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Original poster

Anyone learned an instrument at 40?

32 replies

Owletterocks · 17/11/2018 10:56

Just pondering, inspired by the John Lewis add and the fact that due to moving toys around there is a lovely space in my dining room that would fit a small piano nicely. DH says no point because I can’t play but I could learn couldn’t I? I know I won’t be amazing but for my own enjoyment plus dc’s can learn too. Anyone else learned an instrument as an adult or am I too old now?

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 17/11/2018 11:01

I started learning classical guitar at 50..this summer!!!

I had picked up DS1's a few times and self taught some chords but then my dd2's boyfrined brought his classical guitar and played some beautiful music and I was hooked... so bought one, found myself a teacher and now have weekly lessons.

It is frustrating and enjoyable in equal measure!! I'm never going to be amazing, as my hands are old stiff, but 6 months ago I couldn't read music, now I am sight reading simple pieces, playing simple songs and it is addictive. I feel I never have enough time topractise as much as I'd like but I love it, it has given me a whole new goal in life!

Go for it. My tutor says it is NEVER to late to learn an instrument!

MissWilmottsGhost · 17/11/2018 11:05

Learning guitar at 45.

I'm never going to be good but it is fun.

DD was born when I was 39 and I wanted her to grow up in a home with music. I dug out my old flute, DBs old keyboard, DH got his clarinet, MiL has drums. We make a racket together.

DD is 6 and learning to read music now and playing an instrument at school.

NotUmbongoUnchained · 17/11/2018 11:07

My auntie tried learning the piano at 40, but her piano teacher also happened to be her best friend and they just used to drink 3 bottles of wine instead Grin

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lljkk · 17/11/2018 11:10

Piano from age 38. Got to about grade 5 b4 I lost interest.

Original poster
Owletterocks · 17/11/2018 14:11

Brilliant, I might give it a go then. I know I won’t be amazing at it but the aim is to have fun and have a hobby as well

OP posts:
Cherries101 · 17/11/2018 14:13

I know a guy who started learning guitar at 38 and now supports Madonna / Cold Play etc on UK. I’d say it’s never too late to learn!

waxy1 · 17/11/2018 14:18

You should at least get to “fun at a party” stage.

As said above, it’s fun and frustrating. Us oldies are stiff and slow to learn things, but less likely to lose heart.

arranfan · 17/11/2018 14:18

An aunt took up flute at 68 - she's excellent (no history of instrument playing).

My brother took up the cello in his late 40s, also excellent (did have a history of piano playing).

MsAwesomeDragon · 17/11/2018 14:23

My mum started learning the Northumbrian bagpipes (smaller and quieter than the Highland pipes, and powered by bellows) at 40. She saw a local evening class advertised and went along. She got pretty good, competed at village shows, she even played at a few weddings. She only plays for fun with a little social group now, but they all started as adults and all thoroughly enjoy playing.

Go for it. If you have the time and desire to learn then you'll get good enough to play for pleasure.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 17/11/2018 14:30

I was a lot over 40 when I went back to the piano after so many decades - having passed only grade 2 as a primary age child. I virtually had to start again from scratch. I have come on by miles since then.

Go for it! I used the Carol Barratt classical course for adult beginners to get myself back into it.

Someone at my group piano class (LEA) a while ago had just passed her grade 3, having started as a complete beginner about 3 years previously. She was probably 50 ish. Fantastic achievement, IMO - I've been too chicken to do exams.

Mistigri · 17/11/2018 14:40

I played piano as a child then didn't touch a piano for nearly 30 years. Started again 18 months ago and am better than I was as a teen. I have had to work very hard at it though; as you age you definitely take longer to learn new skills.

If there are no neighbour issues, I really recommend having an acoustic piano in a room where you spend a lot of time, rather than a digital piano hidden away in a room upstairs.

Hotchox · 17/11/2018 14:47

Learned the Sax in my 40s. Music is a skill for life, good brain exercise and motor skills whatever the instrument. Now I play along with my kids, we have a great time.

DanielCraigsUnderpants · 17/11/2018 14:50

I've started learning piano at 38 1/2

I don't practice as much as I should but i like learning a new skill

WhyAmISoCold · 17/11/2018 15:16

I had piano lessons when I was a teen but can no longer play. I bought a digital piano so the intention is to go back to it.

Sewrainbow · 17/11/2018 16:02

I started piano lessons at 38 I was doing well and enjoying it then my teacher left and I didn't enjoy the new one so have stopped. Should start again as i don't really practice without the lesson to focus me but don't really have the time at the moment.

DoveSecret · 17/11/2018 16:08

I play the harp and have done for 32 years. I’ve done weddings and the odd funeral.

There is no way id start now, but if you want to try out, go for it!

treaclesoda · 17/11/2018 16:12

Do it! You won't regret it.

ClaraSchumannsCat · 17/11/2018 17:30

I have a violin pupil who is 72. She's ace and my favourite pupil by miles: she is doing it for the joy and practises a lot more than most of (all) the kids I teach!

TwigTheWonderKid · 17/11/2018 19:32

I am so glad I found this thread! I'm 50 next year and I really want to learn the cello but had managed to convince myself I am too old. Now I know what to ask for for Christmas!

IamMummyhearmeROAR · 17/11/2018 19:57

I started piano at 46. It’s harder than I ever imagined but a year on I can read music and can play simple pieces with both hands, albeit painfully slowly! It stretched my brain in ways I never imagined

tallwivglasses · 17/11/2018 20:02

This thread is inspiring! I bought a beautiful purple ukelele in a charity shop and I'm about to cut my nails and have a bash. I'm 59.

mollyblack · 17/11/2018 20:04

My son has an electric guitar. I go in his room when he’s at school and have been teaching myself from youtube. Its addictive, I love it! I’m 38. Go for it, i find learning as an adult much more enjoyable, I’m choosing to do it, can choose what I want to play and am less shy, give less fucks about people hearing.

Chewbecca · 17/11/2018 20:11

My ex next door neighbour did. She got pretty good actually. I could hear every note as her piano was against my dining room wall. One of the reasons they are ex neighbours Grin

Largepiecesofcrookedwood · 17/11/2018 20:34

I'm learning guitar at 40 Smile
DS taught me to read tab when we were away and I've diligently plugged away daily.
As others have said it's just harder as you get older.
DS learns quicker and his fingers are more nimble, but because of this he doesn't have the drive to practice that I do. I'm still fairly shocking but I love the time I get to play and am genuinely irritated the days that DS takes the guitar to school because it's his

LaDaronne · 17/11/2018 20:55

My DH started the trombone at fifty-odd. Got good enough to get invited to jam sessions within two years but has a background in music.

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