Anyone learned an instrument at 40?

[Owletterocks]

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?

I'm so pleased that I found this thread too!
Twig I really want to learn to play the Cello too! I'm 39 and have visions of one day joining a little, fun orchestra!

I read a study that said learning an instrument in adulthood well it said early middle age may help keep dementia at bay.
I have fancied taking up another instrument for a few years I played a couple when I was young. Ds’s guitar teacher also teaches the flute so I am going to give that a go in the new year.

I had a go at learning to play the flute when I was in my early 40s - had lessons for a few years before they tailed off. I already play the piano so the scale & reading music made it easier (I think).

I bought a piano for my 40th birthday and have been learning now for 3 years. No music experience before that, other than primary school recorder. I’m loving the challenge. Don’t get enough time to practise in the week but enjoy it whenever I can.

My dad started playing viola in late 50s (he had played piano a little as a child). He's now 71 and is in a strings group which performs every now and then.

I'm 40 and would love to play an instrument (did a bit as teenager) but just too many things happening in my life at mo to find time to practise.

I played the cello as a child. I have to say I think it's a little easier than the piano only because you have one bar of music to look at rather than two. It's a beautiful instrument. I love to hear people play

Definitely good brain exercise! When I went back to the piano after so long. I couldn't sight-read even the very simplest pieces. Had to think about every note - remember what it was and where to find it.

The process must forge so many new pathways in your brain. I can now look at umpteen different notes/chords, and know instantly what they are and where to find them.

I hope it's true that it can stave off dementia, because there's been a lot of that in my mother's family.