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Has anyone..is anyone..learning to play a musical instrument as an adult?

44 replies

FrayedKnot · 30/06/2008 21:08

Is it really difficult?

OP posts:
pointydog · 30/06/2008 22:16

Just listened to some of it.

I don't do formby, not yet. 9Although the Uke Orchestra poo-pooed the formby jokes )

I do You Are My Sunshine, Edelweiss, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and I'm A Believer (almost)

Boco · 30/06/2008 22:17

Pointy do you know the band Beirut? He plays the ukulele and is generally marvellous.

PeaMcLean · 30/06/2008 22:20

I heard that programme on the Ukelele Orchestra. They're great, I saw them live a couple of years ago. Very very funny.

I learned a brass instrument when I was off on maternity leave cos I was so bored. I did play clarinet before so could read music.

pointydog · 30/06/2008 22:28

yes, boco, dh has beirut cds. It's eastern euorpeany folky sounding edgy stuff, isn't it? Var good.

Boco · 30/06/2008 22:34

That's it. Var good indeed. He plays the ukulele because he has one short arm and can't reach to play the guitar.

pointydog · 30/06/2008 22:35

really?!

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:41

oh do it, do it
I am learning to play the violin. I have a rudimentary ability to read music but I have never properly learned because I have always sung from memory and general shallying about rather than sight reading because I am stunningly lazy
I have never played an instrument.
I have had three lessons so far, and I can play a scale of D and A and as of tonight Twinkle Twinkle
it is effing difficult somewhat challenging but as long as you are realistic then you will get better. I try and aim for an hour a week to practise. I would say lessons are vital imo because it is v easy to get into bad habits.
learning the position to play has been rather uncomfortable. I have also found practising very frustrating because I am wholly impatient and a perfectionist and easily frustrated.
you can pick up a violin v cheap, either second hand or new from China. if you are worried about the noise you can get a mute.
I would also recommend Eta Cohen's book, recommended to me by someone on here and v good.
best of luck, we can compare notes

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:46

bugger, now I am tempted to buy a harp
I am so suggestible

Pruners · 30/06/2008 22:46

Message withdrawn

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:49

nope, Eta Cohen
I have this idea that next year when I am on placement I am going to take my violin down to the music rooms to practice in lunch break

Pruners · 30/06/2008 22:49

Message withdrawn

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:50

I am doing a PGCE, secondary English at Brookes
do keep up dear heart

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:51

eta cohen book

Pruners · 30/06/2008 22:52

Message withdrawn

harpsichordcarrier · 30/06/2008 22:56

I thought I might try architecture

geekgirl · 30/06/2008 22:56

yes, go for it! I started learning the violin at 16 and did ok - good enough to play second violin in the school orchestra a year later, anyway , and without being able to play anything else beforehand.
I didn't continue violin after school, but I did start piano lessons this year at the grand old age of 31 and am almost finished with the first (v. hefty) course book. I have a 30 minute lesson once a week and try to practise every day for between 10 -30 minutes.

pointydog · 01/07/2008 17:05

hell's bells, harps, you'll be lucky if you have time to practise

FrayedKnot · 02/07/2008 19:39

I am so encouraged by this thread

Twinkle Twinkle on week 3

I need to wait until DS starts school in Sept to see how time & money are looking...but really do think I might do it now.

OP posts:
Boco · 02/07/2008 19:40

I'm currently playing jingle bells with dd. Very festive. We're getting better.

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