Learning an instrument as a complete adult beginner?

[Beginnersmusic]

I’m going through a hard time and want to take up a new hobby. Something I have always wanted to do is to learn to play an instrument. But I am really worried about finding it too difficult and giving up which has always held me back from doing it.

I have no understanding of music theory or anything like that. I never liked music lessons at school. I don’t know if this is just because I didn’t get it or because I had missed out on things my peers had learnt through having had instrumental lessons from a young age (it was a private school so most people could play something). I do love music though.

It’s a string instrument (like a lute) and I’ve also got it in my head that this will be much harder to learn than something like the piano. But I just don’t like the piano as much as this instrument.

What do you mean by “like a lute”? Like a lute but even more obscure? Are you fixed on one particular instrument?

I would encourage anyone to start playing an instrument, whatever their age, yes!

I would just say that a more obscure instrument is more difficult to find a teacher, online videos, or sheet music for though (and to get the instrument itself!)

It’s an Afghan instrument called the Rabab. I know there are online videos and online tutors available. I think it’s probably possible to find an in person tutor as well because I’m in London so there’s a lot of ethnic diversity. I just need to overcome my fears and take the plunge I think.

Leaving aside the choice of instrument, as an experienced musician, I’d say that if you are keen, give it a go. Yes, it will take effort and time but if you find you love it you’ll want to out that in.
I would agree that choice of instrument is important in that you are not going to work at it if you don’t enjoy the sound you are making of the kind of music you are playing. I also think that finding a good teacher is important for a beginner. Bad habits learned early on are much harder to break later on that learning the right way in the first place!
In terms of music theory, whatever kind of music you are playing, there are ground rules which you need to understand to make it work; The theory feeds into the playing, if you like.
I hope you go on to enjoy many happy times making music!

I took up an instrument in my 40s and now pretty good at it. I am musical, sang in choirs etc as a kid but practice is really all you need.

I'm not familiar with that instrument so I Googled it and the only thing I would say is - are you left or right handed? Many string instruments are built for right handed platers, and if you are very left handed you might need to look for something that is ambidextrous or can be made for left handed people.

Lute apparently a particular hard instrument
Learning as an adult hard
If it was easy anyone would do it
Even brilliant musicians are always self critical
It takes guts and determination

Playing /learning an instrument is wonderful

It's slow
Just keep trying - but stop on bad days as you won't learn if you are just going through the motions
You will get angry with yourself and frustrated
But keep trying to improve just one bit

There are wonderful days when you get so lost in what your doing
even if it sounds dreadful you know it's getting better

Find a good teacher who helps you
Find a group of muscians you can play with ( this is scary, but really worth doing , and the can be your best supporters )

In short - go for it

Having an in person teacher is really important and one who is experienced with adult learners.

I started the piano a few years ago. Progress is slow and sometimes a bit discouraging which is why having a teacher who is encouraging is fantastic.

My theory is absolutely crap but it doesn’t matter too much.

Good luck

I’m super keen but scared I will give up easily because it’s too hard but that’s something I will need to work on.
Am I wrong to feel something like the piano would be much easier?
It seems like an in person tutor is important. Hopefully I can find someone.

I would try something like guitar to start with, or even recorder?! Piano is very difficult and slow progress. It's because there's two lines of music so you have to read both lines and left and right hands do different things.

I don't practice much, admittedly, but it has taken me 8 years to reach Grade VI standard in piano and there's still nothing I can play from memory and each new piece takes me months to learn. It's quite a slog!

You progress faster than me !

Play what you want to play - it doesn't matter if it's hard and takes a long time -

I mean whoever agrees that the easy path is the right path ?

The Rabab is a very well known Middle Eastern/Indian instrument, and I should think you would have no problem finding a good teacher in London. Its music has a different theoretical framework than Western music, and this also varies among the different cultures that use the instrument, so it would be best to find someone who is able to explain it well to someone of a Western background (assuming here that that's what you are; apologies if not!). It would be worth asking around music schools: plucked string players of various cultures (e.g. classical or folk guitarists, lutenists, etc.) are often very networked with those of other cultures, and might be able to help you find a teacher, even if the music school itself can't recommend one. Likewise, cultural centres might be able to recommend someone. Good luck, and enjoy!

The piano is definitely not easier
I took up guitar as an adult but was always pretty dreadful tbh, and then during lockdown no 2 I bought a digital piano and started learning..had some in person lessons (once we could) and lots of online ones.

I won't lie, it's slow going and I'm never going to be good, but oh the satisfaction when I master something new! And gradually a bit of theory..how it works, WHY it works, is making sense to me. It's my headspace thing... I try to practise a little every day and I love it.

Just do it!

I hope you end up going for it!! I took up the violin about 4 years ago. I adore it!!

@Trivium4all Thanks! I’m from a south Asian background. I haven’t been able to find anyone through Google yet but have enquired through a shop that sells Indian instruments. Good suggestion re: cultural centres. I really hope I can find someone!