What are the pros and cons of learning the violin (or any instrument) as an adult?

Question

I'm 34 and would like to resume my studies of the violin. I played in grade school and in junior high (3 years total) and still remember some basics. It's mainly for recreation. Anyone want to share their experiences or thoughts?

Answer 1

The main thing is to find a good private teacher, one who has experiece teaching adults.  If they treat you with respect and seriousness, then you've got something.  

Answer 2

Pro: you want to do it. you remember some basics. its for fun.

I direct a community Symphony.  We have several players who had near identical experience.  One decided to take some lessons and was immediately thrilled with how rapidly she progressed.  one did it all on her own except for comments from a nice stand partner.  She dropped out for a year while she polished her playing. She plays at church at least once a month.

Con: you will be your most severe critic.  

Answer 3

I started teaching myself the fiddle by ear at age 33.  I'd already been playing guitar (self-taught) since I was about 13, took a few months worth of mandolin lessons when I was about 30, and taught myself banjo starting when I was 31, so I already had a pretty solid knowledge of music and already knew a lot of traditional fiddle tunes from having played them on other instruments.

I play music for recreation and as a social outlet -- I have a lot of friends who play traditional Southern old-time square dance music and we get together on a regular basis to play tunes and socialize.  I also now play fiddle in a bluegrass band that plays out at nursing homes and other local venues occasionally.  I love it!

Its a BLAST being able to play music, and even more so to be able to play with other people.  I heartily encourage you to get back into violin playing. If you want to play classical music with others, there are amateur community orchestras and groups that you can get involved with.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

what do you already know how to do, one thing that can be a pro or a con is your state of mind or physical hand-eye coordination. for more advance things, like long slurs, you have to be able to move your fingers quickly.

Answer 5

The pro is that it will help keep your mind alert. They say this helps stave off dementia somewhat. The main con is whether your body will allow you to do what you need to do physically. But as long as you can do it, the pros outweigh the cons. Good luck and have fun.