 2 from Level 5. That seems better, lol.

 

During my month away from the piano I picked up the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders, and even found a teacher. We play duets together., It’s fun, and the instruments are portable! I have even lined up an amazing teacher in Philly for when we move. 
 

But, I don’t see why I can’t still muddle along on the piano for an hour or two a day while also studying the recorder. What’s the harm? Casals played the piano for an hour every morning before he got to work on the Bach cello suite of the day.
 

Well, that’s my story.

 

I’m back. 

2 replies

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    • hot4euterpe
    • 7 hrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Larry,

    That is quite the story! It must have been stressful working through all that though I am glad you seem to have come to a satisfying compromise. I am sure there are many great teachers in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, as a Canadian, I am not much help there.

    As both a pianist and piano teacher that works with a number of adult students, I am glad to hear that you are keeping you piano and will be continuing to play. Besides the many joys that come with listening to and playing music, there is also a therapeutic element for many adult learners. The tone of your post really indicates that your piano is deeply important to you. So do not give up! I was very late to start piano and I have still had my fair share of accomplishments. As long as you stay determined and patient, the sky is really the limit.

      • Larry_K
      • 33 min ago
      • Reported - view

       Thanks for your kind words. 
       

      It has been incredibly stressful over the past four years and I didn’t even mention the three surgeries and the cancer diagnosis.

      At the moment, I’m recovering from hernia surgery. I can’t lift the piano, or even a five pound box of sheet music, lol.

      All moves are difficult and stressful. International moves seem to me to be the most difficult and stressful.

      I came late to the piano, and instrumental study in general, so I have low expectations but I think it’s important to not fall victim to despair, as I dId.

       

      I have almost three decades of paid lessons behind me, a decade each of violin, classical guitar, and piano lessons. 

      How late did you start piano? 

      I never committed to one instrument as a child so I couldn’t do it as an adult. I’ve always been curious about other instruments but I try to temper my enthusiasm. I haven’t rushed into the world of the double reeds, lol.

      My joke is that all instruments are impossible but some instruments are slightly less impossible, and that teachers help reduce the impossibility.

      I think a piano makes a house a home. I liken mine to a 600lb house plant. Yes, it needs care, requires some watering, and takes up space, but it’s worth it because it produces beautiful sound and is a beautiful object.

      The international move would have also required me to basically dismember my high end stereo, something I’ve been building for over a decade. That idea hurt too. Now, I can keep it, although I’m getting out of vinyl.

      I love music, and listen to it all the time. I even record from FM radio using a solid state SSD recorder, lol. My favorite thing to listen to is Bill McGlaughlin’s Exploring Music program.

      Life’s journey with music is a long one. Sometimes we feel lost but it is important that we keep going.
       

      Music has always provided me with joy and comfort. I need music now more than ever.

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