(because exams are passion-killers for anything)

...bought a viola for less than £100 in 2006, but only started playing it in 2008...and ended up paying more for a replacement case!

Over the past couple of years I've rediscovered the concept of playing music for personal pleasure having been through the trauma of playing music for other people's pleasure (irrespective of whether the piece being played was kind on the ear - so long as it got good marks when examiners listened to it!)

I play in a string orchestra in London - the only viola player at the moment. Even the cellos outnumber me! The good thing though is that our tutor/conductor understands the concept of playing for personal pleasure and isn't worried about the sorts of things that would have the purists spluttering in their Earl Grey. He also knows his stuff inside out (both music and history of), is patient and is a very good communicator.

As well as sharing and seeking advice on all things musical, I'm also here to sympathise with anyone who has had to put up with people who have "life on a piece of paper" type mindsets - i.e. where they judge you by the grades you received on the various exams you did. (Strange views from someone with a good track record in exams generally )

So...hello everyone. Hope all is well and that you're having lots of fun in the music world.

For a moment there, I thought you'd dropped your violin in the literal sense ....
Welcome to the fora then, you'll find many other adult learners whose primary aim is to enjoy their music and who are less worried about all the numbers surrounding grades: though we're also quick to provide support for those mad people individuals brave enough to stick their necks out and risk doing exams: we all have different ways of getting as much enjoyment as we can out of our music, and the great thing is that we manage it, mostly . And then get together and play, just to prove it....

Welcome to the forums, Equinox! Nice to see a new viola player, there's not many and it's such a beautiful instrument!

Hello Equinox, I have had a lifetime of fun from music, but my last piano exam was 1963 (ALCM) and last organ exam 1965 (ATCL failed !). I did a degree in Chemistry and have worked in the chemical industry all my life, and music has been a real relaxation thing. Ive maintained more or less the same standard, and I am hoping to do more musical things next year when I retire.
So welcome to the forums, and enjoy yourself whether on serious matters like exams or just enthusiastic amateur stuff like myself and many others prefer.

to the forums, hope you enjoy your stay here.

Do have a dig around the adult learner's forum to read about the experiences of other adult learners.

Welcome to the forums!

Hello Equinox. Please be very careful not to drop anything else. But have a smashing time