I've just had this sudden urge to want to start playing the cello, im 18, do you think it's too late to start playing? I know im no old fart, but if i started playing i'd want to know that there was a chance i cud be as good (with lots of dedication of course) as someone who began at 8 years old. This really goes out to people to teach or play the cello!

Cheers

of course it's not too late! im 17 and jsut started playing saxophone and i plan to start more instruments 'properly' in a few years time! so go for it!

My school music teacher is, um, I don't know how old, about 50? and is still taking up instruments- go for it!

It's never to late to learn an instrument, go for it!

Go for it and have fun!!

What they said.

QUOTE (Pianista @ Jun 1 2004, 12:36 AM)

I've just had this sudden urge to want to start playing the cello, im 18, do you think it's too late to start playing?

No, definitely not. There are no guarantees that you will reach any particular standard because there are physical characteristics that could make it easier or harder for you, but if it really appeals to you then find a teacher who is comfortable with older beginners and get going! I run an orchestra for adult beginners which currently includes six cellists and I've seen quite a lot more come and go during the past nine years, often moving on to more advanced orchestras or starting to play chamber music.

I've realised that some teachers really are not at ease with older students who know what they want to learn or may ask awkward questions about why they are being asked/told to do something a certain way. I've always really enjoyed the partnership aspect of teaching adults. Running the orchestra, introducing people who have played in isolation to the joys of social music-making, is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

Pianista
I as a pianist but like you suddenly had the urge to learn the cello - a sort of New Year's resolution. Being very goal orientated I decided to take AB exams. Having started in January 2003 I took my grade 4 a few months ago with my son accompanying me on the piano. I am mostly self-taught (not a good idea I am sure) although I have had about 4 lessons from various teachers which kept me on the straight and narrow. I love the instrument and if you are motivated and have the time to practice GO FOR IT. PS I am 45!

QUOTE (margaret @ Jun 18 2004, 03:50 PM)

I love the instrument and if you are motivated and have the time to practice GO FOR IT. PS I am 45!

I'm so glad to hear this!!! I'm 34 and have just taken up the violin. I have a goal myself of learning the cello when I'm 40! I'll let my hubby know now to start saving pennies for my 40th.

Dacapo,
please tell us more about your orchestra for adult beginners. What area of the country are you in and how did you start?

QUOTE (Pianista @ Jun 1 2004, 12:36 AM)

I know im no old fart, but if i started playing i'd want to know that there was a chance i cud be as good (with lots of dedication of course) as someone who began at 8 years old.

pianista, i started to play the flute when i was 15 (am 17 now)
and i just started piano a few months ago....

i sometimes think that i may not be as good as those ppl who start at a young age but i dont care coz im never giving up!!!
i will never stop playing my flute till i become one of those great flautists

if u have the determination, you will excel faster... (from experience )

besides, its better to learn now then never right?

QUOTE (missfabflute @ Jun 20 2004, 03:39 PM)

besides, its better to learn now then never right?

very true!! im going to learn the harp, one day!

bassoon when I'm 60

One of my horn teachers has a 68 year old pupil who began last year!!! (and he certainly has powerful lungs for a 68 year old I can tell you! )

I teach a 67 year old man the piano and Irish whistle. Never have a music lesson in his life before, and now that he's retired he's doing things he didn't get a chance to do when he was so busy.

What great thing to do!

And you don't have to want to be the best player in the world - having a hobby - particulary music is a great prevention for boredom and depression, and yes it's not just teenagers who suffer from this.

QUOTE (dacapo @ Jun 18 2004, 03:22 PM)

I run an orchestra for adult beginners

Very interesting.

Where abouts are you ?

Fiona

There is no reason why you shouldn't start playing, but be prepared you may have to go back to the beginning again, eg. nursery rhymes etc. and that might not be pleasant!

QUOTE (Seashellmusic @ Jun 21 2004, 02:50 PM)

There is no reason why you shouldn't start playing, but be prepared you may have to go back to the beginning again, eg. nursery rhymes etc. and that might not be pleasant!

Oh I know what you mean! When I first started horn I didn't really know that much about music and I was quite young so I didn't mind having to play a REALLY simplified version of Ode to Joy and Silent Night over and over again, but when I started the piano 2 years ago it was just sooooo depressing to have to play easy music and remember what it felt like to be rubbish at an instrument! When you're younger you don't care really, but I think you become much more self-critical as you get older. of course, this can be a good thing when you're learning an instrument as you have more motivation- but just don't be put off if progress is slow at the beginning (which it often is with a string instrument)

I find that adult beginners who are completely new to playing are usually happy to play 'baby' stuff.
Some prefer the books aimed at young children because they don't look too difficult.

I suppose that if you are already reasonably good on another instrument it is not so easy to do that.