Taking Up an Istrument
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As of late, I've taken a hankering to trying my hand at playing a musical instrument. Now, at 38 with no musical training, and it's not something that's run in my family, I'm feeling rather self conscious about it. What I'm leaning towards is an electric bass. My taste in music tends towards metal and harder rock, though I can appreciate softer rock and even classical. (I love Vi Valdi's guitar concertos)
Anyone have input of any kind on this? Try it, don't try it? Go with 6 strings, rather than 4. Pretty much anything.
Anyone have input of any kind on this? Try it, don't try it? Go with 6 strings, rather than 4. Pretty much anything.
I tried the piano and found that I could hit the notes but my timing wasn't quite right. Its much harder than it looks to make music sound good and flow. Any instrument will do but you must be committed to endless practice. Advice pick an instrument that you have a passion for because that will keep you going.
There is alot of instruction on youtube. Just plug in the name of song and state bass guitar lessons. Have fun!
Do it!
You're touching on an area of my expertise. Absolutely you can do it. Anyone can learn an instrument at any age. It's not an issue of talent but of application. But don't do it on your own: find a teacher and commit to a year of weekly lessons. And commit to daily practice of 30-60 minutes.
Find a teacher who is committed to teaching, not a flake or someone who is moonlighting. In the jazz/pop sphere of music, it is often hard to find a committed and experienced teacher: interview more than one. You need a good fit, someone who understands your desire and is willing to work with you.
Reassess your music-making after a year. You will have learned a lot in any case, but may find that this heads you in a new direction that will last many years. Good luck!
You're touching on an area of my expertise. Absolutely you can do it. Anyone can learn an instrument at any age. It's not an issue of talent but of application. But don't do it on your own: find a teacher and commit to a year of weekly lessons. And commit to daily practice of 30-60 minutes.
Find a teacher who is committed to teaching, not a flake or someone who is moonlighting. In the jazz/pop sphere of music, it is often hard to find a committed and experienced teacher: interview more than one. You need a good fit, someone who understands your desire and is willing to work with you.
Reassess your music-making after a year. You will have learned a lot in any case, but may find that this heads you in a new direction that will last many years. Good luck!
Honestly, as has been stated, it probably doesn't matter what instrument you pick up; it'll be a lot of practice, and harder than you thought to make the music "flow," and not just be a series of notes. (Unless you're a natural; I've met some.) Very rewarding when you do, though, and it's no longer just "notes," but "music." Few things beat that feeling. (On a board like this, I can think of one or two feelings that are a bit better, but making music is good too... hehe)
So just go with the first instrument that catches your fancy. If you're liking the bass, than that's probably the instrument for you. You might even be able to rent one, for a while, if you're really not sure.
So just go with the first instrument that catches your fancy. If you're liking the bass, than that's probably the instrument for you. You might even be able to rent one, for a while, if you're really not sure.
Cycleguy007
Banned
You can take lessons at http://www.long-mcquade.com/
I am saving up for an alto saxaphone I use to play in grade 7 and 8 and I had fun with it.
Like brooke taylor from the bunny ranch she plays the french horn.
Just do it because your having fun with it not because of how you think you will feel doing it.
That's pretty much what two of my coworkers have said. One's a drummer (but also plays guitar), the other plays a little bit of everything. The first said it is extremely frustrating at first as you try to get your fingers to do what you want, and not what they want, but once you get started it's great.
I used to paint miniatures, and draw, but I've long since lost the interest in it. A friend also suggested writing, as he was surprised with how my skills have developed since I last wrote to him at length. My answer was that I would, but I feel I have nothing to write about.
Another thing is see if you can find out if you prefer a pure pitch (violin) or indefinite pitch (piano) instrument. It will make you happier with what you decide to play.
blank_dave
Go for it. It's never too late. If want want to play melodies though you may want to try a 6 string instead of bass, not much different to learn. It's not hard but you have to practice. Practice is the whole thing.
As a young lad I took piano lessons for 5 years and would practice an hour daily. You have to. Have to admit that since getting hooked on computers I haven't touched my piano much but it is great and relaxing to sit down and play. You never really forget it but you will lose it if you don't use it every now and then. And it's a great way to attract chics.....
Go for it. It's never too late. If want want to play melodies though you may want to try a 6 string instead of bass, not much different to learn. It's not hard but you have to practice. Practice is the whole thing.
As a young lad I took piano lessons for 5 years and would practice an hour daily. You have to. Have to admit that since getting hooked on computers I haven't touched my piano much but it is great and relaxing to sit down and play. You never really forget it but you will lose it if you don't use it every now and then. And it's a great way to attract chics.....
I have heard that in general, children learn music more easily than adults. For someone who has not picked up music by adolescence, the ability to pick up music depends on whether that person has the "absolute pitch" ability. It seems to be something either born with or without. For instance, Beethoven is believed to have this ability since he could compose even though he was deaf.
Even without "absolute pitch", I am with other posters - try it and you have nothing to lose. The keyboard is what I would recommend since it can be a great solo instrument (whether piano or organ, etc.)
Even without "absolute pitch", I am with other posters - try it and you have nothing to lose. The keyboard is what I would recommend since it can be a great solo instrument (whether piano or organ, etc.)
As those have stated: don't let your age stop you. You can actually teach an old dog new tricks (as proven on Mythbusters lol).
I would say though it is a little late to go on stage. That takes years of practice and just being able to play is one thing, you have to be able to perform......
I've always wanted to learn the guitar, one of these days......(and I've got a few years on you op). I've got the finger strength and callouses from my work, just have to get the timing lol.....
I would say though it is a little late to go on stage. That takes years of practice and just being able to play is one thing, you have to be able to perform......
I've always wanted to learn the guitar, one of these days......(and I've got a few years on you op). I've got the finger strength and callouses from my work, just have to get the timing lol.....
There are lots of good music schools around, you should be able to find one that is conveniently located for you, that can give you lessons at the time of your choice. Once or twice a week, for an hour or half an hour, just you and the teacher in a private room. Then you will find out if you are into it or not.
