Adults' perceptions of piano study: Achievements and experiences

The purposes of this investigation were to describe adults' perceptions of piano study, to identify their music and nonmusic interests, and to describ e perceptions of home influences related to music. Of the 564 respondents w ho returned completed questionnaires, 58% studied piano only as children, 1 5% studied both as children and as adults, and 3% studied only as adults. T hose who studied as children cited parents' decision for beginning lessons. Adults were motivated to begin or resume lessons for reasons of skill deve lopment and personal pleasure. Three-fourths of respondents reported receiv ing personal benefits from piano playing, and over half continue to play. P erceptions of piano skills and ratings of lessons were positively related t o perceptions of other aspects of lessons, practicing, and playing. This st udy has implications for instructors of piano in creating a positive enviro nment to promote lifelong enjoyment of piano playing.