This is just a theory of mine, but sometimes I wonder whether people who genuinely want to learn to play the piano are put off by what I call piano snobs.
Because the piano is a complicated and difficult instrument to play, there are people who have spent years and years in learning and perfecting their skill. Sure, these people deserve credit for their passion, determination and commitment in refining and honing their skills. Unfortunately, some of these people then develop a snobbishness about how much they know and how well they play and end up actively discouraging others from exploring their interest in learning to play the piano.
Maybe because I have been around classical musicians more than jazz or modern musicians, but my impression is that classically trained piano players are the worst as far as the snobbery factor. I don’t think it exists with most highly trained classical piano players, but I know that it does at times. It is probably a natural human trait for people to want to have some sort of recognition of their achievements, maybe because of a low self esteem. Maybe for some it might be a way of getting acknowledgement of themselves as human beings because they are lonely. For some of these snobs, it could be because they have narcissistic tendencies. Whatever the reason behind the snobbishness, the behaviour is not positive.
If you have come across any of these music snobs, just ignore what they say. They maybe great piano players but clearly their people skills need some work. Don’t let their snobbishness impact you. Also, don’t let any perceived snobbishness influence you. What I mean by this is if you know someone who you perceive as being smarter or more musical and they tried to learn to play the piano and quit, don’t allow that perception to put you off learning to play the piano.
I think snobbishness has such a destructive effect on people who know less, when the snobs could drop the attitude and actually inspire and encourage people to play the piano or to improve in some way.
I must admit that I have been very lucky having piano teachers and school music teachers that encouraged me when I was learning – I was never made to feel bad that I didn’t know much. When I became a piano teacher, I noticed really quickly that a little encouragement, a little praise when it was appropriate would light up my students faces and also seem to have a positive impact on their results. As a teacher, I have always tried to be encouraging because I think it is a very important ingredient in learning to play the piano.
So maybe you have come across musical snobs or just had people subtly and not so subtly, discourage you from pursuing your dream of learning to play the piano. Ditch those thoughts and negativity, find someone to encourage you – even if it is only your piano teacher and get started. Remember that you don’t have to be brilliant or superb – you just need to learn enough to make yourself happy and content with your skills.