I've been thinking about learning to play a string instrument, but I'd like to know if there's any use for me to do it as I'm already 23 yrs old. I remember hearing those 'myths' that you can't learn to play for example a violin very well if you don't start at a very young age. So, now I'm asking is it possible to learn string instruments properly at my age, or should I forget about it?

I've considered buying either a violin, viola, or a cello. To me cello sounds easiest as it's the largest, and the playing position doesn't seem as difficult as with the violin or the viola. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
crimson

It's a myth about age. Problem is setting aside time to practice. Adults have different learning strategies than children, they're less dependent and can examine their own practice schedules and methods. Some supervision is still needed because you can get into some awful habits that inhibit your development and tone.

I don't play the cello - had a go. The vibrato is easier but it does make your right arm ache at first!

The cello is really hard for me to play, but anyway, didn't Lionel Tertis start playing violin rather late as compared to people like Menuhin or Heifetz? I think 13 or something? Started viola later. And he became the world's most famous violist at the time, and probably is the best of all time.

That just shows that starting late means nothing if you have a determination to match.

__________________
"Aufersteh'n, ja aufersteh'n
wirst du, mein Herz, in einem Nu!
Was du geschlagen
zu Gott wird es dich tragen!"
-Gustav Mahler

Hmm, if 13 to learn a stringed instrument is "starting late", then 32 would be "starting to rot".

Iv'e Have Music teacher's tell me "Oh, your too old to learn an Instrument." My Current Violin Instructor told me that, now I'm one of his best students. But I didi teach myself Guitar.

He told me that when I was 14, I'm 17 now...

So, even bad violinists can triumph with the viola. ( ; I'm sorry for the musical preset jokes).

It is my opinion that while it is best to start learning an instrument at an early age, one should never be considered "too old" to start if one really has the desire to learn. If you don't start now, in a few years you will wish you had, because you will be that much ahead, and enjoying it, if you start now.

And even if you only learn a little, you will appreciate and enjoy listening to music more. I'm 28, and just started learning the violin 1 month ago, and am thoroughly enjoying it and making daily progress at it. The key is a desire to learn and play, willingness to practice and persist through the difficult stages.

Don't let other people's comments or opinions of your age influence your decision. There is no universal rule or age limit for learning new things. Ability and potential is individual. Also, at a later age, you may have the ability to comprehend more complex principles of music theory better than young children can.

Good luck.