Members blackpig Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Anyone here ever try to learn a new instrument at 40+? I'm thinking of learning piano but I am youthfully challenged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Magpel Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Absolutely! Study piano. When you hit those first challeneges of two hand independence, your brain will go "ow!" Then, when you get it under control, it's like new pathways open up in the brain, and I have read that such acute motor challenges are critical to mainatining a supple brain as we age. Do it! Plus, piano tells the story of harmony in a way that a guitar or a saxophone never can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members linwood Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Sure. Started playing chromatic harmonica about 4 years ago. I wish I had time to play it more and get better. Sometime people think because it's so small that it's easy to learn/play. No easier than sax or trumpet I tell them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members UstadKhanAli Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 It's never too late to learn something new. Go with the flow. People who are 40+ are going to college, taking instruments, learning to record, learning computers, and a jillion other things. There's nothing wrong with being older - just keep an open mind and and apply yourself and you will learn all sorts of wonderful things!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tedster Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 I think that, by already playing at least one instrument, people taking lessons in another at a more mature age have a huge advantage over the 12 year old kid who is taking lessons because mommy and daddy want them to, or they think it would be cool for the moment. Go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phaeton Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Why not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MorePaul Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Originally posted by UstadKhanAli It's never too late Strangley, that's a title of a book by a child education specialist about his experience picking up the cello at 40+ the book is apparently highly recommended by yo yo ma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members onemind Posted January 9, 2006 Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 I started guitar at 30, I wonder if my lack of progress is related to age...nah, it's lack of practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blackpig Posted January 9, 2006 Author Members Share Posted January 9, 2006 Right then. Off I go to Miss Crotchet... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Counterpoint Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 The day you stop learning is the day that you stop living. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members monstermaker Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 Never too late. It could turn into the next great passion in your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Lee Knight Posted January 10, 2006 Moderators Share Posted January 10, 2006 DO NOT DO IT. You are too old! If you study a new instrument at your age, you'll lose focus of all that is important in your old feeble life. Bills, your lawn, cleaning the garage. I repeat, do not do it. All of your ability to see what is right in this world will go out the window in a flame of self glory... or shame rather. Do not do it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members techristian Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 I'm 50 now and I'm learning new things on the drums every day. I'm learning how to play left handed and left "footed" . You are never too old to learn. Dan http://teachmedrums.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members timman6127 Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 Never too late... I was in the same boat as you two years ago... I've been a guitar player since the age of 11. I had messed around with keyboards since my mid 20's (synths). At 39, I decided I really wanted to learn proper keyboard technique on a "real" piano so I bought one (acoustic). I'm sooo happy I did... two years into it and I'm taking lessons (once every two weeks) and practicing almost everyday. My progress has been very good and I feel almost comfortable on piano. I've progressed from simple bass and lead synth type stuff to Bach and Dr. John style stride/boogie on a piano. The practice skills I learned on guitar along with my ear have been directly applicable to my piano study. Anyway, the point is that I think you're probably never too old to learn if you have the drive and proper attitude. Also, once you start, don't try to compare your new instrument abilities with your "old" instrument abilities, think in terms of steady progress and you'll get there . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lucky #9 Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 This is the deal on the age/learning ability theory, as I understand it: Up until the age of 11, children have an inate ability to learn music, math and foreign language skills as if their brains were hard-wired for it. It is easy for them, particularly compared to the different type of learning that an older person goes through, where generally more serious study is required as the brain no longer has that special ability to simply absorb, as in osmosis, the information offered it. I certainly saw that theory prevail in my niece, Emma. She began piano lessons at about 6 years old from a classical teacher. At about 9 she picked up the violin in school and immediately moved into the advanced class with older students as she knew how to read music. At 11, she taught herself in a few short weeks how to play the flute, with essentially no guidance. She also dabbles in guitar and is now 12. As an older guy I play the guitar (have done so for many years). Wish I had learned music theory and how to read music while a kid. While I certainly can pick up new tricks now on the guitar I struggle with the theoretical end of music, with the learning to read, etc. It is to me like learning a foreign language. I suppose if I dedicated myself to it I would be better at it, but I just cannot summon up the effort required. Wish I had learned the piano at a younger age. To me, it is the best instrument. I dabble and suppose I could learn more if I became more serious, but I'd never become as good as my neice is now. I think it would be impossible. But hey, wasn't Grandma Moses in here 80s when she picked up painting? So I guess there is still time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RobRoy Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 I picked up the bass at 44. I'm 51 now and play in three bands... It is a blast!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Lee Knight Posted January 10, 2006 Moderators Share Posted January 10, 2006 Originally posted by RobRoy I picked up the bass at 44. I'm 51 now and play in three bands... It is a blast!!! That's very cool. I've played bass, guitar and keys for years but never tried the drums. I got a kit 6 months ago and it's a complete joy. I suck... but I'm really loud! I'm 46. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RobRoy Posted January 10, 2006 Members Share Posted January 10, 2006 Originally posted by Lucky #9 This is the deal on the age/learning ability theory, as I understand it:Up until the age of 11, children have an inate ability to learn music, math and foreign language skills as if their brains were hard-wired for it. It is easy for them, particularly compared to the different type of learning that an older person goes through, where generally more serious study is required as the brain no longer has that special ability to simply absorb, as in osmosis, the information offered it.I certainly saw that theory prevail in my niece, Emma. She began piano lessons at about 6 years old from a classical teacher. At about 9 she picked up the violin in school and immediately moved into the advanced class with older students as she knew how to read music. At 11, she taught herself in a few short weeks how to play the flute, with essentially no guidance. She also dabbles in guitar and is now 12.As an older guy I play the guitar (have done so for many years). Wish I had learned music theory and how to read music while a kid. While I certainly can pick up new tricks now on the guitar I struggle with the theoretical end of music, with the learning to read, etc. It is to me like learning a foreign language. I suppose if I dedicated myself to it I would be better at it, but I just cannot summon up the effort required. Wish I had learned the piano at a younger age. To me, it is the best instrument. I dabble and suppose I could learn more if I became more serious, but I'd never become as good as my neice is now. I think it would be impossible.But hey, wasn't Grandma Moses in here 80s when she picked up painting? So I guess there is still time! You are going to think this is weird, but for me it was easier as an adult. I just understood so much of the background stuff better and just believed I "could and would" learn it. It came natural. I've actually noticed that about a lot of stuff. At least in my late 40's and early 50's it is easier for me to learn than at any other time in my adult life. But the "under 11 thing" is probably spot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blackpig Posted January 11, 2006 Author Members Share Posted January 11, 2006 Thank you all for the comments folks. I will attend my first piano lesson next Thursday. The teacher explained that she liked students to learn by reading music as opposed to playing by ear which is how I learned to play guitar and bouzouki. This is right up my street - I know now that if I had had a good grounding in music theory early on I would be far more advanced on the string instruments than I am. I also taught her husband guitar a long time ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MorePaul Posted January 11, 2006 Members Share Posted January 11, 2006 2 caveats 1) The thumb is 1 on fingering guides (it'll drive you nuts) 2) on a more impotant note -- as an experienced, adult musician one frustration I find is...the frustration...as a total music beginner or a child...a lot of times just making sounds is kinda cool -- you, unfortunately, have almost certainly developed a critical ear that will be far in advance of your piano facility...it's just a bit of a bitch b/c you'll be able to hear the 'inelegancies' just hassle nothin more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members doug osborne Posted January 12, 2006 Members Share Posted January 12, 2006 Originally posted by MorePaul Strangley, that's a title of a book by a child education specialist about his experience picking up the cello at 40+the book is apparently highly recommended by yo yo ma Never Too Late by John Holt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MoreGuitars Posted January 13, 2006 Members Share Posted January 13, 2006 I took up violin at 40. I have been a guitar player for 33 years, and man this is tough..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MorePaul Posted January 13, 2006 Members Share Posted January 13, 2006 arco is sorta like rubbing your head and patting your tummy ain't it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gonkulator Posted January 13, 2006 Members Share Posted January 13, 2006 I am 48, and started drums not quite a year ago. I began piano lessons a couple months ago. I am limited mostly by physical things. I have had to exercise more so my right foot can keep the beat better and longer. My fingers limit my piano playing a bit. I just hope with time and practice they will loosen up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Raymar Posted January 14, 2006 Members Share Posted January 14, 2006 Shouldn't we all be students for life? Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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