To think I'm too old?

[JackieBeaver]

Posting for traffic and prepared to be told IABU

I'm 35, I've really let myself go lately and feel like I've given up with any ambition for my life however tonight I was watching orchestras on YouTube and I thought I'd just love to join and orchestra, I've always been fascinated by them... so instead of thinking I'm not good enough and it's pointless, I thought I'd at least try and find out if it was even remotely possible...

I don't currently play an instrument but I think I'd need to be grade 8 minimum ?

So if I still have time... would I be able to reach grade 8 in time?

What instrument is best for actually getting a spot in an orchestra... I obviously wouldn't pick one I didn't like but also don't want to go for something that would give me no chance at all

I always had the impression that people who play in orchestras were playing their chosen instrument from a very young age.
But don't let that stop you. If you think you will enjoy it, then go for it.

Loads of amateur orchestras around - not necessarily grade 8+

Strings are needed in higher numbers, but loads or people play the violin/ cello. The viola is a good option, or double bass.

Fewer places for wind and brass (and more solo type parts). Maybe bassoon? I think oboes are sometimes needed (but can be very exposed and only one or two needed).

Don't forget about other groups - recorder/ singing/ brass band type groups.

Just go for it.

Professional orchestra? Probably not likely at all. No idea about amateur orchestra though I suspect you would still have needed to have studied music at music school in some capacity though rather than just tuition and practise at home

@XenoBitch

I always had the impression that people who play in orchestras were playing their chosen instrument from a very young age. But don't let that stop you. If you think you will enjoy it, then go for it.

I assume the OP means low-key amateur orchestras, though?

OP, I know someone who played oboe in the Offbeat Orchestra in Dublin, which was specifically for late-starter adults — maybe someone can suggest something similar?

Do you read music?

Definitely take up an instrument if you want to express yourself through music! You'll need to be above a grade 8 to play in a professional orchestra as a career. It's competitive AF. People need to get a diploma (which is after grade 8) to get into a conservatoire to hopefully get a place in an orchestra when they graduate.
Maybe joining a local community orchestra would be a better idea?
Usually you would take 1 grade a year, and you'll need to do music theory grades alongside an instrument.
Musical instruments that are "easier" to get into an orchestra with are usually the double reeds (oboe/bassoon) or the expensive and heavy ones which kids struggle to carry into school such as the cello/double bass, but it depends on supply and demand of musicians. But if you don't actually have a passion for any given instrument they will know at auditions from the way you play.

I think you've left it a bit late to play professionally if you don't play an instrument! And you'd need to be a lot higher than grade 8! But there are good local amateur orchestras. You'd have to audition - and standards are quite high - but you'll never know until you take the first step and start lessons.

Perhaps, you could choose a less popular instrument - although one you think you will enjoy - and begin some lessons, and see how it goes. I’d imagine there are many standards of group playing right up to full professional orchestras. Our local music school has their own orchestra, I used to watch them practice pre covid, in the local high school gym. There are all kinds of ensembles that play in different combinations. There are marching bands and bands playing on the bandstand at the park and local groups for certain instruments. I used to be part of a woodwind ensemble and we did local shows and bit parts in concerts and stage performances. Many theatres use live musicians and theatres come in all shapes and sizes from am dram in the church hall upward.

You might be super at it. But even if you aren’t, that’s OK, there are levels as there are in all things. If you want to do it, go for it I say. Find a local teacher to start?

Im sorry to burst your bubble - and I hope it doesn't - but learning an instrument is very difficult as an adult. You need to learn a whole knew language and reading music will be required for an orchestra which takes years and years to do fluently.

Having said that, if you are musical and rhythmic in general, dedicated and have the ability and determination to pick it up, then there's no reason why you couldn't aim for an amature orchestra. Those is large orchestras tend to be top of their game, it's no mean feat.

I would try to approach it as enjoying the learning and practice as it will be a long time before you're playing anything well.

I learned piano as a young child into adulthood and would definitely recommend that as a basis but not if an orchestra is what you're after. I also learned violin and guitar and would say I found violin easier than guitar.

What do you like the sound of? What's your budget for the instrument? Have you worked out the cost of lessons in your area?

Thanks all this is really helpful and encouraging. I'd be more than happy with a local amateur group. There's one in my local city who require grade 8 but there are also other orchestras for example I know there's a specific brass orchestra who are amazing.

I've always thought the harp was beautiful but never looked into it as I just assumed I probably couldn't do it.

I'm now going to look into the oboe and a few other suggestions!

If you're planning on playing in an orchestra professionally then yes youve probably left it too late...

Have you ever played an instrument at all or have any inclanation that you are musically talented?

Btw grade 8 will take a LOT of time and effort to get to, think at least a year intensively practicing and playing for each level, once youve got past the beginner level which could take a while if you have no experience of instrument, or any natural talent for the instrument.

I hope this doesn't sound nasty but your post comes across quite depressed and I think it might be something deeper than joining an orchestra can fix (and tbh, learning from scratch to a standard where you can play orchestra professionally is a pipe dream). Can you not do something else that will equally uplift you and make you feel better about yourself?

You def don't need to be grade 8 to play in an orchestra.

Now there are some anrehr orchestras who play to a very high standard with very accomplished players.

But there are many which are just for enthusiasts or all abilities. They play abridged or simplified orchestral arrangements. You would have to read music though....
One ad hoc orchestra used to rehearse in the school where my child has swimming lessons.

They sounded pretty awful in all honestly ...... Unskilled String playing is like that !
But they loved it and they were there every week making music. I thought it was brilliant and loved hearing them.

Definitely go for it. You’re not too old. You’re unlikely to get to play in the London Symphony Orchestra, but most towns have amateur orchestras and brass bands with often fairly entry level standards.

My DM learnt a brass instrument and had lessons in her 40s. Our town had a very well regarded amateur brass band and a training band (the latter for kids and new learners) she joined that and enjoyed it for a few years.

A friend plays in an orchestra in London- there are quite a few non competitive ones, but yes, I should think you’d need to be grade 7 or 8. Go for it- it’s really good for your brain and never too late. Just don’t give it up if it’s hard for the first few years.

It’s not too old to start learning an instrument but I think it it’s one of those skills that looks easier than it is and the more you know, the more you realise you don’t know.

If you want to learn for pleasure go ahead but don’t set yourself up to reach an unrealistic goal.

Also how musical are you? Some people do have a natural aptitude and others don’t. I reached grade 5 in the piano when I was a child but I could only play by reading music, not by ear, whereas my father could play anything you asked him to.

You might be best off finding a music teacher that also conducts an orchestra consisting of her/his students. You'll be guaranteed a place then, and will also have some help learning the instrument.

Where I live there is a community orchestra for people like you. A mix of people who can already play along with beginners. Maybe find a private tutor? They may know of something similar.