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Learning a musical instrument when you're older.

I'm thinking I'd like to learn something musical.
Which is best as you're older?
Voice lessons or an instrument? If so which one?
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Comments

  • Electric guitar. no more to be said!
  • Electric keyboard might be the story. Get a tune out without too much trouble and once you get to know the functions the keyboard does most of the work. You'd probably need a few lessons to get started.
  • cafcdog said:

    Electric guitar. no more to be said!

    I'm not sure about that.

    I was thinking mandolin or accoustic/spanish guitar.
  • Did you play when you were younger? I think it could be like anything you learn when you’re older. Quite tough. You’ve spent your whole life doing things in certain ways and muscle memory and how you are wired make it harder to adapt and open up to something new. You’ve just got to stick with it.

    I haven’t learnt a musical instrument as I’ve got older, but just drawing parallels with other things I have learnt

    Good luck with it whatever you choose
  • Which ever musical instrument, choose a teacher you are comfortable with, make sure that whatever you practice make sense to you and is fun, and as soon as possible collaborate with other musicians (practice can at times be a very lonely experience).

    don't ever compare yourself with anyone.

    And yeah...

    SLOW DOWN !!! (You will get there faster)

    Good luck !!!
  • cabbles said:

    Did you play when you were younger? I think it could be like anything you learn when you’re older. Quite tough. You’ve spent your whole life doing things in certain ways and muscle memory and how you are wired make it harder to adapt and open up to something new. You’ve just got to stick with it.

    I haven’t learnt a musical instrument as I’ve got older, but just drawing parallels with other things I have learnt

    Good luck with it whatever you choose

    I did play in a band but it's 40 odd years ago so I put no creedence to that.

    Thanks for your thoughts.
  • Which ever musical instrument, choose a teacher you are comfortable with, make sure that whatever you practice make sense to you and is fun, and as soon as possible collaborate with other musicians (practice can at times be a very lonely experience).

    don't ever compare yourself with anyone.

    And yeah...

    SLOW DOWN !!! (You will get there faster)

    Good luck !!!

    Thank you.
  • It's easier to suggest what musical instruments you might enjoy learning if you give an indication as to which instruments you already play. You used to be in a band - what did you play?
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  • Ms AA learned the ukulele in her 50s. It helps that she's a very good vocalist but I have to say it's a pleasure hearing her practicing.
  • PS: And it's a lot of fun!

  • Some questions to think about:

    Which styles of music do you like?
    Which musicians do you most admire?
    Which songs would you like to play?
    Do you want to play by yourself or would you like to be part of a band/group/orchestra?
    Do you consider yourself to be a more rhythmic person or a more melodic person?
    Do you have limited space or unlimited space?
    Do you want to live up to some sort of image?
    How thin are the walls between yours and your neighbours?

  • Thank you all. I'm thinking about all you said.
  • Whatever instrument you chose, the best advice I can give you is this.

    5-10 minutes practice per day is far more beneficial than one hour once a week.

  • Harmonica.
  • 25May98 said:

    Whatever instrument you chose, the best advice I can give you is this.

    5-10 minutes practice per day is far more beneficial than one hour once a week.

    A bit like wanking then.

  • iainment said:

    cabbles said:

    Did you play when you were younger? I think it could be like anything you learn when you’re older. Quite tough. You’ve spent your whole life doing things in certain ways and muscle memory and how you are wired make it harder to adapt and open up to something new. You’ve just got to stick with it.

    I haven’t learnt a musical instrument as I’ve got older, but just drawing parallels with other things I have learnt

    Good luck with it whatever you choose

    I did play in a band but it's 40 odd years ago so I put no creedence to that.

    Thanks for your thoughts.
    Hoping for a revival then?
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  • If you are thinking of the Ukulele then there is a specialist shop in Brick Lane - Duke of Uke for all instruments and lessons. I have used You Tube for Ukulele tutors, the Ukulele Teacher has suited me.
  • Get a steel strung acoustic guitar. It's not hard to teach yourself a few basic chords.
  • iainment said:

    cabbles said:

    Did you play when you were younger? I think it could be like anything you learn when you’re older. Quite tough. You’ve spent your whole life doing things in certain ways and muscle memory and how you are wired make it harder to adapt and open up to something new. You’ve just got to stick with it.

    I haven’t learnt a musical instrument as I’ve got older, but just drawing parallels with other things I have learnt

    Good luck with it whatever you choose

    I did play in a band but it's 40 odd years ago so I put no creedence to that.

    Thanks for your thoughts.
    Hoping for a revival then?
    He's putting some clear water between him and @Henry Irving
  • Thanks all. I think I'll give the guitar a go.
  • All good advice above.
    Whatever you do choose, just give it the most important thing, and that is time.
    But when you can play a few bits n pieces, its so worth it.

    I can sit down with my guitar at home, electric or usually acoustic, and get lost in the playing, its a great way to unwind....theres a lot to be said for musical meditation.

    Good luck.
  • Greenie said:

    All good advice above.
    Whatever you do choose, just give it the most important thing, and that is time.
    But when you can play a few bits n pieces, its so worth it.

    I can sit down with my guitar at home, electric or usually acoustic, and get lost in the playing, its a great way to unwind....theres a lot to be said for musical meditation.

    Good luck.

    100% this.
  • LenGlover said:

    iainment said:

    cabbles said:

    Did you play when you were younger? I think it could be like anything you learn when you’re older. Quite tough. You’ve spent your whole life doing things in certain ways and muscle memory and how you are wired make it harder to adapt and open up to something new. You’ve just got to stick with it.

    I haven’t learnt a musical instrument as I’ve got older, but just drawing parallels with other things I have learnt

    Good luck with it whatever you choose

    I did play in a band but it's 40 odd years ago so I put no creedence to that.

    Thanks for your thoughts.
    Hoping for a revival then?
    He's putting some clear water between him and @Henry Irving
    I got it Len.
  • I’ve got some air drumming gear for Xmas.

    I always fancied trying to learn drums but didn’t want to go out and get a kit. At least this should let me know if I have any chance at the real thing?!?

    https://www.freedrum.rocks
  • It's already beens said many times, you must practice every day.
    I took up the guitar seriously two years ago when I retired and have had time to practice and it pays off.

    I'd also recommend the harmonica (harp), it's relatively easy to get started you can carry it in your pocket. Play the blues on guitar and you can match them both up ;-)
  • Whatever you do, don’t try the Tambourine, b’stard to learn. All that shaking and banging on yer head,knees,arse and elbow!
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