Adult Student Profile: Ben Kohl

“Piano was always my favorite form of meditation.”

Self-proclaimed “music junkie” Ben Kohl has been taking lessons since age six. Though he’s been playing for most of his life, he’s still surprised by what regular piano lessons allow him to accomplish. Read on for more of Ben’s story.

What inspired you to sign up for lessons with Piano Power?

Piano was always my favorite form of meditation and has been an important part of my life. I had stopped taking lessons during college and saw my skill level stagnate. It’s important to me that in anything I do in life, I take the necessary steps to improve my craft.

What’s your favorite thing about lessons?

I’m a music junkie. [Piano Power teacher] Henry and I always start off each lesson by sharing what we’ve been listening to since our last session, then we try to successfully play it on piano. The music ranges from today’s pop hits to obscure ’70s yacht rock one-hit-wonder jams.

What’s your favorite song or composer to play and why?

My favorite composer to play is Chick Corea. He possesses a combination of classical and jazz in his musical style which I try to incorporate in my sound.

Any challenges about taking lessons as an adult?

Not if you make it a priority. Easy for me to say as I don’t have children yet, but I hope to continue to take lessons as I get older.

Any special advantages to taking lessons at this stage in your life?

My musical catalog is much deeper now than it was in high school. Being able to incorporate new skills and techniques with songs I’ve been playing my whole life significantly enhances my overall piano experience.

Have your expectations for yourself or about lessons changed since you started?

The last two songs I learned were very advanced. If you were to tell me four to five years ago that I’d be capable of playing them from start to finish, I would have not believed it. Hopefully I’ll continue to keep raising the bar.

Any advice for other adults thinking about taking lessons?

If you have the means and the time, you won’t regret it. I think in today’s day and age, it’s a luxury if you have the ability to disconnect and shut off the outside noise around you.