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Question: Too late to get good at violin!?
I played violin for a while in my school's orchestra, and I never got very good, but I wasn't really bad either!. I just didn't practice much!. Anyway, I'm 25 and want to pick it up again!. This time I'd really like to learn to play bluegrass!. I still remember where the notes are, how to read music, and I'm good at finding notes by ear!. Should I bother trying to get good since most violinists start when they're like, six!? I feel like an old dog trying to learn a new trick!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
No, its not too late!.
I taught myself to play Appalachian old-time fiddle by ear at the age of 33!. Prior to that I'd played guitar since I was 13, took a few months worth of mandolin lessons starting when I was 28 or 29, then taught myself to play the banjo when I was around 31!. I had (and have) the great advantage of having a circle of friends who play old-time music, who would get together on a regular basis to jam and play for fun, and go to festivals and such!. I still get together with friends on a regular basis to play old-time music for fun; I've been in a few string bands that have played for contra and square dances and folk concerts, and I'm currently playing fiddle in a bluegrass band (I'm now 50)!.
If you want to play bluegrass fiddle, your former classical training will be a good head start!. The best thing you can do would be to start listening to as much bluegrass fiddle as possible so that you get that sound and style in your head!. The more bluegrass you listen to, the more authentic sounding your playing will become as you internalize the style, sort of by osmosis!. The other essential thing to do would be to find a local Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association or bluegrass or folk music club that holds regular bluegrass or old-time jam sessions, find out when and where they meet and start showing up with your fiddle!. Most bluegrass musicians are very friendly and welcoming to beginners, and people will be happy to answer questions (just wait for a break between songs!)!. You obviously won't be able to join in and play much in the beginning, but you can learn a lot by just listening and watching the other fiddlers; bring a tape or digital recorder and record songs from the jam, then work on them at home between jams (this is how I learned to fiddle!)!. Gradually as you become more familiar with the songs, you can try playing along quietly at the periphery of the jam group; listen to your playing and see how well it fits with what the rest of the group is doing!.
also go to bluegrass festivals as often as you can and listen, listen, listen; often the best music is found at the amateur jam sessions in the campground or parking lot!. Anytime you find a beginner level jam to get involved in, DO it :-)
Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com
This is somethign you're doing for pleasure and if you already have some under your belt, its perfectly doable!. I'm 23 and I've been playing the violin a month (although I am a cellist with a music degree from university!.!.!.) but still!. For fun/amateur purposes, learning is perfectly within the realm of capabilities!. I say go pick up a violin, a teacher, some music and get practicing!
~LisaWww@QuestionHome@Com
Of course it's not too late!. However, practice, and a lot of it, will be an absolute must!.
There is actually a pretty good folk revival going on in the U!.S!. right now!.!.!. It'll never be as big as pop stuff, but folk musicians are actually doing pretty well!. People want to hear (and play) the bluegrassy/irish/folksy kind of stuff!. So the chances of you at least finding a group to play with for fun are extremely good!.
As for being "old," there's a man named John McDermott who didn't get discovered and get famous until he was in his late forties(I think!.!.!. I do know he was fairly older when he made it)!. It's always possible!.
Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com
it is never to late to learn anything! but if you do re-pick it up, practice a LOT! ive been playing the viola sonce i was in 5th grade (6 years), but just because youve been playing since you were born doesnt mean that that person is any good! i would highly reccomend starting up again, because it is so much fun and i have NO regrets! just do what you want to do and have fun with it!
<3Www@QuestionHome@Com
OH MY GOD, I feel you on this!!! I'm the exact same age as you (25) and I was going to self-teach myself the violin! If you have some background in it, you'd be better off than I am!
We're not old, as far as I'm concerned! I read a message board where people were in their 30's and 40's and decided to learn the instrument!. It sounds like you have a leg up on them AND on me! Practice makes perfect!. Just dedicate a lot of time to it, and I'm sure you'll do well!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Hi Allison
It is never to late and if ever have a chance to hear one of the best violinist of all time, Stephen Grapelli!.
His last concert was at 80 yrs old!. And nobody can play like this man,!. He was old and had to sit down but his speed and technique!.!.!.the best!.
So at 25, you still have 50 years left or almost !.!.:)
Good luck !!!Www@QuestionHome@Com
It's never too late to learn an instrument!Www@QuestionHome@Com