There IS Hope...

[MikeB]

A few of you might remember a rather long thread I started here a year ago or so, asking whether there was really any hope of a geezer like me (and a lot of you) getting anywhere with the mandolin, starting at such an advanced age.

I got tons of overwhelmingly warm and encouraging responses (most of which I copied and kept, and refer to often).

Well, I promised to report back later, and it is definitely later. #Now I don't have a recording contract, a CD to offer you, or even an mp.3 to make my case, but folks, I'm here to tell you that I AM A BETTER PLAYER today than I was then. #

I took all the advice about playing scales, using a metronome, LISTENING, playing with other people, and just keeping at it. #THEY ALL WORK.

I have a buddy with whom I play almost daily. #We used to sit in my living room all morning playing, take a break and walk to a local cafe for lunch. #One day we decided to take our instruments and play for the lunch crowd. #The owners love the atmosphere two old guys playing mandolins brings, and people claim to like some of our music! #We get offers to play in other places weekly. #We are actually turning down work (play). # No, of course we're not making much money at this, but that sure as hell was NOT our objective anway.

So, this is first a huge THANK YOU MANDOLIN CAFE COMMUNITY for all your kind, thoughtful input and encouragement (I learned that I am NOT the only or oldest geezer around these parts). #Thank you all for your continued sharing of valuable expertise, knowledge, and empathy.

To everyone who might be just beginning--no matter what your age or #ability--THERE IS HOPE. #Keep at it, it IS worth the effort. #

And if you get a little discouraged, just stop in at the Cafe and get a little cup of 'pickmeup.'

Thanks, Friends.

[John Flynn]

You go, dude! Us geezers have to stick together. This may sound trite, but I really believe it: The music is not in the mandolin, it is in YOU and it has always been there. The mandolin is just a tool to bring it out.

I hope that making your music brings you great joy.

[aimee]

That's a heartwarming story. Good goin'!

[Ken Sager]

The music is not in the mandolin, it is in YOU and it has always been there. The mandolin is just a tool to bring it out.
True. So true. Thanks for the reminder.

Good on you, too, Mike. Keep it up.

Joy to all,
Ken

[Dru Lee Parsec]

I'm only in my mid 40's and I just started playing mando 7 months ago (after playing guitar for 30 years). Do I count as a Geezer as well? If so it seems like I'm in good company http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Tom C]

How old of ageezer are you? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I'm 40, starting playing at 35 without playing guitar or another instrument. I've been trying hard to make up the last 25 years. My mentor -Barry Mitterhoff teaches one Italian woman who started when she was 80!. She's shaky,but plays piano and know how to read music. It's great to hear the two of them play old Italian pieces together at the yearly student peformances.

[John Zimm]

Good job MikeB. I remember the thread you started last year, and I am glad to hear that it is going well for you.

I'm only 30, but I will be a geezer one day, so I am glad to hear that geezers can learn too. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

-John.

[duuuude]

Started at 51 & after a year play better than anything I ever played on guitar after 35 years! Guess I'm a slow starter. Don't know if I quite qualify as "geezer", though.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[planoman]

Although at my geezer age (I turned 52 yesterday) I can't remember nearly what I used to, I too remember your previous geezer thread. I have been playing 1.5 years (with no previous music experience, and am now an addict, both the the Mando and the Cafe. It's great at our age to be able to learn, feel improvement and be creative. Maybe some people care about you when you are "Old and in the Way"

[John Rosett]

well, i'm 46, but the age spread in my band is 23-37, and my band nickname is "old man". there are many nights when we're done playing and everybody's ready to go home and go to bed except me, so i don't pay 'em no mind when they give me a hard time. the good part is that sometimes i'll tell them i'm too old to carry those heavy speakers.
i feel like i'm learning new things every day. more power to the geezers! john

[Michael H Geimer]

Wow MikeB! I remember your post last year. What a great follow-up, too.

This time, I bet it'll be you who rallies someone else to start learning an instrument, or to keep working through some tough spot. Your success story is really inpirational.

Keep up the great work!

- MikeG

[MikeB]

Thanks, everybody for your kind words--again. #

And, Benignus, I was stumbling around in the new forum and downloaded your Sally Goodin....

Now, I'm rethinking EVERYthing, again #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif #

Really, I loved that piece! #Everything about it seemed absolutely perfect to me. # Anyone who hasn't heard it, I suggest you give a listen. #This guy is GOOD.

[GaryM]

So great to hear your developments Mike..
Your story made me well up a bit..huh, must be an old geezer thing. (51 here)....Keep on truckin there buddy.

[Michael H Geimer]

Hey MikeB, I gotta add on a thought ...

We all hear people talk about The Real Players, and we know they usually mean the pro's, the viruosos, the heroes. But when I read your story, about how people keep asking you and your friend to play ... well, I thought "Now there's a Real Musician." You're out there being yourself, playing tunes, sharing it all with those around you ... heck yea, people are gonna like it!

[MOP]

Nice thread. I am soon (6 march) 57 years old.A real Geeser.But I am young in my head.I play guitar and mando and play in a band.I think mandolin cafe has part of that... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[MikeB]

Benig (Mike): Thanks for your comments, and again for sharing that beautiful tune with us. #

Of course, I agree with everything you said. I agreed with most everything everyone said to me in last year's original Geezer thread. #(Man, that was a great thread!) #

And I got TO it. #I'm retired (turn 56 tomorrow), and I spend more of most days playing music than anything else I do.

About the Real Players: #I've known forever that I am never going to be one of them. #But, then, I'm not going to get any taller, either, or get any better looking :-(

I suppose I would have kept at it, regardless, but #I was inspired by all the encouragement I got from the Cafe community, VERY encouraged. #Something about saying out loud (or writing it in public, I guess) that you feel old, or frustrated, and then getting strokes from folks DOES help.
And I'm not even talking about the great specific suggestions and practice tips I got, just the encouragement. #It was just heart-warming.

So, I work at just being the best musician I can be, period. #What more can anyone do? #There must be something absolute about this concept. #Aren't we all inspired when we see or hear someone giving anything their utmost effort? #(The Special Olympics come to mind...but I really don't want to belabor that comparison too much.)

I think what I loved most about your Sally Gooden mp3 is the sincerity of it. #It's not flashy or overproduced. #We can hear YOU and that's more than enough. #Which is why I think it is so beautifully perfect.

My buddy and I play and play and play some more. #And, mostly we suck. #But, the closer we come to not really worrying about it, just giving the BEST we have, the better it goes for us, the more people respond. #And, we are getting better. #We choose our music carefully, we arrange it just SO, we talk and talk about how we can improve and then we get to work (I mean play). #

Mike G, you said your Sally Gooden was take number 468, or something like that. #I'm not sure if you were kidding, or not, but I can tell you it takes me that many times just to memorize a new tune, sometimes more. #At this rate I will not live long enough to perform anything as well as you did SG. #That's OK, you already have that one covered. #There's room for you AND me. #I have a tune or two I'd share with you if I could, without apologies. #Come see us some Friday at Park & Ponder Cafe in Great Falls, MT. #We call ourselves Mandolin Fanfare (after the first duet we learned together). #Tips are appreciated, but not expected.

[BigJoe]

I'm a meer youngster at 54. The double nickels don't hit till late August. I've decided to start a Bluegrass Band and the name will be "Geezer Grass". We can play at half the speed of the kids and still think we are great http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . Works for me!!!

[Ken Berner]

Watch Ken Sager jump on this one! I am sixty-eight now, and have been playing mandolin for seven years. There is little in life that brings me more joy than playing music with friends. I am blessed with some who are quite gifted, musically, and some of those are even retired (like myself). A day without picking is like a day without sunshine!

[JiminRussia]

Well done all y'all! I'm 57 going on 19 and I don't have the time to practice a lot, but I sure do love to see the meger progress that I make when I do. I'm having fun with the mandolin and I guess that's he important thing, at least to me. I can remember talking to Frank Wakefield a couple of years back at a festival up in Northern California about one of his beginer students, a young lady of about seventy-somethng with athritis in her fingers, but God bless her, she persevered and got to be pretty good on the mandolin. The best part was that she enjoyed it. So, good luck to all of you and have fun!

[Tom C]

Fun, fun, fun is what it's all about.

[duuuude]

Dang, we're a buncha old #####, ain't we? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jbrwky]

The older the man-dolin, the sweeter the music.

[duuuude]

... or, the stiffer the pick?? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(can i say that on here?) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Russ(String-Alley)]

This IS the "feel good" thread!
how awsome is this! uplifting insperation for the spirit and soul.
I was having an awful day here at work....I mean AWFUL!
After getting thru reading this, I not only feel better but have renewed my faith in man, Yeah it's been that kind of friday here...and this kind of stuff can save your day.

Cheers to all
Keep on Picking MikeB!
Mandolin cafe saves my day again!
-Russ

[Stringbuster]

I'm close on your tail , Ken Berner - my odometer is about to turn 64. Like you , I've been playing for about 6 years and hardly miss a day without playing. In fact ,I'm just now recovering from corinary by-pass surgery and while my physical activity is pretty limited ,playing the mandolin has been very theraputic.
Keep on pickin'.

Larry Hall ,aka Stringbuster

[Clamdigger]

Hey MikeB. I remember your thread and this is a great followup. I am 65 and started playing about four years ago. I am retired and play whenever I feel like it. I am training for the Boston Marathon on April 19th so all of you youngsters out there, keep picking and keep moving. Clamdigger

[jaybee]

Okay...I'm 69 and have been playing mandolin for 3 years, every day at least. I am going through withdrawal right now because Joe at Gibson has got my "baby" doing some work on it.

I only have the "shakes" for an hour or so a day.

One of the wisest moves I've made is to let Gibson do the "tune up". #One of the stupidest moves I've made was to trade off my other mandolin before I put it in the shop. #Thus proving the age old adage that "a man just cannot have too many mandolins".

Joe, if you're "listening"...DON'T RUSH IT...MAKE IT RING AGAIN...I'll keep biting the bullet 'till it's done. #jk

[Noteplayer]

I'm soon to be 54 on April Fools day & am awaiting my custom Rigel A+ Deluxe...so it is true, you can be an old geezer and a fool and still pick Mandolin.

Keep on pickin'. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[mandogeek]

Congratulations Mike! Sounds like a great situation you've gotten yourself into. I'm a "young" 46, and like you, have been so thankful for the encouragement and wealth of information available at the Cafe. Continued good luck to you!

[gearheart]

Hey, MikeB, Thanks for the inspiration (from everybody). I am brand spanking new at this. How new? I've signed up for lessons and I've ordered my mandolin, but haven't hit a lick yet. I turn 60 next month. You said you took all the advice about scales, metronome, etc. I missed that thread. So tell me MikeB, how do you advise that I proceed? I'll be taking a 45 minute class once a week and I have about an hour a day to practice (more on the weekend). I also live in an area within driving distance of lots of bluegrass festivals, workshops, etc. (Though that can get pricey, with fees, hotels, etc). A fellow geezer awaits your wisdom (seriously). Thanks

[keymandoguy]

Shucks you guys are just young whippersnappers I,m 71 and play in a couple of bands At least 4 or 5 in the bands I play in are in there 80s ! Still we keep playin on. So don,t let the deal go down. Lets all play more in 08. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Clyde Clevenger]

My prize student started when she retired at 63, bought a good mandolin and came to me for lessons. She had never played anything before. Within 3 years she was the "stud" of the blue hair jams in our area. I'd see her at festivals surrounded by snowbirds just picking her heart out. Warms my heart, let me tell ya. Now she is bringing her 8 year old grandaughter for lesson. I'm teaching her mandolin, guitar and the drum on a stick. Last week Grandma said she might need to learn to flatpick. I'll see her next week, right after her 70th Birthday party.

[billkilpatrick]

cough - cough ... gaack - (phart) ... ahhhh ...

[MikeB]

So tell me MikeB, how do you advise that I proceed?

Straight ahead, gearheart, straight ahead. Sounds like you are already on exactly the right road!

This is cool to see this thread revived from over three years ago! And this was the follow up thread to my first one about Geezers! The only thing I would add is more encouragement to anyone in my (old) shoes.

I played in my first Irish session a few weeks ago. Great fun, and, for the few tunes that I actually knew I hung right in there. Christmas Eve, I played some great Old-Time music with a really great fiddler and some other very good players. Never faltered. I think I'm just hitting my stride!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[gearheart]

Hello, Thanks for the reply. I actually sent you a private message because this thread was so old.... Could you be more specific. What advice did you get that you said you followed? #(metronome, etc). Is there a best way to practice (finger exercises vs playing songs, for instance)? #What's a waste of time? How much progress did you make the first year? #How many songs could you play by then? #Sorry to ask for so much, but hey.... you're the expert now, when it comes to starting late and making progress. #Thanks a lot. Really.

[MikeB]

Well, let's clear THAT up, gearheart. (Hopefully, my PM was helpful to you...) But, I am NOT the or an expert on much of anything! All I ever said was that I got great advice, applied as much of it as I could, stayed in the saddle, and improved a LOT. I'm still FAR from being an expert player.

All the advice I got was useful, some more than others. I'd list them in this order: 1) USE the metronome (I do, all the time). 2) Practice good TONE, always. 3) Learn to play your tunes SLOWLY--no faster than you can play the hardest part. 4) Listen to the music you like and practice often and regularly.

Sounds like the same stuff people have been saying around here forever, doesn't it? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Joe F]

Last year, in my mid-50s, I became part of a band for the first time ever. #This year, I'll be receiving my first-ever custom-built mandolin (Austin Clark). #Things are looking up!

[olgraypat]

Well, at 58, after about 3 years of playing, I qualify, and I'm so old I can't find the "Sally Goodin" recording you referenced...but it's one of my favorites, and I can't do it anywhere near justice, so how 'bout some directions...

olgraypat

[harwilli55]

I don't know if that recording lives on the web any more. Benig(Michael Geimer) posted that back when we had a great beginners group in the cafe. At that time we had a webpage through Yahoo( I think) on which we all posted our tune of the month, and anything else we wanted to record. Every recording got comments, of which encouragement was the the most common. When I first heard his(Michael's) version of Sally Gooding, I was blown away !!! Totally !! It wasn't speed, but the subtle rythmnic stuff that pure musicians have which bring a tune truly to life. All of us beginners were Benignus fans from that moment !!!

MikeB has also been a great part of the cafe, posting meticulously written tabs with harmony parts for duo mando's. I know all of that hard work is paying off, but more, it has been an incredible pleasure to watch and see the growth of MikeB and so many others here.

Geezer Harlan

[Gerard Dick]

I guess I'm a late starting geezer too. Played guitar for 30 years and never got past mediocre. A friend got me started on mandolin 4 yrs ago and I was like a duck to water. What a JOY. My dad played mandolin and I now have his old Ukrainian oval hole in my collection. He offered to teach me long ago when I was at an age where it was not cool to admit that dads knew anything of value and I turned him down. How stupid we are when we know it all. To this day I regret the wasted opportunity. Still it is better late than not at all. One of the last things he said to me was "Son you're getting to be pretty good on that thing"

Gerard

[mandogerry]

Let's add a bit of confusion to the thread. I, MANDOGERRY, took up the mandolin only two years ago at age 55, unlike the previous poster GERRYMANDO, who switched from guitar a couple of years earlier. We could be a real hit as a geezer mandolin duo, perhaps called the GERRYMANDERS.

In my case, I had played classical violin from ages 9 through college. Then, in a fit of foolish 1970s rebelliousness, I sold my violin after graduation to finance a summerlong camping trip. I did not touch another instrument for over 30 years, even though I listened to music of all types constantly.

Two years ago, I moved to western North Carolina, where I swear there is music everywhere you turn, something like coffee in Seattle. One day I was browsing in our local music shop, and saw a row of the most fascinating instruments, these of course being mandolins. A few strums by me, and a better sounding demo by one of the staff, and I had signed up for lessons. Never turned back, and now an entire room of our small house is nearly filled with A mandos, mando CDs, and instructional books.

Having played the violin even so long ago helped a lot, but every once in a while I do wonder how much better my hands would work if I hadn't taken that three-decade break.....

The one and only MANDOGERRY.

[billkilpatrick]

related to no one specifically ... this thread is beginning to make me wonder if mandolins are inextricably liked to menopause ...

... are cowboy boots and a porche next?

[flatlander]

This is very inspirational. I am a late music bloomer. Started playing guitar about a year and a half ago.(46 now) Started getting together with friends to play and everyone played guitar. I always liked the mandolin sound, so about 4 months ago I decided to pick up a cheap one and gave it a try. I love it! It has added a great sound to the "group" and I have been able to make the mando work in just about every tune we play. I jumped right in and started learning songs, but I don't think I really know how to "play" mandolin yet. I have stepped back now and am following the advice that I have learned here to really learn the instrument. I am hoping in a year or so I can give a similar progress report.

Paul from the "hills" of north central Indiana

[mehrsam]

We might be old geezers, but we are COOL old geezers, ain't we?

On a more serious note, I recall reading an article on the 'net a few months ago that reported those who played musical instruments were less likely to succumb to depression, anxiety and even more debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's. The key, according to the article, is keeping the brain active and creative. It would apply also, I think, to writing, painting, singing, even doing crossword puzzles.

I know I feel more relaxed, confident and very intelligent when I finally can play the latest fiddle tune I've been struggling with for weeks.

[MikeB]

olgraypat, I have that MP3 by Mike Geimer saved on my computer. In fact, my wife does a volunteer DJ show on our local public radio station, and she's played it on the air several times. I've told Mike this (and, regretfully, that he'll get no royalties).

If you PM me, with your email address, I'll be happy to send you this very excellent recording. Mike gave us several others, as well, like a great version of "Cold Frosty Morning." I learned a version of that tune that bears an uncanny similarity to Mike's. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I wonder if it's just a coincidence that this thread was resurrected, or that there are getting to be more Geezers all the time? Isn't this the year that a bunch of Boomers are supposed to be retiring? (I've been retired for 9 years.)

[Treetopper]

MikeB

I too am an old geezer, I am 69 years, 2 months, 5 days old and have never felt younger, I retired about 8 years ago and have been a mandolin player for about 5 years, I never miss a day of practice and have really improved with speed and accuracy. The old fingers don't move as fast as they used to, but WHO CARES, I am having FUN. Keep going!!!

[carlnut]

I am happy for you for 2 reasons. First, I like to see someone accomplish their goals and secondly, it encourages me to see a beginner take off because if you can do it, so can I. I started mandolin in Feb 2007 and need alot of help which I have been getting from the cafe here and also from my friends I jam with. I am 57 years old and no prior music experience other than the washtub bass. I have trouble with chords, timing, double stops, tremolo, and more but I make progress every day. I am due for a self evaluation in Feb to see if the mando is for me. Heck,It took me a year to learn to walk and I was mighty wobbly, so I keep my enthusiasm up and encourage all beginners to do the same no matter how old you are. Once again , congratulations.

[Rick Schmidlin]

We might be old geezers, but we are COOL old geezers, ain't we?
Ditto, way kool http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[TigerMal]

Hello to all from another geezer (58 in November),

Started playing my mando only 1 1/2 years ago and getting better. I practice almost daily and am learning from Roland White when I can get to Music City. My greatest musical blessing is that I get to play with my Dad (86) on banjo, one brother (61) on six string, and another brother (55) on fiddle. As has been said by others, we'll never be in the hero class (and I do love listening to them) but we have TONS of fun and have played at private parties as large as 280. We WERE the heroes that day!

For what it's worth - some advice to me from my Dad several years ago - you can keep your mind young and sharp with: (1) regular (non-strenuous) exercise; (2) learning to play an instrument; and (3) working crossword puzzles. #So I've managed one out of three anyway. #What a joy!

[mandocrucian]

On a more serious note, I recall reading an article on the 'net a few months ago that reported those who played musical instruments were less likely to succumb to depression, anxiety and even more debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's. The key, according to the article, is keeping the brain active and #creative. It would apply also, I think, to writing, painting, singing, even doing crossword puzzles.

You should try to catch one of the current PBS station pledge drive shows that's been airing, if you haven't already watched it: The Brain Fitness Program


Brain Fitness Program, The
(Formerly, Your Brain: A User's Guide

This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt - even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco and his colleagues around the world have been leading this effort; he brings the research findings, along with a scientifically based set of brain exercises, to PBS viewers in this innovative and life-altering program. Peter Coyote narrates.

[gearheart]

Hey, My wife and I have been studying up on this aging business. #From what we read, it seems that learning an instrument and/or a foreign language are the two best pathway builders for the brain, and let's face it: most of us fear Alzheimer's etc more than cancer and heart attacks. So my wife is starting the banjo and I'm starting the mandolin. Just as an aside, we also read that the best things for aging are 1) aerobic exercise (also for the brain), 2) strengh (weight) training for those atrophying muscles, 3) stretching to keep us flexible 4) balance exercises so we don't fall, and 5) a social network. Plus of course a good diet, healthy habits, yada yada yada. Having fun couldn't hurt either. Happy New Year.

[billkilpatrick]

... a zippy porche (till your "daddy" takes your t-bird away) offers more in the way of fun.

[Mandogrampie]

Nice to find a Geezers thread here. That was the name of our first band, The Geezers. And we were only in our 50s then! Now I'm 68, the band is renamed Old Dog and I'm just making yet another attempt to return to the mandolin after a two- to three-year layoff because of left hand problems that seem to be triggered mainly by the mando. So far this time all's well. I'm trying to be temperate in my practice time and not worry about playing at bluegrass speed. Also using two- and three-finger chord forms that don't involve use of my short pinky, since that especially seems to trigger problems. This does not happen when I play ukulele, guitar or even fiddle. Anyway, I'm playing primarily mando, fiddle, autoharp and flute, along with some harmonica these days. I have a very nice (for a low-ender) Kentucky KM174 oval-hole mando and a no-name fiddle and am trying to focus on just learning fiddle tunes, regardless of tempo, playing at my own speed.
As I said, so far, so good, and what fun! (BTW, don't send advice on hand problems, I've heard it all!) Interesting to note, however, that my hand problem has stayed in remission even as I coincidentally stopped using caffeine, alcohol and sugar and cut down on fatty foods because of another unrelated health problem. Or maybe not unrelated ...? Surprisingly, I don't miss any of these nearly as much as I thought I would. Plus I have lost 14 pounds, something I couldn't do before.:laugh: http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif