Can an "Old Dog" Learn To Play?

[BillC-PA]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here and I’m looking for honest advice/feedback.

I realize that one is never too old to learn some things, however, I am a realist in that at my age perhaps there may be some things that just might be a challenge. Background: I’m 65 with two more years to go of full-time work, and I will be involved in several things after retirement, including my photography hobby. I’ve been ‘around’ music my entire life – took 10 years of piano lessons as a kid, raised 4 children all musically inclined, and my wife and I do a lot of volunteer work for several local choirs, bands, orchestras, etc. However, I haven’t touched an instrument in 30 years (played piano and sax) .
This past weekend I heard someone playing the mandolin, and my interest was definitely peaked. Since then I’ve done a lot of research on the mandolin family, listened to them online, and I’ve also been brushing up on my music theory. I’ve never played a stringed instrument. I also wear digital hearing aids, and I am much more comfortable with the sounds of the Octave Mandolin. Until I retire, I feel that I could commit to one hour of practice per day, however, 2 or 3 days per week it could be more (if this is realistic). My goal is to be able to play mainly for myself and family, and not to play in groups (other than with my son-in-law).
Is it realistic to think that I could learn and play this instrument. Given that the music stores around here do not carry mandolins, I would either buy online or drive into Philadelphia. Also, as I cannot find a mandolin instructor (at least not yet) I would be self-taught, relying on information/techniques online, including here on this forum. From what I’ve read, the Trinity College TM-325 Octave Mando would be a good one to start with – or, other recommendations? Genre I’m interested in (given my Irish heritage) is celtic and probably folk rock. So, is it too late for this ‘old dog’ to realistically learn to play? Thanks for the feedback.
Bill

[bildio]

Welcome!

I'm a lot older than you & still working full time.

I started the mandolin a couple of months ago. I've been teaching myself, & I'm satisfied with my progress.

I say go for it.

[Bertram Henze]

quote from a Scottish song:

There are sober men in plenty
and drunkards barely twenty
there are men of over ninety that haver never yet kissed a girl...

Don't miss out on playing an octave mandolin!

[Ed Goist]

Hi Bill, welcome to the Cafe.

I say go for it! I think you will really enjoy the experience, and also find that you'll pick things up quicker than you thought you would. I started playing a couple of years ago at age 50 and am having a ball!

I also think it is a big plus that you want to focus on the octave mandolin. Because of the lower register, basic two-finger open chords sound wonderful on the octave mandolin, and this allows the instrument to perform beautifully for chord strumming and 'sing along' duty. These chords are fairly easy to pick-up, and once you’ve established good strumming patterns, timing and rhythm, you’ll be a fine accompanist.

Although many octave mandolin players are wonderful with complex melodies (see Tim O'Brien, John McGann, and others), I do think this utilization of the instrument is less focused upon with the octave mandolin than with the mandolin, making it less intimidating to play and generally a wonderful instrument to start on.

You'll find many great resources here on the Café, and an entire community willing to assist with and support your efforts.

Good luck on your new journey!

[Rob Ray]

Do it! You will be surprised at how much fun it is....don't miss out on this!

Rob Ray

[Adam Sweet]

Welcome and glad to have you. MOst of my students are adults, two recently retired (one 67, one 65). It's never too late to learn! I also have a deaf student who has a cochlear implant and 2 hearing aids.

Happy to answer any questions you have.

Welcome again.

[Capt. E]

Increasing evidence that learning to play an instrument etc reducing the rate of aging of the brain. I started learning mandolin when I was 59, 3 years ago, and have enjoyed every bit of it. Go for it!

[David Rambo]

Go for it. We're all getting older, and we might as well be doing something we like. (I'm 64, and still trying to learn new things.) The only downside to this is called MAS. Mandolins are addictive, and they don't like to be alone. They ALWAYS seem to want friends over. It starts innocently, and before you know it there are multiple cases in the house.

[BillC-PA]

Wow - Thanks for the responses, tips, and encouragement! This sure is an active, friendly forum (unlike one of the photo forums I frequent). I'll have to start 'hanging out' here, I really appreciate the warm welcome. Even since I posted my original message I did some additional searching as to where to purchase the instrument. I'd like to be able to pick it up in person, therefore, looking for places within a 2 hour drive - which includes Philadelphia and parts of NJ (actually, I get up to NYC a couple of times per year as well)
Thanks again - I look forward to being an active member (and, a good/excellent Octave Mando player )

[BillC-PA]

Go for it. We're all getting older, and we might as well be doing something we like. (I'm 64, and still trying to learn new things.) The only downside to this is called MAS. Mandolins are addictive, and they don't like to be alone. They ALWAYS seem to want friends over. It starts innocently, and before you know it there are multiple cases in the house.

Yeah - I expect a little 'MAS' - I had it with my Nikon photo gear (NAS) - which really put a big hole in my wallet. Expensive hobbies for sure

[bobby bill]

I came to it late, also from a keyboard background rather than guitar. The key for me is that I love learning stuff. If you are looking at competency as some destination that you will enjoy once you get there and you have to hurry up because you are starting late, you are going to be disappointed. Because nobody quite gets there, even when they start very young.

I say enjoy the ride and good luck to you.

By the way, I started attempting to play fiddle even later than mandolin. Now that is just plumb crazy.

[Mike Scott]

Welcome to an obsession from another "old dog" I too am 65. I recently retired, and also have many other hobbies-skiing, surfing, golf, triathlons, guitar, fly fishing, photography, etc. I was in my 50s when I started on guitar and have been at this mandolin thing for about 3 and a half years. I now consider it my main instrument due to some physical things associated with playing guitar. You may find that you don't learn as quickly as the young guys, but then again you may with your piano background. I never had the youth music thing going for me. It is a fun if not sometimes frustrating thing to do. I would go for it (as others have suggested). You have nothing to lose really - except be carefull you may end up obsessed like the rest of us and play way more than you suggest in your original post-but it's a good thing.......................really.

[Upstate Al]

Welcome to the community! If you want to start-go for it...learning a new skill ,like the mandolin, is never a bad thing. Have a lot of fun on this new adventure.

Al

[George R. Lane]

Bill,
If you don't try you will never know. I started at the age of 57 and I play for my own enjoyment (I have no wants to play with a group). I would suggest you purchase a nicer used instrument (it will be easier to play and have better tone) and get some lessons to teach you the proper fundamentals. After that pick the kind of music you enjoy and focus on that but, the best piece of information anyone can give you is to have FUN.

[Big Joe]

In 10 years you will be 10 years older than you are now. You can be 10 years older with 10 years experience playing the mandolin, or just 10 years older wishing you had. I chose playing and it has been way more than 10 years now. You may or may not achieve a pro level, but that is not the point. You will soon be able to amuse yourself and family and the enjoyment that comes with playing is incredible. It will soothe your savage soul . at times. It will also help keep your muscles and mind working and improving. You have nothing to loose by trying and everything to gain, so why not do it? Makes sense to me!

[BillC-PA]

In 10 years you will be 10 years older than you are now. You can be 10 years older with 10 years experience playing the mandolin, or just 10 years older wishing you had. I chose playing and it has been way more than 10 years now. You may or may not achieve a pro level, but that is not the point. You will soon be able to amuse yourself and family and the enjoyment that comes with playing is incredible. It will soothe your savage soul . at times. It will also help keep your muscles and mind working and improving. You have nothing to loose by trying and everything to gain, so why not do it? Makes sense to me!

Well, if nothing else, I'm sure my playing could make our 11 grandchildren laugh That alone will make it fun to learn.

[bingoccc]

We do have a "Newbies" subgroup here if you're interested.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?groupid=76

.

[rgray]

Go for it! Better to have tried and changed your mind, then never to have tried at all. ( Or something like that.) Your diligent research tells me that you are going to enjoy it.

[lmartnla]

First, my advice: Don't be too firm about not playing with others. Others are starting now too and may be just waiting for you. With the right group you will learn more things quicker, make some wonderful friends and have a richer experience.

I started mandolin 10 years ago at 59, having played folk guitar as a youth. My teacher suggested I go out to our Farmer's Market to try playing with one of his guitar students. We have been playing there now every Wednesday rain or shine ever since, along with another guitar player, a banjo player and a bass player. Others of higher and lower ability join us weekly whenever they choose and we play for compensation in public on festival occasions. Last week we played for a group of hookers in the French Quarter (our third annual performance for this group). Each individual in a group brings a different musical background into the mix, and you will be exposed to genres, musical selections and artists you will learn to treasure. You will learn timing and group dynamics you cannot pick up playing alone. And the whole challenge of making good sounding music will be shared. You will receive group encouragement and criticism to guide you on a true path.

Don't wait. ---Lou

[DPrager]

There have been several recent references to a book by Gary Marcus called "Guitar Zero." The premise of the book is simply are musicians born or made. I've read an interview with Mr. Marcus, and he's right on the spot with this idea. This book is next on my read list and I'd love to discuss it with anyone else who has learned to play music later in life.

NPR has made the first chapter of the book available for free at: http://www.npr.org/books/titles/1454...xcerpt#excerpt

Take a look and see if you recognise yourself.

David

[Barbara Shultz]

I'll jump on the bandwagon! I never played a stringed instrument, played piano when a child, but not since, learned to read notation back then, and to my amazement, picked it right back up! I started on the mandolin almost 7 years ago, in my early 50's. MAS and it's related afflictions has hit me BAD! I now play the mando, OM and Irish Tuned tenor (4 string) banjo. Not sure what your price range is, but if you can find a Petersen OM, I'd recommend it! I own a Petersen octave mandolin, cittern, tenor guitar, mandola and mandolin! Also, head on over to the Song a Week Social Group, here on Mandolin Cafe, and you'll be good to go on the learning stuff!

[John McCoy]

John Greenleaf Whittier:

"For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
the saddest are these: '
It might have been!'"

Do It

[Bill Baldridge]

First, welcome. I think you will find the Mandolin Cafe one of the most helpful and friendly places on the web. Second, snap out of it. What feedback would you give me if I told you that I was 65 but wanted to learn to play the piano well enough to enjoy it with family and friends and I was willing to spend an hour a day using DVD's, books, you-tube, and online instructors? I guess the most honest answer to your question is, "I don't know," but I am sure you can't play anything if you don't try.

[Sid Simpson]

Age is a state of mind, and as long as you think you can, you can. I am 59 and started about a year ago after many years of guitar. Go for it! Anything that gets you going and keeps you excited and interested is a positive in my book. You will learn and get better at any age, and the sooner you start, the better you will get!

[Pipeous]

I think you'll find a good home. I come here to read every morning with my coffee, and each night before sleep. I am 48 and started mandolin about 8 months ago and now about a month on the octave mandolin. I come from a guitar background. Irish background as well. My acoustic guitar bareley gets touched since the octave mandolin showed up. neck size is in between a guitar and a mandolin.