Anyone learn a musical instrument later in life?

ProfMagoo(ret)

ProfMagoo(ret)

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To be more specific, let's say a first instrument (rather than adding another instrument to one's repertoire) and define "later in life" as .GTE. 40 or so. Guess what I'm asking is whether there are any "late bloomers" music-wise?

PS So did you get to where you hoped with the instrument? Did it turn into a "mid-life crisis" scheme? Just interested in any stories or lessons learned; joys or frustrations.
 
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I’ve been thinking about taking up a saxophone ...
Interested in your reply’s here.
 
I had a strong desire to learn how to play a guitar, but knowing I can't type using all of my fingers tells me I'll probably not be too good.

Then I'll watch SRV's version of Voodoo Child and really get discouraged.
 
I learned to play the five string banjo when I was 50.

But I had played guitar since about 1966. Completely different fretted instruments, but fretted instruments nonetheless, so the foundation was there.
 
Always wanted to learn drums. Probably never happen though
 
Me. said:
I started playing guitar at 45 years old.

Then, I head down the evil path of gear acquisition. It became a fun hobby, but detracted from the playing.


I did not focus on getting better, I just played around (still do).


If I cared about getting decent, and was going to do it all over again:

* One acoustic guitar, full sized
* ONE electric guitar ( decent. No more than $600)
* LESSONS. Pump all your money and time here.

Lessons on a regular schedule for at least two years. Stay away from YouTube.
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That sounds a lot like learning to shoot well :D
 
Burt Gummer said:
Always wanted to learn drums. Probably never happen though
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Electric drums and once you learn a 4/4 beat, 90 percent of all rock songs are the same.

Tap your

Right hand
Right hand
Right hand
Right hand and left hand

With the next song your hear. Magic. Next song same. All Kiss songs. All stones, Led zep will mix it up.
 
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In all seriousness, @GreatGazoo , learning to play a musical instrument is so much easier now than it ever was when I was growing up. We either had to have a friend who could play that great Hendrix or Page riff and have them show us how, or sit down with the album, turntable, and favorite axe, and lift the needle a couple of grooves a couple of hundred times and replay that riff to figure out how to play it.

Now there are a brazilian youtoob videos and all kinds of tablature on-line where you can both see and hear how to play that song you always wanted to play.
 
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Brangus said:
Just to be fair to her...….should I tell her how long it took you to learn all the notes on the scale and master your octaves?
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Not long. I hear he is a virtuoso.
 
fieldgrade said:
brazilian youtoob videos
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Be careful googling these. :)

Don't overthink it. Just get the instrument you're interested in, take some lessons and practice, work toward playing melody by ear, and be ready to switch instruments and try something new if the first one doesn't 'take.'

If you're starting out as a grownup, you're probably not planning on fame. Ergo, it's for your own enjoyment and possibly the amusement of those close to you - a most forgiving and supportive audience.

Go for it. What have you got to lose?
 
fieldgrade said:
In all seriousness, @GreatGazoo , learning to play a musical instrument is so much easier now than it ever was when I was growing up. We either had to have a friend who could play that great Hendrix or Page riff and have them show us how, or sit down with the album, turntable, and favorite axe, and lift the needle a couple of grooves a couple of hundred times and replay that riff to figure out how to play it.

Now there are a brazilian youtoob videos and all kinds of tablature on-line where you can both see and hear how to play that song you always wanted to play.
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I'm afraid that watching some of these videos (e.g. Gretchen Menn's) is giving me the "bug," though I understand Windini's warning. I've always considered myself fairly tone-deaf vis-a-vis musical ability (the "is that note up or down" sort of thing) and I'm nearing Six-Zero, so I was curious if others have felt the urge to give learning to play a shot.

What have you got to lose?
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Well, I could lose my wife! She holds a DMA so any plinking/plunking of mine might drive her batty - she has pretty high standards. That, and I could just imagine adding a guitar/amp etc. to the "but darling" list along with various firearms. :(
 
I think it'd be fun to learn the harmonica, but I don't have time for the hobbies I already have.

I played guitar for almost 30 years, but gave it up over 10 years ago. Life got very hectic for a while & by the time things calmed down, not only had I lost the 'flavor' for it, but had arthritis in both hands. Since I'd gone a little overboard on the 'Gear/Guitar Acquisition Syndrome' & turned my $$$ amps & $$$$ guitars into guns, Harley parts & tattoos.

Truthfully, should the fire (& time) return, I think I'd like to teach myself to play pedal steel guitar.
 
My wife is in her early 40's, and she recently expressed interest in playing the violin. She took some music classes when she was young (I think middle school), but never really did anything with it. She found an inexpensive violin that had decent reviews so I am going to be buying that for her.

I played piano when I was a teenager, but we sold my piano when I moved up here in '94. I keep thinking I'd like to get back into it, but realistically, I would probably play for a couple weeks then never touch it again.
 
My mom started ukelele at like 55. She's gotten pretty good. Has a a bunch of songs she plays and sings.
 
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