Of course professional pianists first come to mind, or children taking lessons. The proven benefits of playing the piano are widely recognized by a large portion of the population, especially when it comes to children. More pianos are still purchased each year by parents whose children are taking lessons than for any other reason.

But the fastest growing group of aspiring pianists in the U.S. today is not children, but adults aged 25-75+ years. Many adults have taken piano lessons in their childhood years. Some felt that they were pushed too hard, or had too many other interests and discontinued their lessons. Piano methods were sometimes uninteresting and teachers too strict for many children decades ago.

Nonetheless, one of the most common phrases heard by piano retailers and teachers across the country is, "I wish my mother hadn’t let me quit." But large numbers of adults have realized that it's not too late, and piano instruction has concentrated on adult learning far more than ever before during the past two decades.

Piano instructional techniques and method books for both children and adults have taken a giant leap. Long tedious exercises have given way to music that beginners play and enjoy almost from the start! Beginning adults need not play children's music any longer to get started.

Also, there has been a trend toward group instruction for beginning students of all ages. A group environment creates a positive and motivating social atmosphere. Students share the joys and challenges of learning with people who are at the same level as themselves.