I agree with the age thing....to a point. But there is also the factor of 'natural ablility' (talent), and many other things from hand size to spousal support. Like many other things (riding a bicycle), starting young is ALWAYS an advantage. I too, know a few people that started piano lessons late (25+) but I only know ONE that ever reached the level of playing at a professional level (he was a great jazz pianist, but never a great 'reader' - except fake books).

I think the odds of a great pianist becoming a great synthesist/arranger player are much better than the reverse. But I also think piano lessons can only help the non-pianist arranger player. Two different techniques for sure, but if you learned on a 'stick', an automatic is a piece of cake to drive. Now of course, learning accordion first helps no one, especially the neighbors....Kidding, kidding, just trying to wake Tony up .

chas