Learning a new instrument in middle age

[DogsPlay]

Would this be a stupid idea?

I'd love to learn the flute. I played the recorder for a few years (in primary school), did grade 3 on the violin and dabbled in playing the piccolo flute as part of my secondary school orchestra for a while (no grade, no lessons just picked it up).

This is all over 3 decades ago though so not sure how relevant or helpful. One of my dc is learning the flute and I love the sound and everything about it. I can produce a decent sound on it.

Would it be silly to start learning at my age (46) and would I be encroaching on my dd's hobby and this risk putting her off (strong willed, slightly rebellious 12 year old). Should I take lessons or YouTube DIY it? If I got on well with it, are there any amateur orchestras or these for experienced musicians albeit non professionals?

Has anyone else learned a new instrument after a long break or as a total novice later in life?

I started doing my piano grades during lockdown, never played before, 46 years old now. Love it. Kids love that I'm a novice too. Grade 3 this summer.

Just do it!

Go for it! Why would this be a bad idea? I taught myself to play classical guitar and I took up the clarinet again after not playing for 35 years, and I love both. I never play for other people, but the physical sensations of playing and the sense of achievement when I manage to play a new piece are amazing.

Worst case, you don't like it, so you sell the flute and move on. That's still better than always wishing you had tried. Think of paying for lessons (if you decide to) as entertainment. So the money is well spent if you enjoy the lessons (and if you don't, you can stop).

Just do it
Have fun in the process
Don't be impatient

Definitely do it. If you've got to grade 3 on another instrument and you can read music, you're not starting from scratch. Find a teacher and once you've got your confidence, look for a community orchestra or wind band for some ensemble playing. That's where the real fun is. 🎶

Absolutely go for it. It’s very good for you in so many ways

Do it! I got myself a piano last year, learned via an online site for a while and am now having lessons. I'm 55 :)
I am enjoying it so much and to my surprise am making quite decent progress. It's definitely good for my brain, and mood. and the satisfaction when I manage to play something that looked impossible at first glance... just do it!

I would worry that it’s in competition with my child. I have a similar aged DD and she is strong willed too. She doesn’t like me doing things better than her. She is learning the piano and I am not allowed to play the pieces she is learning because it makes her feel bad.

If you have a background in music/are self-disciplined, you can probably pick up a lot from online resources. However, I would still recommend having a lesson every now and then to make sure that you are not picking bad habits, etc. I have studied two instruments at professional level, recently picked up two more mostly on a self-taught basis, but it is amazing how an hour of one-to-one with a good teacher can completely make you understand how to get to the next level.
There are amateur orchestras depending on where you live, however, with the flute being such a popular instrument, chances are it might be difficult to find a vacancy. If you really want to play in an amateur orchestra I would recommend a string instrument, particularly the viola, as they're often short of these.

Thanks all your encouraging comments.

I am tempted but don't want to be seen as competing with dd or put her off as she needs her own hobbies, identity etc. I'll ask her what she thinks and take it from there. I'm not really interested in any other instrument, although perhaps I could have a go at the alto recorder if dd feels strongly about me learning the flute.