I'm 55 years old, and want to learn to play a musical intrument before it's too late.?

Question

Can you recommend something for me that I could learn to play on my own and become fairly proficient is a short amount of time. I'm willing to devote an hour a day to practice.

Answer 1

First of all, it's GREAT that you want to learn an instrument!!

If you don't know how to read music, you may want to start with something like piano, strings, or percussion, which don't focus on tone quality so much as a woodwind or brass instrument. Also, since strings are only played in one clef (either treble or bass) you might find a string instrument easier than piano, where each hand plays a different clef. The ease with which you play an instrument can depend on your physical features (if you have small hands, it's nearly impossible to play bassoon, for example). DEFINITELY find a band/orchestra director in your area to help you if you are stuck on this part. They can also make recommendations on music to play and can loan you music and maybe even an instrument. They're a valuable resource and would LOVE to help. (they may be fairly busy so call AND e-mail)

Depending on where you live, check out a New Horizons bands/orchestras in your area, they're an all adult music ensemble with varying levels of experience, but playing in a group will help motivate you and learn skills that you wouldn't on your own.

Also, think about taking private lessons if you really want to be sure you're improving--a local band/orchestra director can recommend teachers to you as well.

http://www.newhorizonsmusic.org/

Good Luck!! don't give up!

Answer 2

It's never too late. I would suggest piano. You don't have to figure out strings, frets, valves, or finger stops. Just bang away. You may want to take some basic lessons just to get you started on scales and elementary music theory, but piano is a good instrument to learn to play by ear because the mechanics are simple (hit keys with fingers). Also, if you don't want to pay for a great big piano, you can always buy an electronic keyboard of some sort.

Answer 3

Fisher Price makes a small piano with a video that teaches children how to play. There are advancing videos to increase your understanding, and this program is recommended by Music Teachers. The price was only around $70. This will get you started at small expense to you. It teaches you the keyboard, music, timing, rythm, and it's fun. If you like it, then you can get a better keyboard and more music to play.

I purchased this as a gift for my brother's family and they were very happy with it. I have played the piano for many years, and professionally. I believe that this is a good start.

from manufacturer: [see link]
I Can Play Piano is a piano teaching system that uses video game technology to teach children to quickly and easily master the basics of piano, and have fun doing it. The easy to follow graphics and musical color-coding system turn every song into a simple game that your child plays using the keyboard. The I Can Play Piano system comes with a color coordinated 3-octave keyboard that can be plugged into your TV set, or played alone. The system includes one software cartridge "Family Favorites" that features 8 well known songs, as well as two warm-up games that the whole family will enjoy.

Answer 4

Piano or guitar. They are relatively simple to learn (though neither is easy to play WELL). You can get to play some basic chords on a guitar in a fairly short time. In either case, you will probably reach a point where lessons will be necessary to improve your technique beyond a beginner's level. If you were truly gifted, you probably would not have waited this long to touch a musical instrument.

Answer 5

I'm not so sure you can get "proficient" on a musical instrument practicing 1 hour a day, in a short period of time. Especially starting late as you are.

I would say, get an electronic keyboard with all the bells and whistles: sampler, different beats and instrument sounds, playback and record. Then, even if all you can play is "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with one hand, you can still amuse yourself by adding beats, overlapping recorded harmonies, and basically f*cking around with the gadget to your heart's content.

Answer 6

Any instrument is learnable if you have the time, energy, will, etc..It's wonderful taht you are going to learna new hobby!..and music is a great choice..Piano in general is the easiest, once you learn that you can learn other instruments as well..Get a teacher and just begin--If you practice one hour a day you will defintely make excellent progress..Good Luck and have fun!!

Answer 7

I fancy the low tone instraments like Clarinet, Piano and Cello sometimes violin. But i play the flute. It is really easy all you do is press the bottons and blow (like i have any trouble there). And the only hard part is making the falsetto notes sound good. Along with fast music. But it is never to late because the angels in heaven play music.

Answer 8

I started playing clarinet, it works well because the basic note fingerings are the same for other instruments like sax. I also moved on to flute, fife, and guitar because once you get the dexterity in your hands, other things come a little easier. I found clarinet to be pretty easy once I learned it, and you can get some great jazzy sounds out!

Answer 9

There are a number of instruments that you can learn all by yourself. A guitar is usually a good choice, there are books for beginners that is fairly simple to understand and offer a lot of help. Wind instuments like a flute is also a good one.

Answer 10

I would recomend a clarinet i am 13 and i play the clarinet in the bonham band and it only took my 3/4 weeks to get really good i can already play 6 songs