Have I left it too late to be in a gigging band as a keyboardist?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 10-12-2010, 01:58 PM

Been playing keys a lot recently and also play in a jam band with some friends, and I'm also pretty decent at sight-reading and learning new stuff, so I was wondering: for keyboardists, is it an absolute requirement to be classically trained and also, is 22 too late to do ANY gigs at all, even low-level ones?

Just seems to me that all keyboardists I've met are classically-trained grade-8 pianists who've been playing since the age of 4...

CaptainWampum · #2 10-12-2010, 02:04 PM

Absolutely not. My keys player is 22, self taught, only playing for 4-5 years, very good, and we play shows all the time.

Fassa Albrecht · #3 10-12-2010, 02:15 PM

^that's the same age as me! Looks like there might be some hope for me after all...

rappa29 · #4 10-12-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Been playing keys a lot recently and also play in a jam band with some friends, and I'm also pretty decent at sight-reading and learning new stuff, so I was wondering: for keyboardists, is it an absolute requirement to be classically trained and also, is 22 too late to do ANY gigs at all, even low-level ones?

Just seems to me that all keyboardists I've met are classically-trained grade-8 pianists who've been playing since the age of 4...

It's NEVER too late as long as you have the desire to do it! I started gigging when I was 16. Took a break during college. Got back into it when I was 25. Took a break to get married and have kid. Got divorced and am back into it at 39!

I'm not a classically trained pianist. I was self taught from 12-22yo, then I went to college for music and got a LOT of training from required one on one lessons, none of which were classical, mostly Jazz\Blues\R&B.

I have no problem admitting I'm not a pianist. I actually envy those that are accomplished solo pianists. I consider myself a keyboard player as I mainly play synth, organ, electric piano and rock\blues piano in ensemble settings.

DreadRaver · #5 10-12-2010, 03:12 PM

This, it is for you:

Fassa Albrecht · #6 10-12-2010, 03:29 PM

Now my only question is: shouldn't I be practicing?!

Deathblade Eric · #7 10-12-2010, 05:25 PM

From Wikipedia:

Quote:

Rick Wakeman was born on 18 May 1949 in the west London suburb of Northolt to Cyril Frank and Mildred Helen Wakeman. He attended Wood End Infants School in 1954, followed by Drayton Manor Grammar School in 1959. He purchased his first electronic keyboard at the age of 12. In 1968, Wakeman secured a place at the Royal College of Music, where he studied piano, clarinet, orchestration and modern music. He left a year later in favour of session music work.

So... RW was (presumably) self-taught from the age of 12 to 19, then got a place at the RCM & jacked it in a year later as playing sessions & (I guess) club gigs was

More lucrative
Loads of fun, and
A free pass to lots of girls

So... Get on with it lass.

videomagician · #8 10-12-2010, 05:40 PM

I just started gigging again at 46... and I think I am the only one with a music degree (minor in trombone performance). Though the drummer quit school just short of practice teaching to become a band director.

ggunn · #9 10-12-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Been playing keys a lot recently and also play in a jam band with some friends, and I'm also pretty decent at sight-reading and learning new stuff, so I was wondering: for keyboardists, is it an absolute requirement to be classically trained and also, is 22 too late to do ANY gigs at all, even low-level ones?

What??? No and no.

At 22 you are still just a baby - compared to a lot of the rest of us, anyway...

MalcolmAmos · #10 10-12-2010, 07:13 PM

Age is not the real factor. I started gigging at 65 when I retired. Time is the factor. You will have to carve out your practice time. Most musicians have a day job and that is what puts food on the table. Any time left over has to be split between the wife, kids, yard, whatnot and practicing.

You are not too old, do you have the time?

Good luck.

calebplaysbass · #11 10-12-2010, 07:17 PM

Yeah I'm also 22 and I am the youngest member in my band by a goodly margin. I feel like a kid whenever I play with these guys, but it's awesome. Get out there.

Jim Carr · #12 10-12-2010, 07:19 PM

Fassa-
Get a piano teacher who can do Jazz and also work on technique. You have a lot of work to do, but you can do it if you apply yourself. BTW, you and I both know that there is no way Rick Wakeman got into the RCM without years of lessons—and probably absolute pitch to boot! As a kid, he probably played his Mum's piano.

REAPER52 · #13 10-12-2010, 07:20 PM

never to late,

fdeck · #14 10-12-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Been playing keys a lot recently and also play in a jam band with some friends, and I'm also pretty decent at sight-reading and learning new stuff, so I was wondering: for keyboardists, is it an absolute requirement to be classically trained and also, is 22 too late to do ANY gigs at all, even low-level ones?

Just seems to me that all keyboardists I've met are classically-trained grade-8 pianists who've been playing since the age of 4...

I have a friend who is simply an amazing pianist, and plays lots of gigs, yet has no classical training. He grew up playing religious music. Yes he can read. It's probably beneficial to learn some chord comping.

IronLung1986 · #15 10-12-2010, 09:32 PM

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull never even touched a flute till he was 20 years old (a few months before their first album). that ended up working out pretty well.

BassMorpheus · #16 10-12-2010, 09:41 PM

Dude,

The "industry" is loaded with people who started later in life or left the instrument and came back to it later in life (like myself) and is making a go at it! Do not put your desire or fate in the hands of others for they will do with it what they desire...

My $.02 only, Peace!