Google AI
The Times Australia

Times Media

It’s never too late to learn a musical instrument


New data from Casio Music shows a growing number of people are teaching themselves how to play a musical instrument. 

Malcolm Poge from Casio Music Australia says surprisingly it’s not just children, many adults are taking up playing the piano or keyboard for the first time.

42-year-old Huw Morris started playing the piano three months ago - after tinkering with keys and chords throughout his life. His musical passion ignited after watching his two sons learn to play. 

“For someone my age to pick up an instrument is quite rare but this seems to be changing.” 

“Music is like a secret language. It's exciting to see the structure of music being revealed to me.” 

Data from Casio Music Australia’s self teaching app for piano shows a 126 percent increase in the number of people using the app Chordana Play for Piano in the past two years. 

This month (December) they are expecting a major spike reminiscent of large downloads last festive season in 2020. 

Casio music sales have also increased by 35 percent in the past 12 months.

According to latest research by Australian Music Association sales in digital pianos continued to grow for 2020 with supply an issue for some retailers but not all. 

Huw said “I do have a piano lesson every week but there’s definitely a level of self-teaching involved which apps can also help with. I’m basically recalling what I was taught and then repeating it under my own direction.”

“It’s relaxing and rewarding - it would be nice to get to the point where I can play a full song.” 



Times Lifestyle

Why We Travel: The Timeless Search for Somewhere Different

Every year, billions of people pack a suitcase, lock the front door and set off for somewhere else. Some fly halfway around the world to explore ancient cities. Others drive a few hours to a country town, a beachside apartment or a quiet cabin in t...

A Relationship Expert Reveals the Real Key to a Stronger Relationship

For a long time, we have romanticised the idea that a strong relationship means finding someone who can be your everything. Your best friend. Your confidant. Your emotional support system. The person who understands every part of you and meets ever...

How Australia's Childcare Crisis Is Taking a Toll on Parents - and What One App Is Doing About It

Australian mums and dads are increasingly anxious, exhausted, and distrustful of Australia’s childcare system - and the nation's headlines are a big reason why. Confidence in the Australian childcare industry has been shaken after dangerous practice...

Australia’s Changing Family Dynamic: When Adult Children Stay Home Longer

Australia’s housing affordability crisis is no longer simply an economic issue. It is reshaping the structure of the Australian family itself. Across the country, more young adults are remaining in the family home longer than previous generations...

The Arrival of Winter: More Than Just a Date on the Calendar

Winter arrives quietly in Australia. There is no dramatic wall of snow sweeping across the nation and no frozen months that completely shut down daily life. Yet when the seasons change, Australians feel it almost immediately. The arrival of winter ...

Australian mum creates Sandy Baby wipes to remove sand from baby bums

I’m Yaz, founder and mumma behind Sandy Baby®, an Australian designed and owned brand that was created from one very real parenting problem… I was sick of putting dry nappies onto sandy bums. Living near the beaches of Jervis Bay, beach days were ...

Times Magazine

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now China is proving reusable rockets are the new battleground.

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric? Understanding the Differences

Buying a new car has become more complicated than choosing between petrol and diesel. Today's buye...

What Is Fatphobia? Understanding the Debate

The word "fatphobia" has become increasingly common in discussions about health, body image and so...

Technology

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now Chi…

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Local News

Fremantle Ports to trial project to…

Fremantle Ports has partnered with Byssal and DevelopmentWA to trial an innovative nature-based pilo...

Culture

Cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States:…

Thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across the United States in what health au...

Travel

Why Vietnam's Ancient Cave Region Is Bec…

For years, Phong Nha in central Vietnam has attracted adventurous travellers drawn by its spectacu...

The Times Features

Property Taxes: The Ripple Effect Beyond Housing

Property taxes are often debated in terms of house prices, affordability and government revenue. Y...

The Term Deposit Market Explained: How Banks Set Intere…

For many Australians, a term deposit is one of the first investment products they encounter. It is...

Could It Be Cheaper to Start Again? The Real Cost of Fu…

Moving house has long been associated with removal trucks, heavy lifting and the challenge of fitt...