AIBU to think I could learn the violin?

[TrialOfStyle]

I'm 33. Absolutely no music history whatsoever. No idea what I'm doing. Not even sure where to begin without being able to attend face to face lessons. But I've ordered a student violin to give it a go.

Am I being ridiculous here? I know it's one of the harder instruments to learn, especially as an adult learner. I've being watching youtube videos and I'm both excited and really intimidated. Has anyone else picked up a musical instrument as an adult?

Yes! I've taught violin to a few adult learners and they've always picked up the basics quicker than children and have more awareness of good sound quality and tone.

If you put in the concentration and hard work you can sound halfway decent and play some jigs within a year.

Good luck and go for it!

Do let us know how you get on, OP!

Im so excited for you! 🎻🎻🎻

I talked myself out of learning the cello some years ago, I really regret it.

You should not sound terrible even at first! You just need a good teacher to show you how to hold and use your bow.

Have a wonderful time- string instruments are the best!

@Thelnebriati

I talked myself out of learning the cello some years ago, I really regret it.

Never too late!! I didn't learn aged 22 because I thought I was too old....

...I did start learning at 29. Four years on and my cello is (one of) my best friends.

I had a teacher who was teaching his mum who started at age 55ish. A friend in orchestra started age 60, another in her 50s.... For as long as you're on this earth it is not too late!

@Thelnebriati it’s still not too late! I’ve spend my entire adulthood wanting to learn a instrument and this thread has made me feel so encouraged about the choice to give it a go! You could join me on our new, musical journeys! ☺️

Another music teacher here. It's definitely never too late!

I already play several instruments (piano and woodwind)- over lockdown I was given another which is now on my to learn list (sadly when homeschooling started again all my practice time disappeared, but I'm determined to start once the kids are back and I'm on top of my work to do list!).

I teach (as well as other things), and have a range of learners of all ages - including plenty of adults. Playing music is a brilliant thing, and as several others have mentioned, playing with others is great too.

Good luck - let us know how you get on!

It’s so lovely so see so many teacher here! That really gives me confidence. I’m kind of thinking of it in terms of learning to drive now (something I also did at an older age - 27). Terrifying at the time but so comfortable now.

I had a delivery notice that my violin is due tomorrow! It’s feeling a bit like Christmas here now. I’m just really excited to just get a feel for it now

I got my violin on Monday and thought I’d provide an update.

So far I am none the closer to actually learning the thing. I had to install the bridge (a Monday night challenge) and buy a digital tuner as I have no idea how it’s supposed to sound. As a warning, cheap violins are horrible to tune and I’ve been spending every night since having to start again. However, I am getting quicker at it. Tomorrow I will have some proper time to sit and be terrible as I’ve made a big effort this week to get on top of work so I don’t have to pick things up over the weekend.

I’ve watched videos and learnt roughly how to hold the violin and tighten and use the bow. I’m definitely feeling that face to face lessons with help with these beginning things but can’t do much about it right now.

So hopefully next week I’ll be able to share that I can actually do something with it.

Yanbu at all. Go for it!

Lovely update OP!

Face to face lessons will be worth their weight in GOLD I agree but dont worry - it wont be long now before you can link up with a lovely teacher. ♥️

If you've absolutely no musical training at all you might make a start le arming note names and rhythms....will give you a head start for your first lesson.

Keep us posted. Was your one year old intrigued by the violin btw? But early for him but wouldn't it be lovely! X

I started cello in my twenties and stopped when I had kids but when number 3 is a bit older I’m starting again!! Definitely not being unreasonable.

Absolutely LOVE hearing about adults learning music and starting instruments at a more ahem 'mature' age.

Starting to learn an instrument is not just for 8 year olds in schools and an pre-fab musical family is not a pre-requisite either!

It's bloody wonderful and so much fun. Did I mention learning as an adult is amazing for your cognitive health also? 😁😁😁

Great thread! I have half an idea I’d like to learn to play the mandolin or cello, but I remember being awful at music at school, have poor coordination and generally think with that background at age 40 I’d give any teacher a good laugh while achieving nothing. Maybe I should revisit the idea...

Hope to read further updates on this!

I have owned a violin for one whole week now, and to put it in Taylor Davis words, I DO sound ‘disgusting’. Everything sounds squeaky and weird BUT surprisingly, I recognise now what an E is supposed to sound like.

I’m using the Trala app to get started and still looking at real teachers for get some proper help soon. I have to retune every session but I’m getting quicker at it. I had a great practice on Sat when nobody else was in the house. Today and yesterday was pretty bad. But I’m working on it. Despite the awful sound I’m really loving it. I’ll try and update weekly for those who are interested!

@WondrousAcorn Honestly, you are describing me albeit a bit a younger. But I’ve got to a point in my life where I don’t care what others think. It’s all about ME and having something I can get some satisfaction from. So GO FOR IT! A teacher isn’t going to laugh at you. They are they to help. And even if you can only play twinkle twinkle little star, I recon you’ll feel really accomplished (I certainly will at that stage!).

@OnlyHerefortheBiscuits My DS is 3 (sorry if I said 1!). But he is loving it and shouts (not sings, I think that’s a testament to my playing) and keeps referring to the old guitar hero as a violin now so I think he’s pretty interested. I’m tempted to buy him one and see if I can get him to join me in lessons.

I’ve had a few music note lessons in the app I’m using. It does feel like I’m trying to learn a whole new language, but it’s only giving me the notes I need to play! Thank you for all your encouragement though! It really makes it feel doable and exciting still!

How exciting! Have a look at Nicola benedetti if you want to be inspired. She also had a foundation which has done loads of online stuff this year. There are loads of musicianship lessons etc on her website you can try out and once you have the basics you could probably join some of her adult beginner sessions. Definitely try to play with bothers as soon as possible my weekly orchestra was the highlight of my week.

Good luck. I've had adult learners whose progress has been stunning and rewarding for them. They have been very disciplined about regular practice. Have you thought about getting recommendations from a local Facebook group?

OP please can I recommend my violin teacher Mariela Shaker to you - she is absolutely incredible, a lovely person and fantastic teacher.

www.highamsparkmusic.com/our-teachers

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.refugeesinternational.org/reports/2019/6/17/world-refugee-day-2019-spotlight-1-mariela-shaker%3fformat=amp

I hope not! I'm 33 and hoping to start piano lessons online soon!

I started learning the piano 2 years ago aged 40 and it's been wonderful. I absolutely love it and can play lots of pieces now. I have discovered that I love Bach and Handel as well which is amazing to me as I wouldn't have known much about either of them before!

I’m 47 and I was thinking of learning to play the lyre.

This thread has definitely inspired me 🤔😃

I am over 40 and took up the piano (ok, digital keyboard) about 4 months ago. I’m using the ‘SimplyPiano’ app to learn how to read music, chords and melodies. It’s been of massive benefit to my mental health and I really enjoy it as it’s so fun. Hoping this time next year I’ll be able to play competently.

Not too late. Adults are often more motivated, serious and committed than children. Don’t expect instant results or give up if you’re not sounding amazing by the end of the first month. Focus on getting the basics right and on building strong foundations.

I learned the piano as a kid and the picked it up again about 3 years ago. I’ve spent the last 2 years learning a really hard piece that I just love. I can now play it fluently and it feels like magic when I listen to what my fingers can do. Not sure anybody else feels the same way but that’s not the point. It’s been hundreds of hours of quality me-time. Not sure whether it staved off a breakdown or whether it was the breakdown. I will never know. But definitely no regrets.

Good luck, enjoy, and celebrate every success. If you have a break for a few days, weeks or even months after an intensive period of practicing you may find you’re even better when you return to it.