Make Better Music Now

Make Better Music Now

It’s Never Too Late

by Dendy Jarrett

In recent issues, we’ve explored "Why Choose Music," "Why Harmony Central," "Keeping Music Alive," and "Music Mentors." But there's one important element we haven't touched on yet...how to avoid musical regret.

Think of all the people who at one point said to you, “I wish I'd learned to play an instrument.” Well, wishing won't make it happen, but two simple steps will: wanting to play an instrument and picking one up to play.

This goes for veterans, too: if you're a guitarist, you can still learn keyboards—and become a better guitarist in the process. As for newbies, of course, no one becomes a virtuoso overnight. But you don't have to be Al Unser to enjoy driving a car or Michael Phelps to like swimming. And you're never too old, either. Just ask Jane Little.

Jane had played bass for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1945, when she joined at age 16. She never quit. She played until she passed away while on stage performing an encore of Irving Berlin’s “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” For her, it was an amazing way to go. She was 87 years old. Well, chronologically, at least.

So what drove her to play for the symphony for 71 years? She loved making music and stated, “I always loved music from the time I was a kid.”

With that sort of example of the power of music, what holds some people back from pursuing music? When someone says that they wish they played an instrument, I always say, “It’s never too late.” Today is as good a day as any to start making music.

Of course, you probably are a musician because you're subscribing to this newsletter. But there may be something holding you back, as well. It's never too late to get better at what you do, learn a new instrument, or work in an entirely different genre. Think DJs aren't musicians? Try your hand at it. If you're not a drummer, at least learn hand percussion. Drummers, try your hand at bass—the other part of the rhythm section.

And while you're at it, spread the word to those who "wished" they played an instrument that it truly is never too late to start. There are so many resources, of course, including Harmony Central, where people can learn about playing, tuning, and selecting an instrument.

Age is a state of mind—no one is ever too young or too old to enjoy playing music. There are many regrets one can take to the grave, but not making music should never be one of them.

PS: Join the discussion on the Harmony Central Forums.

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Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.