Am I too old to start learning a new instrument?

Conrad

Never ever too old. Morgan Freeman didn't get his first acting break until aged 55. I hate the way people bracket one another according to age!

Edwardia

I was redecorating my study and bought a miniature violin from a charity shop for my coffee table which is about 10cm long and correct in every detail, with it's own bow and case.

I gave up violin at eleven because I was mad keen on riding but as soon as I touched this one I got itchy to try playing again though I haven't played in more than twenty years.

Did some research and bought myself a secondhand violin from Cash Converters online and bought rosin, varnish reviver, music stand etc from J P Guivier https://www.guivier.com oldest violin dealer in England.

Going to use the Internet to refresh my brain re: tuning and reading music but just holding the violin is relaxing me. So nope, you're NEVER too old. If it makes you smile, if you have fun - that's what matters

Oh and this guy is my favourite violinist - David Garrett - playing one of my favourite piano pieces, Clair de Lune by Debussy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcTnofe8ITs

I'll never be as good as him (he started at four) but that's okay by me.

samk91

Never too old for anything!! You are only as old as you feel

ILW

A friend of mine took up the pink oboe at 46 years old. His wife was not impressed.

itch_for_a_glitch

ILW wrote: »

A friend of mine took up the pink oboe at 46 years old. His wife was not impressed.

Maybe it was her fault for not learning that particular instrument to an acceptable competency ?

ILW

itch_for_a_glitch wrote: »

Maybe it was her fault for not learning that particular instrument to an acceptable competency ?

I have heard that most kids learn it at school now.

fleabagmonkeyface

You are never too old to start and get enjoyment from playing, you might not reach the standard of a child genius but music is about taking part and having fun.

mrcow

itch_for_a_glitch wrote: »

Maybe it was her fault for not learning that particular instrument to an acceptable competency ?

Maybe the instrument was faulty?

Arris

that's nice when I was started to learn instrument I was 21 year old.

Jarbuhu

cwc100 wrote: »

I'm in my mid 20's and for the best part of my life I have wanted to learn to play violin. I am wondering whether at my age whether it will be too steep a learning curve to start learning now. I have no knowledge on sheet music. With tuition I have learned to play the guitar with tab music which I imagine is totally different, but I did find this difficult.

At the end of the day it does cost money to start learning a new instrument but I'm worried that I will get despondent if I find that Im struggling with the sheet music etc and thus will have wasted a lot of money.

I have looked at private tuition, but I'm wondering if there are other avenues such as group tuition or music groups run by local communities which are willing to take on an adult student. And as a beginner would I need the full hour tuition?

As a kid I was forced to take piano lessons until we just couldn't afford them anymore. I can barely remember to play Mary had a little lamb, but I'd like to pick it up now. Sure, as a kid your mind in a sponge, but as an adult you will have more of a drive to learn. I should have paid more attention in my lessons, but I just wanted to go off and play, now learning something like an instrument would be play.