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Hello. My name is Ross. I’m 65 y/o and have been studying the violin since January 2013. I’m currently enrolled in an Orchestral Strings Learning Series at a local community college… started there three years ago. I’ve branched off and done short studies in Folk and Celtic Fiddle, but keep coming back the classical violin. Ensemble playing is somehow more relaxing for me. Maybe it’s because you’re not quite so ‘in the spotlight’ as when you’re running through a high-paced jig.
I do struggle a bit with performance anxiety. The more I play with small groups, the easier it gets, and the more control and focus I develop, the less impact I feel when playing for an audience. Anyway, hello all, I look forward to reading and contributing to the forum.
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Hello Ross, nice to meet you.
I am also new, here at this forum. However, I still in the early stages of being a beginner player, for the second time in my life. I had a violin teacher for a bit more than a year when I was 11 and 12, but that was 42 years ago.
It was slow and painful at first, but I am getting better faster now. I am nearing, or have already surpassed my childhood skill level now. It may still be a close call though.
As of the other day, I have started doing longer practice sessions, and practicing on weekends too. I had avoided too long of sessions, and weekends, in an attempt to keep from annoying my neighbors. Although, so far, they have not complained about my noise, I decided to start using a mute the other day. This makes me feel more free to practice longer, and work harder at those things I need to practice the most, over and over and over again.
In just the last three days, I feel that the extra time has helped a lot.
As for the type of music I like to play, I too prefer classical music. I do want to learn some rock and pop later though. Still, it is the classics I most want to learn and play.
See you around the forum. 
MACJR
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Welcome to the forum, @Rosco
I'm an introverted person, and don't really like performing for people. I push myself to perform for short videos, and live online performance, to help me get past it, but performing in front of real people that I can see the faces of will throw me for a while. So I feel your pain.
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MACJR,
Thanks for the response.
Early on, I had to be aware of my repetitious playing/practice wearing on the nerves of family, friends and neighbors. I ended up purchasing an inexpensive electric (silent) violin off ebay. I did have to do a little bit of bridge tweaking and filing on the nut grooves to get the action close to my acoustic violin (good experience), but it has allowed me to play more when other people are in the house without intruding on their quiet time.
This summer however, I often sat out on our deck with my acoustic violin and played (20 minutes at a time) knowing the neighbors could hear and received kind and supportive comments. I also went to the park a couple times and sat on a bench off to the side and played. People smiled and nodded. It was really enjoyable.
I’ve learned to separate practicing and playing. Practice for me is quiet and involves much focused repetition, while playing I do boldly and do not stop or repeat when I make mistakes. It helps build my self-image as both a student and a player. Sounds like you’re well on your way.
Cheers,
Ross
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damfino said
Welcome to the forum, @RoscoI'm an introverted person, and don't really like performing for people. I push myself to perform for short videos, and live online performance, to help me get past it, but performing in front of real people that I can see the faces of will throw me for a while. So I feel your pain.
Yes! The whole thing was quite debilitating for me as well. Same thing... introvert plus self-critical achiever. Pain is a good choice of words. As I mentioned to MACJR, I found that playing (on our deck) when I knew people could hear, but I couldn't see them, or playing in the park where I could just stay somewhat anonymous in my self-absorbed music bubble, have both helped me be more bold about performing. In February, I’ll begin playing once a week with a small intermediate level ensemble (sort of lost in the herd of players) and I’m hoping that also helps mitigate the nervous jitters.
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I do not remember having a problem playing in front of an audience when I was a kid. I did play at one recital, that I recall.
Right now, that seems pretty much out of the question. Maybe in time, with several baby steps before hand, I could open up to playing in public again?
Seems we introverts should stick together... but allow those extroverts to help us be more open to new challenges and experiences. 
MACJR
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Oh, forgot to say, I have been researching silent electric violins.
I may settle for one of those cheap Cecilio EVs, but I might save a bit and get a mid-range one by someone else instead. The higher priced ones are out of my reach.
The mute will have to do for now, unless I put my plans of getting a viola on hold for a bit.
MACJR
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MACJR said
Oh, forgot to say, I have been researching silent electric violins.
I may settle for one of those cheap Cecilio EVs, but I might save a bit and get a mid-range one by someone else instead. The higher priced ones are out of my reach.
The mute will have to do for now, unless I put my plans of getting a viola on hold for a bit.
MACJR
A Cecilio EV was what I purchased. I was pretty satisfied with the instrument as a whole. The electronic voice isn’t impressive (I never turn it on), but the general quality of materials isn’t bad. As I mentioned, I had to do a little tweaking. The biggest drawback to the solid body is that there is virtually no tone or resonance to the instrument. The best part is that I leave the chinrest on it and never put it in the case (neither humidity or temperature effect it), so I can pick it and the bow up anytime the mood strikes and play. I like the spontaneity it affords.
It’s interesting you mentioned a viola. I bought an older one (West Coast Strings, Rosalia 15.5”) out of a pawn shop about a year ago. I took it to a luthier to have a new bridge put on and I replaced the strings. I love playing it. At first I was concerned that it would throw off my intonation with the violin, but that really hasn’t been the case. The biggest challenge has been switching clefs, although I often use the same fingering as I do for the violin. I love the deep sound… so pretty!
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@Rosco Welcome to the forum.
I have debilitating shyness and performance anxiety. I did do one live recital with an audience of 30, I was playing with a bunch of children. We played Twinkle and Scarborough Fair. I blanked out but I guess I played the whole time and okay. I don't remember though.
I have done some online live shows on street Jelly, the first year it was the same, blank out and play fast and completely not remember the songs. This past year I am able to play and even talk to the audience a little.
Still it plagues me. But I will always play and push myself a bit.
You are not alone. Enjoy your groups and activities and most of all Welcome to the forum, it is a pleasure to have you.
Cheers,
Toni
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Yes, I have been looking into the Alto Clef, but I have not dedicated much study time for it yet. I need to print out a few charts and study guides for this too. I plan to buy a magnetic whiteboard and hang that in my music area, and then post alto clef study guides there.
I could have used a whiteboard setup when I was first learning the treble clef too, but I managed to learn the notes without a whiteboard. I just used the refrigerator, my main computer desk, my backup computer station, and anywhere else I could set or stick a printout at.
I look forward to trying out a viola for the first time, after I buy one. Hopefully, soon.
MACJR
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Hey Rosco,
Welcome to the forum. How does it feel now after 3 years? Your feedback is very welcome for all the adult learners we have visiting this forum wondering if they are too old to learn.
Playing in an ensemble is relaxing, especially if you are not under pressure.
Next time you perform, try leaning forward. Attack mode rather than afraid mode.
Look forward to reading more of your posts.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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