I am 52 years old and about to finish my first year of piano lessons! I have to say.....

[Logical]

It has been a little difficult. But I am having a blast.

I had never played or read a note in my life until last December.

I just want to also say that I really respect you real musicians! I know now how hard it is!!

[Lemonwurst]

1. I am 52 years old also, and love playing piano

Though I started earlier and made kind of a big deal of it. I became a part-time pro by my late 20's. But now it's just a way to unwind and forget about the crazy world for awhile.

Hopefully you have a piano teacher who's fun and patient. The days of nothing but scales, drills and rote memorization for the first years are a thing of the past, and you should have a chance to learn complete songs in a matter of a few months. Simple songs perhaps, but songs you and others can enjoy hearing.

And that's key - being able to enjoy your own playing. Once that catches, you can progress at your own speed, but you'll only get better and better.

Congratulations and good luck to you !!

[Logical]

3. Thanks! I really appreciate music more than ever now! n-t

[griffi94]

2. good for you

playing music will add years to your life.

[Scuba]

4. Awesome! I started guitar lessons two years ago, at 61.....

.... and it's finally starting to work! I love my time practicing and crave to get together with some other DU musicians.

Two others up for this are bobthedrummer and Bake. We're all in the midwest, so maybe someday.

[GReedDiamond]

11. Hi Scuba, I remember a thread posted in the DU2 musicians group...

...or maybe the Lounge, the idea just mostly went unnoticed, I think.

It was basically about originating a recording, such as with guitar and vocals, and forwarding the recorded tracks to other musicians on DU, who add their parts, who then forward their results to the next contributor, and so on.

When all of the parts are recorded by everybody contributing, they are mixed by the "producer" (i.e., probably the person who wrote/started the tune - or, maybe, somebody else).

I've been recording like this for over ten years.

I record drum, percussion, and occasional vocal parts, and email the wav files to my collaborator.

He plays everything else and mixes the final product.

Anybody interested in doing this need only have the ability to record their parts into their computer, using whatever program they choose, as long as the part, as digitally recorded, is saved as a wav file (or mp3, worst case, but not recommended).

Also, there is the potential that all contributors of beginning or moderate skill level would be able to add something, especially considering that they may use the digital recording medium as a way to hone their performance skills, especially as it pertains to playing along with other musicians.

That's the concept in a nutshell.

However, realistically, it's a little more complicated than that, such as, getting people to record a good clean part into their computer, they need to know at least a little about how best to record that part, which may require a certain type of microphone better than a web cam mic, and so on.

Any thoughts on this?

[Scuba]

12. Great idea...

... I use Audacity for recording with a Blue Snowball mic so my total investment is only about $100. I'm not sure if Audacity can export to a wav file - I'll have to check, but it does do MP3 and there MUST be a way to convert that to wav.

Sending the rhythm around and getting everyone to add a track or two sounds pretty cool.

I'd still like to get together with some other DU members to jam some day.


Happy musicianship!!!!!

[ProfessorGAC]

15. Keep Me In Mind Too

I'm one of the hosts of jam night every other Friday, so i'm up for something we you guys. I'm midwest too. (Near Chicago)
GAC

[PETRUS]

5. That's delightful

I think too many people are intimidated and don't try, particularly if it means starting later in life. Do play with others when and if you can - that is one of the most rewarding ways to experience music.

[Logical]

6. I love it. Just wish I was progressing faster!

[PETRUS]

9. That's a common frustration.

My observation is that most people have ramps and plateaus. There's nothing to do but keep at it. The more hours you can put in each day, the better. Elapsed time counts, too. Don't underestimate the value of careful listening, too. Listen to yourself while you play (sounds obvious and goofy, but it's possible to overlook that if your attention is 100% on the charts and your fingers). Also, put tunes on and concentrate and see if you can figure out what's going on. I hope it stays fun for you!!

[Scuba]

17. You're getting good advice. When it feels like you're not making any headway....

... practice some more. Eventually, you'll make the next jump and it'll be orgasmic for a day or two.


Not starting guitar 'til 61 years, with arthritis, really held me back, but I can now play, and can play a few things pretty well.

Finally, learn to play your instrument, not just songs on your instrument. I'm fortunate to have a guitar teacher that understands the difference. After two years, I can play my instrument, but only know a handful of songs that anyone would recognize. But I know how to learn any song!


Good luck, and remember what Lee Trevino said: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."

[Loki]

7. Bravo!

I began playing when I was 5 and no I won't tell you how old I am now, just lets say I'm over 50 . I reconnected with a teacher several years ago just to polish my technique and add new ideas and work on some bad habits and it's been a wonder. I've learned more and developed more and enjoyed it more than I did when I was younger. Keep up the good work and practice, practice, practice!

[Logical]

8. I envy you!! Once I can get to the point where I can play "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John by memory...

I will be happy!

[yesphan]

10. I was a pro (drummer) in my 20's and then

got out for a couple of decades. I'm now 55 and recently bought a kit. I practice much more diligently
than I used to and can say that I'm better than ever. I play in a group with some very talented 20 somethings and although
I'm as old as their parents, they think I'm the cat's meow.
I recommend to anyone, take up a musical instrument. It will fill in those voids many have in our lives.

[Whisp]

13. happy for you.

I know the feeling.
Although I don't (and can't!) play any musical instruments I do play with GarageBand and it just gives me thrills. Love it.

I was going to upload a sample or two but photobucket doesn't recognize mp3s it seems. Will work on that.

[guitar man]

14. Good for you

Its never too late to learn, keep it up!

[ProfessorGAC]

16. What He Said

I've playing piano for 50 years and guitar for almost 35 years, and i'm taking up the flute, just for the fun of it.

So, it really is never too late.