Learning a musical instrument as an adult

Starting music as an adult can have many benefits. Music is now an integral part of my life and I’ll not be able to do without it. I'm in my thirties and I started playing the violin 4 years ago. Nobody ever complained about the noise, even my dog liked to hear me playing my instrument !

Here are some tips based on my experience.

First off, your will is now clearer and more assertive than when you were a child. This isn’t negligible in the context of a learning that requires a certain amount of perseverance.
Your tastes are also now more assertive and finer. They can serve as support for your motivation. You can talk with your teacher who will incorporate them into his teaching. With violin, guitar or piano, you surely have a music piece that you love and that will help you to move forward.

In any case, don’t be discouraged by people who point out the difficulties of music, learning as an adult. You can do it !

If you have the project to learn an instrument, you certainly have a clear idea in mind. For me it was the violin.
Opt for the discipline that motivates you. I say again, don’t listen to the grumpy people who tell you that the violin squeaks, that the piano takes up space, or that your fingers are not flexible enough to play the guitar. The instrument that you really like, it is also the instrument for which you’ll be the best and with which you’ll take the most pleasure.

If you are passionate about music, but are hesitant about which instrument to choose, don’t hesitate to try out instruments, talk to sellers. Also talk to the musicians around you if you know them.
Once your choice is made, make sure it's the right one. For this, it may be interesting not to invest immediately in the purchase of an instrument, but to rent it at first.

In this learning that is often related to childhood, the fear of being judged is often present in the adult beginner.

It is important to get rid of this brake, and for this, the role of the teacher is essential. Your music teacher must understand the issues involved in learning an instrument to an adult.

The mode of teaching is necessarily more democratic and collaborative. The teacher must establish a relationship of trust, while remaining your guide and your reference. An adult is more active and participates more in his class. The teacher must respect your desires. Even if it is also to tell you that, no, you can’t play this very technical piece with your electric guitar right now and you’ll progress step by step to get there.

As an adult, you are more likely to strive for perfection. Accept not to reach it. Learn patience. Let your teacher set goals for you and congratulate you every time you reach them. It is important not to feel unsuccessful and your teacher is also here for that.

You are certainly asking the question of music theory. Your teacher can fully integrate theoretical notions in his course. Thus, each theoretical point is connected to a piece that you are working on and helps you to move forward.

Well, if you want to learn playing a musical instrument, as an adult, I encourage you to do it !

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