Musicians, answer this?

Question

Hi, I play guitar religiously and would like to start to learn to sight read. I know the notes on the staff/ledger lines, vales, rest, ect, but still I'm just starting. The thing is, I'm almost 30. Do you think this is a waste of time? I am already a proficent guitarist, but I am not really confident with counting rhythms for example. I think at least learning to read rhythms would improve my overall playing. I have plenty of free time (no family). Do you think someone this old could benifit by learning to sight read?

Answer 1

I think that you should study music notation and sight reading- because of course you can play your own music on gigs and learn things by ear- but it will make you a more versatile musician. You could be more desirable for gigs, and it will just stretch you. I always think it's a good reason to continue study into something you already have an interest in. I have professional musician friends who still manage to work although they cannot read notation- but they usually have to pay someone to help them learn music for gigs.Especially for things like studio gigs, and things like holiday gigs (I know you're a guitarist- but who knows what kind of musical opportunities will present themselves- weddings, dinner clubs..a band who has a back catalog... who knows...)
Doesn't matter your age- just remember we only have one life, and if you have an interest- you should follow it!

Answer 2

First off, you are not "that" old yet! Second, you should challenge yourself at whatever age to become the best person you can be. Third, if you already know the parts it's REALLY much easier than starting from scratch. All you need to do is isolate the rhythms and notes and then put it together. There are several on line music theory helpers that are free just do a search for music theory beginner. Then make sure you practice with a steady tempo - whatever the source - so you can learn to count the rhythms correctly. Next try moving around with some notes and after you can do those two things separately, put it together! Tada! You now can sight read and don't have to be "afraid" of the sheet music. (Plus all the other stuff people have written about previously) I hope this helps!

Answer 3

A waste of time? Man learn this for you, not for anyone or anything else! Who cares how old you are, you're more than capable of learning this.

I think this would be great for you, but the only way to get there is to practice. Learning rhythms can be tricky, but if you really study and practice them then you will be okay. Do some clapping exercises, sight read everything and anything from simple to complex exercises. Get exercise books, anything you can play... play it and sight read it, then work it up and perfect it.

It's never too late to learn music.

Answer 4

Well, it really depends. I mean, if you think you'll be in situtions where sight reading would come in handy,then do it. I play guitar too, and ive been playing for a while, but never truly learned how to sight read, and it doesn't bother me. The thing is, I can still read quicker than I used to. So, basically, if you just practice a lot, you willeventually become better at sight reading anyway. Hope this helps! :)

Answer 5

Yes! Definitely! I am a musician, and although I learned to read music when I was very young, I know that plenty of others (especially those who are naturally musical, like yourself) learn when they are older. You are never 'too old,' and 30 is definitely young enough to learn anything you want.

Find a reputable music school and inquire about lessons or a beginner class in music theory. State that you would like to learn to read music better and that you already know a little. Good luck! I'm sure you will find this immensely rewarding!

Answer 6

If you wait until you turn 50 and then decide to focus on sight reading what have you lost? Twenty years of enjoyment. So do it now because you won't regret acquiring the talent.

Opportunities you may not consider now happening could come for you having the talent and ability to sight read--regardless if it's for the guitar or for vocals.

I am still learning, having played guitar since 1956, and music theory is still a strong interest for me. So get to it, amigo!

Answer 7

Definitely, your never too old to learn anything. I was just reading about a 95 year old woman who got her college degree. So go for it. I read music it's not that difficult once you get the hang of it. This way you can play anything you want to and don't have to figure it out by ear. Good luck ! P.S. Your not too old, I know someone who just started guitar at 45 !!!! I would love to hear you play, have you done anything on youbube?

Answer 8

i'm a musician who performs guitar, bass, piano, drums and trumpet. I do play them in my view from college and bands besides. I do savour rock and steel to an quantity. i'm love all varieties of music, yet i'm a reasonably super critic of it too. I dislike a brilliant style of nu-steel and pa, i for my section like a brilliant style of prog rock/steel and decision. Radiohead is one in all my popular artists. I did point out the units I play, and definite I do sing.

Answer 9

I started learning to read music a bit older than you, and am now singing and composing. It will not only help your playing, it might help you get jobs. I know someone who lost a great opportunity, only because he couldn't read music.

Answer 10

It's never too late... unless you are lying on your death bed gasping for air. then... i think you'd better not.

otherwise, ya go ahead. it'll be a good learning experience even if you aren't going to be the next Steve Vai. If you enjoy it, go for it. Music isn't a waste of time.