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Learning an instrument later in life
Posted on 5/24/26 at 12:53 pm
Posted on 5/24/26 at 12:53 pm
Call it a midlife crisis, or whatever. I've always wanted to play drums, but never had the money, time, or space. Well, I finally have a little of all three, and am strongly considering an impulse buy of an electronic drumset.
I'll assuredly never do anything outside of my home. But I'm itchy to give this a shot, and pick up a new hobby.
Any of you baws picked up an instrument later in life? If so, what, and how did you take to it?
I'll assuredly never do anything outside of my home. But I'm itchy to give this a shot, and pick up a new hobby.
Any of you baws picked up an instrument later in life? If so, what, and how did you take to it?
Posted on 5/24/26 at 1:26 pm to RoyalAir
I picked up the guitar again after a 30-year hiatus when I retired. I suck at guitar. After a year of playing, I suck less.
Posted on 5/24/26 at 10:36 pm to Enadious
quote:
I picked up the guitar again after a 30-year hiatus when I retired. I suck at guitar. After a year of playing, I suck less.
Same, but only a 10 year hiatus. I finally got my callouses back though.
OP should do it. If not now, then never. If hardship strikes, sell it.
Posted on 5/25/26 at 10:33 am to RoyalAir
Of course picking anything up later in life that requires hand/eye coordination is more difficult than doing so when young.
The way this was explained to me.......when our middle son was 12 he contracted Toxoplasmosis, which ate the macula of his right eye, therefore rendering him legally blind. Of course we were devastated, but one of the specialist shared with us that because of his age, his brain would retrain itself to compensate for the loss of sight in that particular eye.
Today he's 25 and doesn't exhibit any signs of seeing difficulty.
That said, I've found that the instrument will give you back what you invest in it, regardless of age. The more you practice, the better you will become.
The way this was explained to me.......when our middle son was 12 he contracted Toxoplasmosis, which ate the macula of his right eye, therefore rendering him legally blind. Of course we were devastated, but one of the specialist shared with us that because of his age, his brain would retrain itself to compensate for the loss of sight in that particular eye.
Today he's 25 and doesn't exhibit any signs of seeing difficulty.
That said, I've found that the instrument will give you back what you invest in it, regardless of age. The more you practice, the better you will become.
Posted on 5/26/26 at 1:50 pm to RoyalAir
I picked up my bass guitar at age 65. Still a rank beginner but enjoy having “Eureka” moments when I realize how to actually play something! And yes, practice is ESSENTIAL. I can spend an hour just playing root notes and think nothing of it!
Posted on 5/26/26 at 1:59 pm to RoyalAir
quote:
I'll assuredly never do anything outside of my home.
Don't sell yourself short.
If you have a good sense of time there's always room for a drummer / percussionist.
Posted on 5/26/26 at 2:11 pm to Mizz-SEC
quote:
If you have a good sense of time there's always room for a drummer
Facts. There are many mediocre drummers in really great bands because drummers are harder to find than guitar and bass players.
Pre-requisites:
1: Do you have a drum set and can we play at your house
2: Can you keep time
3: Do you have a flexible schedule
If yes to all 3, you're hired.
This post was edited on 5/26/26 at 2:13 pm
Posted on 5/26/26 at 3:05 pm to Mizz-SEC
quote:
If you have a good sense of time there's always room for a drummer / percussionist.
This is part of why I want to give this a go. I've always had a great sense of time, and can identify beat well.
Who knows. But I'll provide an update in a year's time.
Posted on 5/26/26 at 4:14 pm to RoyalAir
It is never ever too late. I remember this older guy coming to the open mic nights and slowly getting better and better he had never played before. After a few months he would open with some older songs we had never heard and it was the highlight of the night. Strum on
Edit bang on
Edit bang on
This post was edited on 5/26/26 at 4:16 pm
Posted on 5/27/26 at 11:59 am to RoyalAir
Do it. Good for the mind, good for the soul, good for coordination. And fun.
Posted on 5/27/26 at 7:22 pm to RoyalAir
Drums are the funnest instrument. Also the the most grueling.
Posted on 5/29/26 at 9:08 am to RoyalAir
quote:I bought the Fender online lessons. What I learned is, some people are just not cut out for it. I am one of them. It's like my two hands are connected to two different brains and they have no idea what each other are doing and when.
and how did you take to it?
Posted on 5/29/26 at 10:07 am to AlxTgr
quote:
I bought the Fender online lessons. What I learned is, some people are just not cut out for it. I am one of them. It's like my two hands are connected to two different brains and they have no idea what each other are doing and when.
It might seem like that, but it just takes practice. Sometimes ALOT of practice. I have all the disadvantages - I don't come from a musical family, never played an instrument prior, don't have natural talent for it, and I have smallish hands. I willed my way into learning guitar through many, many hours of practice and technique analysis. I didn't start guitar late in life, but I am in my forties now and practice more now than ever.
This post was edited on 5/29/26 at 10:08 am
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