I'm 38 years old and want to play violin and/or piano. I know of a place locally that gives lessons.?

Question

I'm concerned about what kind of equipment to buy (new or used). I'm also concerned that I'm too old to become proficient and to accomplish anything of significance. I studied music in my teen years (guitar) so I know the basics about reading and understanding music notation. I've only listened to rock music in the past and never liked or appreciated classical. In the past 5 years, it's like a switch was turned on in my brain. I want to study and play classical piano and/or violin. I really feel in my soul that I need to do this...

Answer 1

Although piano and violin are very fulfilling in life (I currently compete actively with both), it might be easier for you to focus on one. Especially since you no longer have the quickness in mind as an 8 year old, I might suggest piano. For me, the opening years in piano have been more fulfilling than violin. For violin, it takes about two to three years minimum to start playing concertos of substance. However, in piano, after about a solid year, you can start learning the famous Moonlight Sonata, or other beautiful pieces. Violin can also be more frustrating because it is so nitpicky with intonation. Even though now, after around 6 years of violin, I absolutely love it, it took me a good two years to fully appreciate my mom pushing me to practice (I have calluses on my fingers and a hicky-like scar on my neck because of it...but i'm not complaining).
Probably, for piano, you could start with a used upright if you don't want to invest too much into it. And later, if you feel more involved, buy a baby grand. To find the right piano, find one with a touch you like. Some have a harder touch (you have to push down harder on each note for sound to come out) or a softer touch (the sound comes from the piano easier). Then, once you start taking lessons, your teacher will be able to give you simple exercise books that will improve your technique, and books that have collections of pieces that you will be able to accomplish in around a year. You would also probably want to buy a metronome, which is an essential practice tool.
For violin, you could probably purchase a full-sized violin for around 200-400 dollars that would be decent. You would also want a stand (to hold music), a metronome that has a tuner, and rosin, but rosin will usually come with a beginner-type violin.
Whichever instrument...or instruments you decide to take up...I commend you. I started when I was around 8 on piano, 10 on violin, and I love it with a passion. Classical music is basically my life, and I suggest that you listen to some Romantic classical (my favorite time period). If you want to stay with piano music, Chopin is fantastic (you'll be able to play his pieces pretty soon), Rachmaninoff is fantastic (his stuff is harder), and Schubert is another favorite. For violin, all of the major violin concertos are amazing, such as Dvorak, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Barber, Lalo, Brahms, Beethovan, Prokofiev, Wieniawski, and the list could go on and on. And if you're interested in Symphonies, I suggest listening to the New World Symhony, Scheherezade, Shostakovich's 5th Symphony, and Pictures at an Exhibition. I hope that you continue to develop a love for classical music!

Answer 2

You said it yourself...."I feel in my sould I need to do this."
So go for it!

You have a jump start on everyone else out there in that you can already read music to come extent. Please do not be concerned about being "too old." I have been teaching piano for many years, and my students have ranged in age fro 4 to 75. It's not your age, and not how talented you are. It's how hard you're willing to work for what you desire.
Find a *great* teacher. They need to be motivating, kind, encouraging, and professional. Try sources like www.pianoteachers.com or search for a certified teacher on www.mtna.org.
Concerning an instrument....purchase the best that your budget allows. The more pure the instrument, the more you will want to practice and make music. Seek advice from your local piano dealer.
I play both piano and violin, but my advice has centered around piano instruction since I am a piano teacher. Violin is a wonderful choice as well, but if you need immediate gratification, choose piano!
Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Since you know how to read music i think you should do it...that is mainly what it takes to learn it...and since you played the guitar, you should know your chords...it's the same on piano...the same chords and everything sound just as good on piano as they do on the guitar...as for violin, I don't know much about...it should be pretty easy, too, though. I really think you should do it...regardless of your age...anyone can learn...and hey, you definately will not reach anything if you do not try...so give it a hand...you know?

Answer 4

i learned violin then piano... as long as you TRY TRY TRY you shall get the hang of it. i remember when i used to play violin and my mom wanted to try with me, my teacher (university professor) told her that for every 30 minutes i practiced, she would have to practice 2 hours. i dunno.... its just as long as youre determined, you shud be able to be at least able to play the violin/piano relatively well. piano is definetely easier than violin, because not only do you need to know the chords, you need to know where to place your fingers to get the right note. also, you will need to learn something called vibratto in order to get a really pretty vibrating sound, that is not needed in piano. be warned, for awhile, you will learn really basic stuff before getting anywhere to sounding pretty. i think piano will sound alright either way youre just hitting keys, but its reeeeally easy to sound screechy in violin. so yeah, try piano, its not that hard! (= and violin in my opinion will be harder.... but its worth a try right? and practive EVERY day! and used/new doesnt matter, just make sure that its cleaned and polished, in good condition, and no scratches or broken pedals!good luck and dont give up!

Answer 5

maybe you can take lessons at a local college or university?!