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Honorary tenured advisor
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As a very stiff old person (60) I was wondering if the rest of the not as young any more people out there are have the same kind of problems as me. I can't get my body to do the things that young/experenced violinist seen to have little problem doing. Also do your hands hurt after only a short time? My hand does NOT want to get around and over to the G string, and my pinky is short and can't curve at all to reach any string but the E string. What say the rest of you? Exasperated!!!
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You know Springer....I'm 57 and I'm gettin old too... I may not be able to play Flight of The Bumblebee like some young student can, but I can play mellow, romantic pieces or other types of music that doesn't require a gymnasts speed and agility.
My pinky doesn't bend too well because of an injury a few years back and the muscles and ligaments were cut, repaired but not as good as new so I'm technically playing with three fingers... so what do I do, I play in the first 3 positions and don't attempt to use my little finger.
Doing a new exercise does cause some sore muscles but you just keep doing the scales and runs and keep playing up to your abilities, and in awhile, your abilities will go further and further... stop where you have to and push your limits. After all, you are the limiting factor in all you do.
Playing is a function of your desire, your ability, and your passion. You can't measure those against someone else. Play as you like, as much as you like, and just enjoy the beautiful music you make and make it anyway you can. I work around the obstacles and just keep going.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
Honorary tenured advisor
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Thanks Dennis. Ive been thinking about just giving up on the 4th finger and shifting to the next position. I admit I have been getting better, but there's no hope of ever getting even half as good as FM in the next 15 years even if I do keep playing that long, but I am going to try. Not much difference in our age.
Honorary tenured advisor
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Swinging your elbow more under the violin towards your right side will make the G string more accessable. But be carful not to put your back in a bind.
I like to do a few strecthing exercises pulling my elbow with my right hand, and generally trying to loosen up the upper torso.
That and few drinks usally works pretty well!
No matter where you go, there you are!
Honorary tenured advisor
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Also remember lack of ability can to a certain degree be made up for with style.
The violin is a very exspressive instrument! 
No matter where you go, there you are!
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Late bloomer said
Also remember lack of ability can to a certain degree be made up for with style.
I will hold you to this, LB! At this point, I think I may need to blind you all with style!
... Middle-aged gal learning to play the violin
Honorary advisor
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I'm 61 and just getting started. I use rubber grip strengtheners and have seen great improvement in both hands. No more pain. Fiddlershop.com sells fancy ones, or you can get cheaper ones at WalMart.
http://fiddlershop.com/index.p.....ct_id=1588
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
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Interested in how you guys change playing styles to suit as I am about to hit the big 5-0 this year and would like to be playing in another 20 years (health and lifestyle permitting)
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
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Would be interesting to see how many of us are around this magical age in here. I'm 48 and turning 49 in June. Seems like many of us are right around this age.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Honorary tenured advisor
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I guess from what everyone said I should stop whining and keep practicing.
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57 next week; playing/learning violin for 9 weeks; loving it, but challenging!
Honorary tenured advisor
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60 and been try to play for about 10 weeks off and on (been sick some).
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Turn 50 in June, on the 8th. (still feel 30, and act 15!!)
Bought my first violin last June with some birthday money. Started playing it, (with lessons), in December
It seems we all have something in common today.
We are all the youngest we will ever be again, so I reckon that must be the perfect age to start learning!
(Even my walking stick will have horse hair down one side of it!!)
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
Honorary tenured advisor
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Right on Terry. I really like the horse hair walking stick, go to the Pub and have one for me.I still act 12 or so also.
Honorary tenured advisor
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Terry said
Turn 50 in June, on the 8th. (still feel 30, and act 15!!)
Wow , good to know I am not the only one that feels that way!
I turn 53 next month, but wife will vouge for the acting 15 part.
No matter where you go, there you are!
Pro advisor
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48 here and have been playing violin since I was 47 & 1/2 years old 
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Terry, you sound just like me plus i turn 49 on June 18th....
LOL MGN....
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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OK, I see another topic for a poll here at FM. Maybe next weeks poll subject.
and I suppose due to the age grouping I've seen here I think we should break it out as follows:
>less than 12 yrs old
12-20 yrs old
20-30 yrs old
20-40 yrs old
40-50 yrs old
50-55 yrs old
55-60 yrs old
60 and older
any contrary suggestions on the above age brackets?
Oh, don't forget to vote in the poll that was posted last night for the upcoming week. How old is your violin? Go vote now in the poll.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
Hmmmmmm.... Fiddlerman, my son will turn 49, June 16th, I will turn 69, September 21st.
I started playing violin at age 3, played for 7 yrs and stopped.
I've picked it up periodically over the last 60 yrs but just now starting to really get back into it. I just stringed it up with the new "Zyex" strings I purchased from "Fiddlershop" on Saturday. Took off the new "Helicore's" I just put on 4 weeks ago. I can hear a difference, sound's a little richer. The "Zyex's" went on the 130 yr. old fiddle. The old/new "Helicore's" went on the $90.00 internet special, that sounds much better also.
Ohhhhh... BTW, FM... the Luthier where I take my violin to be worked on said, your price on the strings was a great price. I just may buy another set of "Zyex's" for the el-cheapo fiddle, if that makes any sence.
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