Hi Folks

I'm hoping you can furnish me with some advice. I've just turned 30 and I have realised that my dreams of being a professional footballer, formula one racing car driver or an astronaut are unlikely to be fulfilled. So in order to ease my transition into adulthood I’m looking for a new hobby and I some how came to the conclusion that I would try to learn to play an instrument. I am a huge jazz fan and thought of playing the trumpet is very appealing, but I am a complete music illiterate so maybe I’m pitching too high?

If you feel that there is a slight chance that I can make this happen any suggestions of how I might start this daunting process would be hugely appreciated. I live in the Richmond/Kingston upon Thames area so if anyone knows of a gullible teacher in the vicinity who maybe able to help then their contact details would be most welcome.

In anticipation

Dan

Have a look on

www.musicteachers.co.uk

and see if you can find a teacher listed in your area.

If you haven't already, have a peep at the Adult learners' forum on this website. Loads of people there who have started chasing their dreams at a much later age than you.

Good luck Dan.

Join the club - except for the bit about turning 30, which happened to me longer ago than I care to think about!

As people have often said on these forums, it's never too late to learn an instrument. Music is a great hobby and playing an instrument is a fantastic, if at times frustrating, experience. You don't necessarily have to know anything about music before you start, either, as you'll find out about things like note values, time signatures, keys, scales, etc, as you learn to play.

I decided to learn the flute a couple of years ago and love it. I've now returned to the clarinet, which I last played at school over 20 years ago, and am having even more fun with that. It's certainly a good idea to get a teacher as teaching yourself can be fraught with difficulties. Try asking at your local music shop as they often have a list of teachers and could probably recommend someone. And while you're there, get yourself a trumpet!

Good luck. You won't regret it!

As others have said, it's never to late, and it's always worth having a go. Follow your dream!

And not only is a great thing to do, you meet the most incredible people

Most libraries keep a list of teachers on their computer system. You could also try music shops. The ABRSM will send you a list of teachers in your area who have submitted pupils for their exams, but they make no recommendations. Good luck.

I say, that if you are planning to go with the guidance of a teacher then it's not really possible to aim too high with what instrument you want to play. It's when people come on here and say they want to succeed without a teacher that some instruments could be a bit challenging (and I'm not criticising there - I too am one of those people! - self taught guitarist!)
Just go for something that you really love - you will be more motivated to practice, and won't be left wishing you had done it years later.

Good luck!!

...and some very interesting people!!!

Lets face it, being an adult is state of mind - most of us are still kids, we're just stuck inside a grown-ups body

Go for it Dan!!

PS I came to the conclusion I wasn't going to get a ride on the space shuttle unless I won a huge sum of money and bribed NASA

Of course neither of those words is necessarily a compliment .

Go for it, you'll never know how easy or hard or rewarding or disappointing it is until you try.

I started flute this year age 46. I'm loving it! Definately go for it.

For local teachers the best place to ask is all the local musical instrument shops.