I am 28, is it too late for me to learn a musical instrument i was thinking either the guitar or violin?

Question

I can't read music, can both only be mastered really when you are a child? i asked my boyfriend last night, and he couldn't be bothered to answer me, hopefully someone else will?

Answer 1

Absolutely not! In fact, scientists are finding that learning to play an instrument can help delay or prevent the effects of alzheimers disease. Doing anything that is not in your usual skill set does this. For example, taking a poetry class when you are used to doing math or learning to do math when you've only done creative writing. Another good exercise is switching routines. If you always get up in the morning and take a shower, then eat, try eating first every now and then. Switch which hand you normally do things with. If you normally brush your teeth with your right hand, use your left. Just be careful! Anything you learn especially if it really takes you out of your comfort zone can not only be fun, but lifesaving. Good luck and have fun! By the way, I'm 47 and getting ready to try piano and guitar!

Answer 2

ABSOLUTELY NOT TOO LATE!!!!!! You don't have to be a child to learn an instrument. My dad is 60 this year and he started to learn the flute only about 4 years ago and he already wants to do a recital next year so you are definitely not too old!! Honestly it does'nt matter at what age you start, its just the amount of work you put into it and if you really want to then I'm sure you will learn quickly. I think some people think that some people are put off learning because some children (I believe) are very musically gifted and do excel when they are younger but you don't have to be Mozart to learn!! I personally think that you should try the violin because its such a nice instrument and I if I could learn another instrument then I would choose the violin. Music is really easy to read and its only the first few steps that are hard. Its just like reading a book once you can do it so don't worry about that. I think the thing with music is that its can seem really hard if you can't play but its mainly just about the work you put into it and then you'll realise that its not that hard. Also it does'nt matter if you older and you want to learn because you already have enough life skills to learn and try new things so you will probably learn just as quickly or even more quicly than some children.
Hope you decide to learn and good luck to you if you do:)
Melissaxx


Trust me I think it'll be one of the best things you will ever do-or trust 280 people who also think you should!!

Answer 3

Not only are there thousands of people learning at various ages, many are adults.
Now it may be easier as a child to master both an instrument and reading music, but an adult can master both with a bit more effort. Effort because of life. Children don't have to worry about work or rent or other adult worrries, so they can devote more of their time than adults.

I'm 40 myself and learning guitar. So if you start now, I wouldn't be surprised if by the time your 40 you would be a great musican. Oh yeah! Go ahead, take up guitar, and when your 40, you'll probably be better than I will at 50! haha!

Go! Enjoy! learn what you want to learn!
You only grow old when you stop learning!

Answer 4

Hey keep the noise down you whipper snapper, they are playing that music I like.

What was that you said, memory is a going?

Jeez it's hard getting 30 and lets face it I will be 31 this year. I know time to look in to the dipens but will face that problem when I get there.

Wait a minute now I remember your question; I stopped learn at 20 my brain just got to old. Right after college I had to say to those jobs forget the training brain is just too old to retain anything more or new.

Then again, your 28 still a kid go ahead learn the musical instrument, and listen to me youngen cause I am your elder.

Now I have to go, looking for the right words for my tombstone. At my age one can't be too careful. Maybe I'll engrave finished learning at 21 now all my fun is done.

Answer 5

Both can be learned at any age.
Guitar is more flexible as you do not have to read music to learn to play, or you can just learn chords. A good guitar is cheaper than a good violin, more teachers are available, and your opportunities to play will be greater. There are many types of music you could learn from country, blues, jazz, rock, classical, spanish etc.
With some exceptions, violin requires a more classical trained background, requiring more music study, for small string quartets, ensemble, or orchestra.
Visit a local music store and take some introductory lessons with each instrument, and see which one you enjoy more. Music requires practice, so you want something you love to hear. You can rent the instruments, until you decide which you want.

Answer 6

Its never to late to try a musical instrument. Here are 5 reasons why:

5 Reasons to Play a Musical Instrument

Learning to play a musical instrument offers a lot of benefits. I personally believe that if there's one thing you should learn in your lifetime, it is how to play an instrument. Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Playing a Musical Instrument Makes you Smarter
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music to the brain. Scientists say that children who are exposed to music or those who play an instrument do better in school than those who don't. Recent research suggests exposure to music may benefit a child's reading age, IQ and the development of certain parts of the brain. Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind to be alert and active eventually helping to sharpen the memory.

2. It Teaches Discipline
Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language and it can be challenging at times. One of the qualities music players possess is discipline. You have to be disciplined in order to master playing your instrument. You have to set time each day to practice, practice and practice some more.

3. Playing a Musical Instrument Relieves Stress
We all have days when we are so stressed out and we just want to take a break from it all. Have you ever noticed that when you hear soft, soothing music you feel more relaxed? Playing an instrument can do that and more, especially if you're the one playing. Music is one of life's simple joys, it helps calm the mind.

4. Sense of Achievement
If you're a beginner learning to play your first piece, it can be frustrating. But once you've mastered it, the satisfaction you'll feel is priceless. Never mind if it's just a simple piece, believe me you'll never forget the first piece you've mastered. You are one more step closer to achieving your goal. that is certainly something to be proud of.

5. Playing a Musical Instrument is Fun
Sure it can be a lot of hard work but there is no denying playing an instrument is fun. Once you get better at it, opportunities will arise for you to share your newly learned skill with your family and friends. Who knows, you may also consider playing professionally in the future. Playing a music instrument opens up a lot of good possibilities that will surely enrich your life.

Answer 7

Never too late never too old ,if you have interest time and commitment you can accomplish the instrument you choose. Violins are beautiful to look at and listen to,it will take time to pick up the skills and put the notes together to make music but worth it and if you can play a violin you have the skills then to play any stringing instrument. Guitars is an excellent choice too both come in electric as well. Enjoy all the best take care ~A~

Answer 8

Hey!!!, no ways. If you are really interested in doing this, then I dont think Age will bar you doing it. Infact, 28 is the age you should be doing it, you are independent, you have the resources needed. As far as I know , I dont think there is any rule suggesting that you cant understand or read music once you are 28. I needn't be done when you are a kid itself. If a young child of 5 or 6 can learn the violin or guitar, barely when he can hold it, then surely you could do it at 28. Children start music at 4 and 5 ........barely when there voices or fingers have developed to strum the strings, then you could do it.
All the best............. I suggest you see the film "SUR" as a confidence booster. Ananya Rao

Answer 9

OUch!!!!!!!! I am only 30 and the day someone tells me I am too old they'll get a cane in the face. Your question hurts me as I look into the mirror wondering if it means I will need dentures. Am I that old dog you can't teach new tricks to. Wait chronic back pain coming in again. Lick me and call me a Salty Dog. Wait whats this ipod thing, can't keep up with these new fangled gadget in my day they had walkmans. Yeah and CD players but those were for the likes of my younger sister she 26 not quite as old as you.

Hey keep the noise down you whipper snapper, they are playing that music I like.

What was that you said, memory is a going?

Jeez it's hard getting 30 and lets face it I will be 31 this year. I know time to look in to the dipens but will face that problem when I get there.

Wait a minute now I remember your question; I stopped learn at 20 my brain just got to old. Right after college I had to say to those jobs forget the training brain is just too old to retain anything more or new.

Then again, your 28 still a kid go ahead learn the musical instrument, and listen to me youngen cause I am your elder.

Now I have to go, looking for the right words for my tombstone. At my age one can't be too careful. Maybe I'll engrave finished learning at 21 now all my fun is done.

Answer 10

Hey there. I dont know if you'll get this due to the amount of replies. I actually found this "chat room" by typing to old to learn to play guitar in the search engine. I also am 28 and picked up a guitar for thr first time in the past 3 months, I've been having doubt's. I say we go for it. If we were 15 and started by now we'd be pretty damn good! So why not be 40 and be even better! Lets go for it!