What do you think?
Rate this book
Piano Lessons: Music, Love, and True Adventures
Piano Lessons is Noah Adams's delightful and moving chronicle of his fifty-second year--a year already filled with long, fast workdays and too little spare time--as he answers at last a lifelong to learn to play the piano. The twelve monthly chapters span from January--when after decades of growing affection for keyboard artists and artisans he finally plunges in and buys a piano--through December, when as a surprise Christmas present for his wife he dresses in a tuxedo and, in flickering candlelight, snow falling outside the windows, he attempts their favorite piece of music, a difficult third-year composition he's been struggling with in secret to get to this very moment.
Among the up-tempo triumphs and unexpected setbacks, Noah Adams interweaves the rich history and folklore that surround the piano. And along the way, set between the ragtime rhythms and boogie-woogie beats, there are encounters with--and insights from--masters of the keyboard, from Glenn Gould and Leon Fleisher ("I was a bit embarrassed," he writes; "telling Leon Fleisher about my ambitions for piano lessons is like telling Julia Child about plans to make toast in the morning") to Dr. John and Tori Amos.
As a storyteller, Noah Adams has perfect pitch. In the foreground here, like a familiar melody, are the challenges of learning a complex new skill as an adult, when enthusiasm meets the necessary repetition of tedious scales at the end of a twelve-hour workday. Lingering in the background, like a subtle bass line, are the quiet concerns of how we spend our time and how our priorities shift as we proceed through life. For Piano Lessons is really an adventure story filled with obstacles to overcome and grand leaps forward, eccentric geniuses and quiet moments of pre-dawn practice, as Noah Adams travels across country and keyboard, pursuing his dream and keeping the rhythm.
Among the up-tempo triumphs and unexpected setbacks, Noah Adams interweaves the rich history and folklore that surround the piano. And along the way, set between the ragtime rhythms and boogie-woogie beats, there are encounters with--and insights from--masters of the keyboard, from Glenn Gould and Leon Fleisher ("I was a bit embarrassed," he writes; "telling Leon Fleisher about my ambitions for piano lessons is like telling Julia Child about plans to make toast in the morning") to Dr. John and Tori Amos.
As a storyteller, Noah Adams has perfect pitch. In the foreground here, like a familiar melody, are the challenges of learning a complex new skill as an adult, when enthusiasm meets the necessary repetition of tedious scales at the end of a twelve-hour workday. Lingering in the background, like a subtle bass line, are the quiet concerns of how we spend our time and how our priorities shift as we proceed through life. For Piano Lessons is really an adventure story filled with obstacles to overcome and grand leaps forward, eccentric geniuses and quiet moments of pre-dawn practice, as Noah Adams travels across country and keyboard, pursuing his dream and keeping the rhythm.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
22 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 9, 2009
Ah, seeing the current rating of this book saddens me. -_-; It doesn't however suprise me. "Pianos Lessons" is one of those books that speaks to specific type of reader: the kind that is going through the same thing OR someone like myself that loves the piano with the greatest of passions. I truly would give this book five stars for just the passage at the beginning of the book were he describes Traumerei so passionately.
This book is bound to be overlooked by most people, as it targets a very limited audience. Basically, if you don't have passion for the piano, this book won't touch you the way it has me or any of the other readers that rated it five stars. (It also might be daunting if you have a limited knowledge of Jazz, Blues or Classical Music.)
PLEASE: if you love the piano, read this piece! It is truly amazing.
This book is bound to be overlooked by most people, as it targets a very limited audience. Basically, if you don't have passion for the piano, this book won't touch you the way it has me or any of the other readers that rated it five stars. (It also might be daunting if you have a limited knowledge of Jazz, Blues or Classical Music.)
PLEASE: if you love the piano, read this piece! It is truly amazing.
December 5, 2012
Piano Lessons is less about learning how to play the piano as it is lessons learned through the piano. The book is comprised of snippets from a year-long meditation on the piano -- the decision to learn how to play (and purchase) the piano; how to learn to play; the on-again-off-again love of practicing; setting goals; going to a week-long "piano camp"; etc.
And because this was written by Noah Adams (former NPR correspondent) it all works. Adam's written voice is very much like his spoken voice reading his own copy. It's measured and honest, with a hint of the poetic.
And because this was written by Noah Adams (former NPR correspondent) it all works. Adam's written voice is very much like his spoken voice reading his own copy. It's measured and honest, with a hint of the poetic.
April 6, 2008
This book was as tedious as practicing an instrument for which you have no passion and no talent.
In contrast to "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank", this book spends very little time talking about the love of music.
Organizationally, the first three quarters of the book are cluttered with stream of consciousness ramblings about what is happening in his life as he ponders learning Traumerei by Schumann (not a beginner's piece). There is little or no warning of subject shifts, sort of like driving on the Interstate in Utah. I was left bewildered and confused.
As far as the subject is concerned, I just couldn't understand the author's point of view. He wants to learn to play music, but he doesn't seem to want to do it on the piano's terms; he wants to do it on his. Learning any skill or talent involved hard work, lots of time and a good teacher. He was not willing to devote any of these, at least initially. Strangely, there is no moment of epiphone where he realizes that he has been doing it all wrong. We are left to try and sift this nugget of information from the useless information of trips to Ireland, feeding the dogs, and weekends spent sailing.
The only thing that kept me from skipping to the end was the shortness of this book.
In contrast to "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank", this book spends very little time talking about the love of music.
Organizationally, the first three quarters of the book are cluttered with stream of consciousness ramblings about what is happening in his life as he ponders learning Traumerei by Schumann (not a beginner's piece). There is little or no warning of subject shifts, sort of like driving on the Interstate in Utah. I was left bewildered and confused.
As far as the subject is concerned, I just couldn't understand the author's point of view. He wants to learn to play music, but he doesn't seem to want to do it on the piano's terms; he wants to do it on his. Learning any skill or talent involved hard work, lots of time and a good teacher. He was not willing to devote any of these, at least initially. Strangely, there is no moment of epiphone where he realizes that he has been doing it all wrong. We are left to try and sift this nugget of information from the useless information of trips to Ireland, feeding the dogs, and weekends spent sailing.
The only thing that kept me from skipping to the end was the shortness of this book.
May 29, 2012
An earnest story of a year of learning to play the piano. The book inspired me to get back to the piano with more seriousness, to challenge myself more, perhaps to make a journey for myself on my beloved instrument.
March 30, 2018
Charming memoir. The writing flows so smoothly, and the story mostly held my interest. There are a few sections where is drags a bit.
September 30, 2024
A one-year memoir of NPR guy Noah Adams as he learns to play the piano as a mature adult. Noah explores piano makers and visits Steinway, then buys his own piano in a humorous process. Lots of pop, jazz and classical references as he tries to figure out how to learn the instrument. And then comes piano camp and the pressure to perform in public. An entertaining read.
January 29, 2008
My piano teacher gave me this book, partly because Adams' quest to play one piece really well on piano mirrors my own and as a way to inspire me, I think. Which it did, if only as a source of commiseration. Adams' journey into learning piano as an adult is good when it's on point, focusing on his struggle to learn from computers and seminars and finally teachers as well as dipping into the NPR status well and interviewing a number of famous piano players. The research is good too, with lots of light history and amusing anecdotes for piano nerds. But too often it drifts off into unrelated tangents, slowly circling back to piano, and then goes nuts and races for the finish line, glossing over the stuff that I wanted more of.
I'd recommend The Piano Shop on the Left Bank as a more satisfying, if slightly less amusingly befuddled take.
I'd recommend The Piano Shop on the Left Bank as a more satisfying, if slightly less amusingly befuddled take.
October 1, 2007
This is the story of a man who really wanted to learn how to play the piano. It's funny, it's touching, it's inspiring and above all, it's true. I'm a piano teacher and whenever I have new adult students, i recommend this book. All too often, as adults we put undue pressure on ourselves to achieve results immediately and get really frustrated when we don't. Learning how to play the piano is an exercise in patience and taking your time and, as Noah Adams so kindly reminds us, should be something that ultimately give you joy. Chances are you will find yourself wanting to go back to lessons after reading this book! :)
July 15, 2009
I remember after 250 pages, I was quite disappointed.
At age 50, Noah Adams spent $11,375 on a Steinway Grand (love to have one but definitly going to earn it!) which 12 months later he neither knows how to play. I don't understand what this book try to tell me. I can't seem to relate to any of his quest. Besides, what does one think he can achieve in merely 12 months?!
Don't we all want to make beautiful music?! It requires more than just the love of music. A good teacher, practice & practice and a ok piano will do. That's my experiece as an adult piano student.
And I believe music makeing is a lifelong quest...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2009
I enjoyed reading this, I love music and teach piano lessons, so I related to a lot. But the author spent too much time recounting interviews with musicians and history of certain people. I wanted more story.
June 2, 2009
An absolutely wonderful work of someone learning a new discipline late in life. Not weenie, self-absorbed or boring, like works in this genre often are. Inspirational, classy, and just a really fun read.
November 14, 2010
I like listening to Noah Adams on NPR, and likewise his story of learning to play piano as and adult. I also enjoyed his description of his relationship with his wife. He seems like a great guy.
July 23, 2014
If you are one who have given up in your musical learning, there's a chance you might want to pick it up again after reading this book.
July 24, 2024
My own piano teacher shared this book with me the day I started learning Robert Schumann’s Traumerei. It’s been fun practicing it knowing it’s the same beautiful but challenging piece Noah Adams was determined to learn the year he bought his Steinway piano.
Long-time co-host of All Things Considered, Noah Adams is familiar to anyone who’s listened to National Public Radio over the years. What many people don’t know is that he has a passion for the piano and that’s what makes this book so entertaining. Written in 1994 when Adams was 51 years old, it’s a month-by-month account of the year he decided, rather impulsively, to purchase an expensive piano before he knew how to play it.
I suppose if you make the kind of money Noah Adams makes, there’s no reason not to plunk down eleven thousand dollars on an expensive piano even though you can’t play it, instead of reversing the process by learning to play first. And in fact, what was most perplexing about this otherwise entertaining book was that for some reason (and despite the book’s title) he refused to take piano lessons. Instead, he was determined to teach himself by flitting along from one method to the next in an attempt to learn Robert Schumann’s Traumerei which is not an easy piece to start with, especially for a novice!
He began by purchasing a fancy computer software program (necessitating the need for an electronic keyboard), next he enrolled in a costly mail order course, and eventually a week at an expensive workshop at a piano retreat in Vermont. It made no sense to me, and by the end of the year Adams admits that if he had it to do over again, he probably would start out by finding a good piano teacher.
As someone who has done that, I can speak from first-hand experience about what a good decision it’s turned out to be. I’ve been taking lessons as an adult from a fantastic teacher for a number of years now and plan to continue for as long as I remain physically able.
And so reading this book has been a lot of fun – especially since I’m able to identify with Noah Adams’ determination to learn Traumerei. It’s a beautiful but difficult piece of music and I’ve enjoyed reading about how hard Noah Adams struggled with the same tricky passages that I’m having so much trouble with.
But in addition to what this book has to say about the challenges and joys of making music – regardless of whether or not we do it as well as we’d like – is that it proves how truly exciting it is as an adult to learn something that requires patience, determination and practice. Noah Adams was in his early 50’s when he set out to do that, and I’m about to be 80, and both of us have discovered that one of the rewards of playing the piano is simply the joy that comes from learning how to do it.
Long-time co-host of All Things Considered, Noah Adams is familiar to anyone who’s listened to National Public Radio over the years. What many people don’t know is that he has a passion for the piano and that’s what makes this book so entertaining. Written in 1994 when Adams was 51 years old, it’s a month-by-month account of the year he decided, rather impulsively, to purchase an expensive piano before he knew how to play it.
I suppose if you make the kind of money Noah Adams makes, there’s no reason not to plunk down eleven thousand dollars on an expensive piano even though you can’t play it, instead of reversing the process by learning to play first. And in fact, what was most perplexing about this otherwise entertaining book was that for some reason (and despite the book’s title) he refused to take piano lessons. Instead, he was determined to teach himself by flitting along from one method to the next in an attempt to learn Robert Schumann’s Traumerei which is not an easy piece to start with, especially for a novice!
He began by purchasing a fancy computer software program (necessitating the need for an electronic keyboard), next he enrolled in a costly mail order course, and eventually a week at an expensive workshop at a piano retreat in Vermont. It made no sense to me, and by the end of the year Adams admits that if he had it to do over again, he probably would start out by finding a good piano teacher.
As someone who has done that, I can speak from first-hand experience about what a good decision it’s turned out to be. I’ve been taking lessons as an adult from a fantastic teacher for a number of years now and plan to continue for as long as I remain physically able.
And so reading this book has been a lot of fun – especially since I’m able to identify with Noah Adams’ determination to learn Traumerei. It’s a beautiful but difficult piece of music and I’ve enjoyed reading about how hard Noah Adams struggled with the same tricky passages that I’m having so much trouble with.
But in addition to what this book has to say about the challenges and joys of making music – regardless of whether or not we do it as well as we’d like – is that it proves how truly exciting it is as an adult to learn something that requires patience, determination and practice. Noah Adams was in his early 50’s when he set out to do that, and I’m about to be 80, and both of us have discovered that one of the rewards of playing the piano is simply the joy that comes from learning how to do it.
December 19, 2018
Noah Adams, at age fifty-one, decides to learn to play piano. Does he rent or borrow a piano, maybe buy a used piano, take lessons, go to a class, set aside an hour every day to play?
No. No, no, and no. He does everything wrong, backward, upside down and sideways. He buys a ridiculously expensive piano before he even knows where middle C is (I exaggerate slightly - he actually does know where middle C was at this point, but not much more). He buys expensive computer teaching software and practices on the cheesy-sounding keyboard that goes with it. He practices sporadically, and rarely on the new piano. He buys another course by mail that stresses chords and faking although he actually wants to learn to play classical music. He sets as his goal a Schumann piece that even third-year students find challenging. He spends more money to attend a ten-day piano camp. Piano camp!
Adams took piano lessons as a boy, but he'd been an indifferent student and hadn't kept at it. Unfortunately it's not like riding a bicycle and he remembers virtually nothing of what he had once known. He has to start from the beginning.
In spite of doing practically everything wrong, he eventually overcomes his own poor judgment, tosses the computer software and mail order course, sets aside some time every day to practice and after about a year, learns the song he'd set as his goal.
Imagine that - you can do it all wrong and still achieve your goals. Adams relates his mistakes, not seeming to realize what a mess he was making of it, but at the end, admits that he might have gone about it differently. It's an inspiring story in spite of everything.
I was curious about whether he's still playing piano. The year he writes about was 1993, so it would be nice to know that he still plays and has learned tons of music since that first difficult year. But you know, it doesn't matter. Even if he only played for one year and learned the one song, he had a great experience and learned a lot about himself. And he got a good book out of it.
No. No, no, and no. He does everything wrong, backward, upside down and sideways. He buys a ridiculously expensive piano before he even knows where middle C is (I exaggerate slightly - he actually does know where middle C was at this point, but not much more). He buys expensive computer teaching software and practices on the cheesy-sounding keyboard that goes with it. He practices sporadically, and rarely on the new piano. He buys another course by mail that stresses chords and faking although he actually wants to learn to play classical music. He sets as his goal a Schumann piece that even third-year students find challenging. He spends more money to attend a ten-day piano camp. Piano camp!
Adams took piano lessons as a boy, but he'd been an indifferent student and hadn't kept at it. Unfortunately it's not like riding a bicycle and he remembers virtually nothing of what he had once known. He has to start from the beginning.
In spite of doing practically everything wrong, he eventually overcomes his own poor judgment, tosses the computer software and mail order course, sets aside some time every day to practice and after about a year, learns the song he'd set as his goal.
Imagine that - you can do it all wrong and still achieve your goals. Adams relates his mistakes, not seeming to realize what a mess he was making of it, but at the end, admits that he might have gone about it differently. It's an inspiring story in spite of everything.
I was curious about whether he's still playing piano. The year he writes about was 1993, so it would be nice to know that he still plays and has learned tons of music since that first difficult year. But you know, it doesn't matter. Even if he only played for one year and learned the one song, he had a great experience and learned a lot about himself. And he got a good book out of it.
October 29, 2018
Adams always wanted to learn to play the piano. It isn't until he is 51 that he finally does something about it. Beginning in January and proceeding month by month he opens the world of pianos to us. Pianos of all kinds, each with its unique personality. He interviews pianists and piano makers while beginning lessons online. And as he talks to pianists, great ones, he picks up techniques. For example, you play the piano with your whole body rather than just with your fingers. Let your hand roll with the chord. He determines that by December, he'll be able to play Traumerei, despite being told it takes beginners two or three years to learn it.
Adams goes off on tangents, which makes me wonder how this relates to piano playing. He talks of his work as host of National Public Radio's All Things Considered. He often speaks of his wife, Neena, her activities. And it's clear that they are buddies. I love that kind of relationship between husband and wife. Somehow, despite these tangents, he swings back to piano playing. I figure the reasons for this extra activity is to show us he has a life beyond pianos. The playing has to squeeze in, although from time to time it's squeezed out.
So, does he reach his goal by year's end? That's up to the reader to discover. But I must say that as I read, I gravitated more and more to my piano.
Adams goes off on tangents, which makes me wonder how this relates to piano playing. He talks of his work as host of National Public Radio's All Things Considered. He often speaks of his wife, Neena, her activities. And it's clear that they are buddies. I love that kind of relationship between husband and wife. Somehow, despite these tangents, he swings back to piano playing. I figure the reasons for this extra activity is to show us he has a life beyond pianos. The playing has to squeeze in, although from time to time it's squeezed out.
So, does he reach his goal by year's end? That's up to the reader to discover. But I must say that as I read, I gravitated more and more to my piano.
January 22, 2020
This was an enjoyable read of one person's experience of learning the piano as an older adult. This books shows that as one gets older, priorities change and old interests and passions become more important. Really, how do you want to the spend the last decade (or two) of your life. In the case of Noah (like me), he wants to play the piano! I can relate to EVERYTHING he says about the process -- the initial joy, the unavoidable disappoint, the frustration, the self-doubt, and eventual defeat that leaves that piano un-played and his soul's call unanswered. There are a number of things I liked in Noah's story as he takes this musical challenge over a year -- (1) the use of the Miracle System (essentially a video game that teaches piano technique) where he intends to teach himself the piano in his private (and safe) home office, (2) his trials and tribulation at the "piano camp" (where he finally had to play in front of an audience) and discovers that formal lessons with a teacher might be a good idea, and (3) life with a piano in a small and humid home office. But in essence, this is a story of a husband who wants to play "Traumerei" to his wife and everything he is willing to do to make that happen. His story takes the practice of the piano on a new level, beyond personal achievement and into the realm of sharing -- just where music is meant to be.
December 21, 2021
I gave this book to my father for his birthday many years ago. He used to play piano for us at parties when I was younger but life seemed to pull him in too many directions and the music memories faded and all but disappeared. After he read Piano Lessons by Noah Adams, he found a piano teacher and began his own lessons. Eventually he played local concerts, in duets and four-handed piano, then solos and with other instrument players. He was asked to join a local theatre group, providing both musical support and playing the role of a piano player in the play. The group was invited to participate in an international festival in Austria - providing both my parents with an incredible experience that they will always cherish. My father continues to play, without fail, every day and that is a joy both for him and for me.
So ... when I pulled out the old electric keyboard that we've had hidden for 20 years and began tapping out songs with my piano playing app, my father thought that this was the book for me. I can't pretend that I understand all the musical references in this book but it did tweak my curiosity and cause me to explore more. I haven't hired a piano teacher yet but ... I really did enjoy this book and I'm so glad that my father and I shared it.
So ... when I pulled out the old electric keyboard that we've had hidden for 20 years and began tapping out songs with my piano playing app, my father thought that this was the book for me. I can't pretend that I understand all the musical references in this book but it did tweak my curiosity and cause me to explore more. I haven't hired a piano teacher yet but ... I really did enjoy this book and I'm so glad that my father and I shared it.
May 16, 2018
I savored this one. Noah Adams bared his soul in a personal quest to become a pianist. His non fiction work amounts to a 12 month testimonial journey that any person could identify with. What I enjoyed most was Adams's honesty. His writing style and story telling ability made his musical journey feel accessible.
As a child, I was the victim of piano scales and sheet music, which nearly left me a permanent listener of music rather than a participant. I was pleased to read Adams's discoveries and revelations about music theory to be similar to those which I too was fortunate enough to discover before giving up. The magic of music is in the beauty that comes of engaging with it.
Please read and let yourself become inspired. Though I've been a banjo player of late, I've pulled out an old two page copy of Schumann's "Traumerie" to test out on our recently tuned piano. The muscle memory hasn't returned, but the passion is still there. I think I'll be playing it again by Christmas.
Thanks Noah for the wonderful slice of well needed inspiration!
As a child, I was the victim of piano scales and sheet music, which nearly left me a permanent listener of music rather than a participant. I was pleased to read Adams's discoveries and revelations about music theory to be similar to those which I too was fortunate enough to discover before giving up. The magic of music is in the beauty that comes of engaging with it.
Please read and let yourself become inspired. Though I've been a banjo player of late, I've pulled out an old two page copy of Schumann's "Traumerie" to test out on our recently tuned piano. The muscle memory hasn't returned, but the passion is still there. I think I'll be playing it again by Christmas.
Thanks Noah for the wonderful slice of well needed inspiration!
October 1, 2020
This book is divided into chapters by months. I got to September... so close to the end, but I just couldn't keep going. Nothing pulled me forward. The book just wasn't what I had thought it would be. No true piano lessons, just some electronic garbage lessons on an electronic keyboard even though he had purchased an upright Steinway in February! This was just not my jam. BUT THEN-- his surprise boat purchase for wife Neenah in September lured me back in and by October he was taking lessons with real teachers on real pianos at a retreat, perhaps not your orthodox lessons, but intriguing and interesting. Though I finished reading through December - the end of the book -and am happy to say I did, I'm not positive I would recommend this one. There was enough here to keep me interested on and off, but as far as what I thought the book was going to be, it didn't fit the bill.
August 30, 2022
The author, a broadcaster on NPR describes his longing to play the piano at age 54. Impulsively he buys an upright for $11,000 and finds a little time to play it. He purchases a computer-based device similar to what is available now called a Lumi and practices on it. He describes his efforts to play some lovely classical music and his frustrations. He goes to music camp and is counseled to some degree. This book is especially apt for somebody who loves music and would love to learn play the piano. There are some interesting interviews that he conducts but the book as a whole seems to wander and so it ends up a little bit in the air.
As an octogenarian who just took up piano with zero previous music training and loves it, I can relate to the author’s feeling for the piano but not for the book.
As an octogenarian who just took up piano with zero previous music training and loves it, I can relate to the author’s feeling for the piano but not for the book.
March 28, 2020
I loved this quick read written by the host of NPR's 'All Things Considered'. Like me, the author finds a passion for the piano late in life (51 for him, 62 for me). The shared experience made me laugh at points, but I found the whole book inspiring. A similar book, 'Play It Again', has the same topic as well as very good writing, but that author is a lapsed piano player who has remained immersed in music throughout his life - so he comes to the keyboard with some skills. In this book, the author is more like me in having an appreciation for music but being an absolute novice at the keyboard. Oddly, given the title, the author does not take regular piano lessons (he does seek out a few doses of instruction and attends a week long piano camp).
April 4, 2024
Noah Adams has written the perfect counterbalancing book to The Ivory Trade. For every pianist who attempts to climb the conservatory-competition-concert mountain, there are thousands of people who just want to play in their own home, maybe for family and friends. These are people who harbor a love for music and music-making but whose lives have pulled them elsewhere.
More than any book I've read recently, this one has reminded me not so much why I love music, but why I must keep playing, learning, and dreaming about it. If others can find time to practice after a day getting paid to do something else, so can I. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No. It's all about the commitment.
And as Mr. Adams rightly points out, love is a better motivator than duty.
More than any book I've read recently, this one has reminded me not so much why I love music, but why I must keep playing, learning, and dreaming about it. If others can find time to practice after a day getting paid to do something else, so can I. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No. It's all about the commitment.
And as Mr. Adams rightly points out, love is a better motivator than duty.
July 14, 2019
Published in 1997, this year-in-the-life story is set pre-9/11 and certainly has that feeling. The books and movies mentioned seem like from a lifetime ago. But the passion for playing the piano is so real. How many people have you heard say “I wish I could play piano!” And if you know sheet music, you’ll know the pieces Noah Adams wants to play. I play piano strictly for my own personal enjoyment, so I could understand the passion of learning and the satisfaction of music played well. As he takes you along on his musical journey, you also get to listen in on some of his interviews. My favorite comes at the end of the book—-Lorie Line! I love her style. She’s such a Rock Star.
September 21, 2020
I really enjoyed all of the piano history and the stories the author shared about interviewing famous musicians: however, this book was incredibly frustrating for me to read. The author is wealthy enough to afford a Steinway piano (something I would love to have but will probably never be able to afford) and then instead of practicing, for the majority of the book, he spends his time sailing and thinking of reasons NOT to practice.
I guess it was good he made so many mistakes along his piano journey because now maybe his readers won’t have to make those same mistakes. In the end, if you want to learn piano (or any instrument) you have to practice.
I guess it was good he made so many mistakes along his piano journey because now maybe his readers won’t have to make those same mistakes. In the end, if you want to learn piano (or any instrument) you have to practice.
July 31, 2023
Host of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Adams, at age 52, decides to learn to play the piano. He buys a piano, orders a computer ‘how to play piano’ program, tries self-taught music, and attends a 10-day piano camp in Vermont. He writes about his struggles to practice, to learn as an adult what seems easy as a child, to understand different pianos and types of music and teachers. An easy read, ultimately his story is about reaching outside one’s comfort zone, especially as an adult, and challenge one’s self to be a beginner, to make music, but ultimately, to “play a phase and suddenly there’s beauty.”
January 30, 2018
I picked this up in a book shop while traveling but had not read it. I picked it up, loving the premise of the author year-long experience of learning to play the piano in his early 50s. I must say I was a bit disappointed, as I expected more from a music lover. I did enjoy reading of his experiences at a week-long music school he attended in Maine. I thought of doing that several years ago. It was also interesting that his focus was on learning Schumann's Scenes from an Early Childhood, which happens to be one of Jim's favorite pieces.
August 30, 2019
Pleasant memoir of a year in the life of Noah Adams, a radio interviewer on NPR All Things Considered. He loves all things ‘piano’ and begins the year by shopping for and buying a Steinway upright. During the rest of the year he meanders through some attempts to learn how to play the instrument, ultimately ending up at a piano camp in Vermont that makes the difference. Throughout there are conversations and vignettes related to the piano and his life. Nice ending. I had Schumann’s Träumerai running through my head through most of my reading of this book.
June 25, 2022
Many months ago, I proclaimed Philip Kennicott’s _Counterpoint_ one of the most consequential books I’d ever read. It *was* very meaningful to me at the time, but now my Beau is slogging through it and declares the author overly self-absorbed.
Alas, I haven’t read a lot of memoirs, so _Piano Lessons_ proved to be a lovely palate cleanser. Often light-hearted, always warm, Noah (NPR’s _All Things Considered_) Adams’ month-by-month account of a year of piano study is touching and delightfully humble.
Alas, I haven’t read a lot of memoirs, so _Piano Lessons_ proved to be a lovely palate cleanser. Often light-hearted, always warm, Noah (NPR’s _All Things Considered_) Adams’ month-by-month account of a year of piano study is touching and delightfully humble.
July 13, 2022
I feel so lucky to meet this book in a book fair. It’s a real good inspiration to me as myself an adult piano beginner starting in pandemic period. Even I know nothing about author, NPR and most people mentioned in the book, the detailed narratives and amusing anecdotes made author’s whole learning journey so vivid and very relevant to my own experience. I would say only the adult beginners really understand the joys, frustrations and just-want-play-this in the book. I also like a lot of unexpected music stories here, very interesting. Love the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews