Is it realistically possible to learn to play the violin well at age 40 with no previous musical experience?
NJB asked:
I’ve always loved the sound of the violin and have been curious about learning to play it, especially in the style you hear in Irish music. That looks very difficult. So just wondering I guess if a relatively old dog could learn new tricks or if this is one of those things you have to learn in your fomative years.
Any example of people who have learned to play only later in life would be inspirational!
April 16th, 2009 at 5:21 am
you can do anything you set your mind to! dont forget it!!
April 19th, 2009 at 2:10 am
It is possible, but you also have to keep in mind that children are much better at learning and retaining musical abilities than adults. You will have to work much harder than you would have had to say, 30 years ago. Good luck!
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 am
I’m not all that old, but you can learn to do anything at an older age. :] My grandma had wanted to play the flute for years! She’s young I suppose at 50, and she started taking lessons, just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t start new things. :] just practice practice!
April 24th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
It’d be extremely harder but if you practise like hell it is possible, just way way harder mate.
April 27th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Yes, very possible, go for it. I learned to play the piano at a very young age and just recently (last year) was playing for some residents at the nursing home and my coworker was amazed, she is a 52 year old RN, she started taking lessons a few months later and she is doing quite well.
April 29th, 2009 at 10:46 am
yah its possible…its not that hard to learn the basics like how to read musical staff and notes…. um* it’ll be difficult but still possible.
April 29th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
It is possible. You could potentially teach yourself. Ian Anderson taught himself how to play Flute. When he went to colleges, they wouldn’t allow him to come in because he played “wrong”. He formed a band called Jethro Tull, they were/are amazing, then Juliard wanted him to come and teach them how he played, because he could reach a completely different range then classical flute could
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 am
yes in fact in many ways it will be easier
you probably wont be a world renown violinist at 40 however there was little chance you ever where going to be
how ever could you learn to be a competent violinist who most people will enjoy listening too yes you can
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
you could learn it, it will just take more time than a kid would because of responsibilities and your brain isnt top notch any more. But with comitment and constant practice (15 mins a day atleast) you will get good in a few years ( like 2 or 3 to be in middle school/highschool level) or possibly be really really good in a short time for that skill level.. just depends how you are.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Sure, hell, why not. Could be being older will give you the tenacity needed to stick with it. It will take some practice but you sure can if your patient and try. Good Luck