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I've recently gotten it into my old brain that I want to learn to play the violin. I play guitar and piano and now want to add that beautiful instrument to my list. I've yet to buy a beginner violin (hoping to win the one here; did the Facebook "like" action) and am doing all the necessary homework needed to make an informed decision. Hope to make some buddies here.
I started at age 66 so there's lots of room here for you 
.
Besides you seem to have a head start with other instruments.
You will find a lot of good info here but from people who know more than I do.
However, I probably have made every possible mistake and survived so I guess that's knowledge of sorts !
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Very nice to hear sirzune,
You are entered twice now. You and everyone else that have done both options have at this point better than a 1% chance since there are 97 likes + 42 forum posters.
2/139 =1.4%
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I interviewed a guy who started playing the violin in his forties and loves it: READ THIS
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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this is nice... points for doing what you truly want regardless popular opinions... better follow your own heart than live with regrets.. define your life or others will define it for you... im at awe with people who have the courage to be true to themselves....
Hi. Congratulations on your desire to learn to play another instrument. I am 54 and recently started learning violin. Also picked up the ukulele and started playing it very recently. I think anyone should do this, especially at a more advanced age. IMHO this is what keeps you young. Learning to do new things, even complicated tasks, that keeps the brain well-lubed. Especially such a creative thing!
The other thing is that at our age, we know that life is short and we are in a position to have much more focused drive while learning. And we may just have more energy and time than younger learners.
Just go for it! You have my vote!
Love,
Tilly
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Right on Tilly. At age 47 I still feel young thanks to the wonders of music and being able to express myself within the wonderful world of music.
You are definitely not nut!
There's a Chinese saying, "One learns as he/she ages" meaning, one has a lot of room to learn new things regardless of age. My father-in-law learned to use a computer and internet at age 90! He might have some problem with the cursor because of his eyesight, otherwise, he did great!
Honorary tenured advisor
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Hey Sirzune ... If you're nuts, then so am I. I've recently taken up violin at age 54, I sincerely believe continuous learning will keep my brain alive (and hopefully the physical bits of me too). I plan to be still learning when I'm 90 ... wish me luck!
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.
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IMO, you guys are inspiring. Continuously learning. I love it. I hope I'm learning till I'm 90 +
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Welcome aboard Sirzune, I'm 51 and have never played any instrument before. There is no time like the present. You are never too old to start something new. Your age is only a number it's not who you are.
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I'm so happy to see others around my age who are starting to learn to play the violin. Some of my friends think that you have to begin as a small child in order to be a good player, but I think they're wrong. I'll be 61 in a couple of weeks, and I still feel like a kid. I just know I can learn!
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
Gail said:
... Some of my friends think that you have to begin as a small child in order to be a good player....
Yep, i was told that too. Because of that i hadn't start to play violin when i was 17 (my dad bought me a guitar instead 
) then i wanted to play violin in 20 and was talked out of.. again.. Then i stopped to listen and started play 
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The reason people say that is that so many start as children and not nearly as many start as adults. Also children have more time to devote to hobbies than adults with responsibilities and so forth. They are more flexible too.
I played with a professional that started when he was 19 that played fantastically. I have heard people play that started to play in their 50's that play great and love it. What they can't achieve usually are tough technical pieces like Paganini but what you do accomplish is up to you and how much devotion you have. Don't expect to learn over night. You could learn to play "Twinkle Twinkle" in a week without being unreasonable but it will talk a long time before it sounds great.
If you have bad physical problems such as very bad arthritis or that you cannot bend your fingers enough then you might be better off not trying to learn. It also depends on your goals.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Fiddlerman said:
If you have bad physical problems such as very bad arthritis or that you cannot bend your fingers enough then you might be better off not trying to learn. It also depends on your goals.
I have what my doctor describes as "severe" arthritis in both hands. They were painful all the time. I was convinced I could never play the violin again so I donated my old instrument to the local cultural center. They were starting up string lessons for beginners. The volunteer there, Kathleen, suggested that I try the cello. She thought that the more neutral position might help. So I've been taking cello lessons for about two months. I've been using one of those rubber grip strengtheners that you squeeze to make your hands stronger. Now my hands don't hurt anymore and my fingers are nimbler, so I've decided to pick up the violin again. I'll be getting my new Mendini MV500 sometime next week.
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
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Fantastic success story. I like that idea with the grip strengthener. Thanks for sharing that. Look forward to hearing how it goes.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I am using a grip strengthener also. I am 64 years old and have been playing for a month. I played in Schul (church), and I have two little girls who are going to bring their violins and begin practicing with me via Fiddlerman. So our ranks are growing. Our Worship director wants to get a violin and learn so.
I also have some arthritis but it doesn't hamper my playing at all. I hope you decide to join us and begin playing. With your music back ground I am sure you will have a decided advantage on the average beginner.
Shalom Shalom 
Honorary advisor
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It seems you are a tough man Gail! Good luck and happy fiddling days.
Gail said:
.. so I've decided to pick up the violin again. I'll be getting my new Mendini MV500 sometime next week.
BCShalom said:
I am using a grip strengthener also. I am 64 years old and have been playing for a month. I played in Schul (church), and I have two little girls who are going to bring their violins and begin practicing with me via Fiddlerman. So our ranks are growing. Our Worship director wants to get a violin and learn so.
I also have some arthritis but it doesn't hamper my playing at all. I hope you decide to join us and begin playing. With your music back ground I am sure you will have a decided advantage on the average beginner.
Shalom Shalom
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