Thread: Can an adult learn music instrument and be good ?

i know this is hopeless, but just want to know can adult like 30 years old has any hope in learning music instrument?

I play non classical piano and guitar for 15 years, hopeless in reading music notation. but say an adult survive the music notation lesson, how far can he go ? let say the paramater is the Associated Board of Royal School of Music (ABRSM) Graded examinations (Grade 1-8), how far can he go ?

anyone learn music instrument above 30 years old ? be very interested to start learning a violin.

Absolutely! If a person has the initiative and is willing to diligently practice, why not?

As children, we are apt to learn quicker, but I am a firm believer in the thought that if the drive is there, go for it. However, don't try to do this alone - get a tutor for sure.

I've had classical organ students in the past who were over the age of 57, and they were eventually able to substitute for me in church when I needed a weekend off for travel.

I don't see why not, if an adult of any age has the determination and williingness to learn. I agree children do learn quicker, but as long as it is something you want to do, and you have the time to practice as well as have lessons, I say go for it and enjoy youself.


Margaret

I am also think we can do it also. discipline is the hardest part i think, the other issue is as I come from non classical I tend to be more critical to the classical pedagogy and have a "do it my own way" mentality.

thanks for feedback.

Good for you, Jurianbai.
Discipline will be the largest obstacle ... but with determination, anything is possible.

Please keep us apprised of your progress

I'm 34 and just started piano lessons a couple weeks ago. We'll see how it goes.

If you have the heart, the will and the patience, then music can be learned by anyone, at any age for that matter. But i really put emphasis on the patience. Learning how to play a new musical instrument isn't a walk in the park in any sense and requires quite a lot of time to practice and such so... Good luck anyways.

Children do not always learn faster than adults - many of them start, often pushed into music by their parents - but soon give up. I was 28 when I started to learn the oboe, and I passed grade 8 when I was 34! I am now learning the violin. I have been playing for almost a year and a half, and I am taking grade 4 ABRSM in November.

Thankyou Kristina, you have given me hope. I am 24 and have been studying piano for 16 months and am about to do a first grade (AMEB) exam. I hope I can keep going like you did, even though it sometimes seems a steep mountain to climb from where I am at the moment.

Absolutely! You can do anything you set your mind and heart to.

Although children have certain learning advantages (they're empty vessels, soaking up knowledge at a tremendous rate, like sponges), adults have advantages too: we're more knowledgable, more capable of discipline, and better able to focus.

Three factors will aid you in this quest: talent, passion, and practice.

Ive been playing violin for a year now. I'll be 46 in a few months. Ive made good progress over the year and look forward to continued progress.

So yes, go for it.