an honest opinion please

[retromom]

Hi,
I've been looking for an honest opinion and I believe that this is the perfect medium for it :o I was thrilled to find a late bloomers section.
Here is my story ----- I love the sax {all music for that matter} and would absolutely love to play it however I don't read music, never played an instrument and I'm 50 years old :( . I want to be realistic in my expectations and I have never met anyone who started playing an instrument this late in life . Does any one think that it's a possibility and if so where would I even start? I would be pretty embarrassed to call a teacher and say i'm new to this but i'm 50 years old and I can't read a note!
This all began because my 10 year old daughter :oops: has absolutely no interest in playing the sax...we went the route of Violin and piano lessons and she seemed to be well on her way but it just didn't hold her interest { like it did mine} so I figured instead of nagging her maybe I could give it a try... I would really appreciate an HONEST opinion and I would really appreciate any thought or ideas you may have...for or against my idea :wink:

[cleger]

My situation is much like yours. Before I started learning to play the saxophone I couldn't read a note of music. I have been at it now for almost 4 months and I have progressed further than I thought would be possible. I still have a hell of a lot to learn but I can read music well enough to learn some tunes from sheet music. I'm even learning to improvise over chord changes which I didn't think I would be able to tackle before my 50's (I didn't say I was doing this well, but I am learning).

I think the most important thing is to find a good teacher. Ideally they should be someone with expertise in the music that you love. For me my passion is jazz and I was lucky to find a player who is well known as a jazz player and also as an experienced instructor.

I say if you have the desire to do this, the age is irrelevent. Go for it!

[Gandalfe]

There is a fellow in our community band who started bari sax four months ago. Last night in jazz band he played his first solo. If you want to do this any have a good work ethic, you will succeed beyond your wildest expectations. A good teacher should make it much easier and smoother.

Enjoy.

[kcp]

...I would be pretty embarrassed to call a teacher and say i'm new to this but i'm 50 years old and I can't read a note!

No. Really, there is no reason why you should feel embarrassed about that. :) Most people who begin learning to play an instrument for the first time, and regardless what age they are, don't know how to read music - Your teacher wouldn't expect you to know how to read music, but he will gladly teach you to, and other things too.

I think it's great that you decide to learn the saxophone. Ok so you are not likely to become a big time super-duper professional musician... but I don't think that's what you want - You just want to play for the pleasure, perhaps to be good enough to be able to join a comunity band someday and that's very OK :D - A lot of people do it. You know, you don't have to be a master-mind musician to enjoy playing music and to share that joy with others. You just need to have it inside your heart of wanting to do so. There is no age limit, no expiery date :wink:

Welcome abboard, you'll learn a lot here and meet lots of interesting people.

Cheers!! 8-)

[gary]

Go for it, retromom!

Do you really want to be asking yourself when you're sixty years old the same question, only to realize that you could've been playing sax and enjoying music for ten years already?

The day may come when you get a funny look or when you're frustrated with your progress, but by far and wide, you will recieve support and respect from practically all other musicians and hobbyists you'll be associating with.
Music is just such a wonderful hobby! :flower:

[Old Charlie]

Go for it!

I'm 58 and have wanted to play for most of my life. I finally started on Christmas and took my first lesson three weeks ago. I love it so much, I don't care what anybody thinks. And, to tell the truth, most of my friends think it is great that I'm going for it.

When I started I couldn't read a note, but the basic books seem to assume that we won't know and teach from that point.

My new instructor is really good at the basics and is teaching me well, but is also pushing me beyond what I think I can do. That makes me work all the harder to be ready for the next lesson -- which I can't wait for.

Again, GO FOR IT. We're behind you and with you all the way.

[fballatore]

Retromom -

Absolutely go for it!!

I'm 47, and just started lessons 4 weeks ago, and I'm having a ball! I did have a little head start in that I played piano and a little guitar (very little) when I was a kid, so I have a basic understanding of how to reaad music. I've been wanting to play the sax since I was in high school and heard the theme from the Pink Panther for the first time, and am kicking myself that I waited so long to do it.

I found a great instructor, and it's going really well. I've already started working on the Pink Panther, and I sound great! (If I do say so myself.)

Have fun.

Frank

[retromom]

Thank you so very much for the encouragment everyone...now where do I start? I will see if I can rent a sax and find a teacher but I was wondering if there are any books dvd's or cd's that I should get? Also what is "improvise cords" ?
I'm really excited and I love the support here
Thanks again
Retromom

[fballatore]

Hey Mom (mind if I call you Mom?) -

I thought about renting, but found rental rates at $35-50/month and decided to buy a used horn. You can find some really good buys on good used student horns for $300-600. I have a King Empire student alto in great shape that I'm selling if you're interested - email me if you are.

The best way to find a teacher is through word-of-mouth referral. Lacking that, if you have local music stores in your area, that's the second best way. They can recommend a teacher. If you can find a couple of teachers in your area, take a trial lesson with each. You can make your own decision then based on how you connect with each teacher. Don't be embarrassed!!! Both teachers that I tried out were thrilled to be working with an older student! The way that the teacher I decided to go with puts it, he knows that older students are motivated to learn, because they themselves made the decision to take up the sax. They didn't have parents pushing them into learning an instrument, and the late bloomers take lessons and practicing much more seriously. Old Charlie says that his lesson is the highlight of his week! (I don't know if I'd go wquite that far, but I really do look forward to my lessons and practice.)

As far as books go, there are literally hundreds of good books and DVDs out there. The first three on the list here are a good start - http://www.saxontheweb.net/Store/ . The Art of Saxophone Playing is a great resource that you'll refer to throughout your learning. Great exercises, discussions on the embouchure (that's the term for the formation of your lips, mouth, and the muscles of the mouth and jaw around the mouthpiece to produce tones), and much more. Also, go to the SOTW home page - http://www.saxontheweb.net/ , and down at the bottom, you'll find a number of articles that will be helpful. I also found the lessons and info on http://www.saxlessons.com/ helpful.

Go for it, and before you know it, you'll be playing some tunes!

Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions, beginner to beginner.

Frank

[Dave Dolson]

Retromom: Add my name to those who encourage you to do it. I've known a few "older" beginners and they are having fun learning their horns and music in general.

"Improvise chords?" You'll get it when you study music. I didn't see in any of these posts where you are located. I'll bet that someone here is near enough to you to give you some specific instructions on how to proceed (stores, sources, teachers, etc.). DAVE

[kcp]

Indeed, if you say where you are located possibly that someone here can reccommend a store and/or a teacher in your area and maybe someone experienced to try out horns for you at the store if you don't know anybody.

Some stores offer a "rent-to-buy" option on some of their horns - Ask about it, this could be a good alternative for you.

[retromom]

Again, thanks for all the support. I live in Pittsburgh Pa. ..actually i'm in the Eastern suburbs {Plum}I went to a local music store this morning but its a really small place and it was closed...From what I could see from the window there were no instruments in there :cry: How would I know what Sax I want to play? is Alto the standard one to start out with?
retromom

[Carl H.]

Alto is usually the easiest to start with as it is generally less expensive, uses a neck strap and weighs less than a tenor, and is easy to lug around to lessons - not as bulky as a cased tenor. Soprano is fussier for intonation and requires a bit more of a developed embouchure than most beginners are likely to have, as well as can be hard on the right thumb/hand if played without a neck strap. Bari's are just big.

No real reason why you can't start on any sax you choose. Pick whatever makes you happy.

[jazzbluescat]

I say if you have the desire to do this, the age is irrelevent. Go for it!

:!:

[alsdiego]

retromom,

You've come to the right place. Your journey will be much easier if you divide the task into manageable pieces. Be sure to set aside an hour or so each day for your own "personal" time when you can practice and learn.

Here are some phases to think about:

1. Beginner - GET A TEACHER - If you're motivated, it's perfectly realistic to expect that within 1-2 years, you can sight read music, have a reasonable tone, and be ready for the next level. It's possible to make amazing progress at this level if you're dedicated. Daily practice should be a part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.

2. Intermediate - begin building your technique with daily scale and arpeggio practice. Build your embouchure with long tones. Learn major scales and arpeggios. Practice ear training daily.

As you can see, before you can even think about things like improvisation, you need to build a basic competence on your horn, and a teacher can save you years of time. I've talked to a number of teachers about the "older student", and you'd be surprised what they think. They are generally delighted to have an older player because it's much easier to teach a mature person than an immature one! A friend of mine who's a high school band director referred to his job as "trying to herd cats." So you may be surprised at the support you get.

Best,

Al

[Dave Dolson]

retromom: Maybe someone near your area can help - I don't know your territory. You aren't all that far from some really good shops with lots of inventory but I'll let others closer to the scene guide you.

I agree with Carl H.'s comments AND alsdiego. The one thing that many beginners have a hard time grasping is the idea of transposing instruments - an alto is pitched in Eb (as are baritones, sopraninos, and contra-basses); sopranos, tenors and basses are pitched in Bb.

Now if you don't know anything about music, that may confuse you - for a while. And, if you don't understand the theory, then any saxophone you choose won't matter, except for the size of the thing. If you know something about music already, then maybe your choice of saxophones will be influenced by their voicing.

All in all, I'd say alto, too, but know that I started on a Bb soprano (as a teenager) because that's the horn that inspired me. Your choice!

I'm not one to think that rent-to-buy schemes are a good thing. Renting a saxophone to begin with is okay, but when it comes time to buy one, I think you are better off to buy outside of the rental agreement AND upgrade from the quality of rental horns. That can all be sorted out in time, though. DAVE

[retromom]

[quote

I agree with Carl H.'s comments AND alsdiego. The one thing that many beginners have a hard time grasping is the idea of transposing instruments - an alto is pitched in Eb (as are baritones, sopraninos, and contra-basses); sopranos, tenors and basses are pitched in Bb.

Now if you don't know anything about music, that may confuse you - . DAVE[/quote]


Unfortunatly I know absolutely nothing about music Dave, especially Eb or Bb.---- there must be somewhere on the web where I can learn at least what those mean :?: :?: :?:
For those of you who started from scratch what do you think the amount of time was until you were able to pull the sax out without being embarrased {even to practice when someome else was home :P and then how long before you could actually play a song that was recognizable?
My daughter has a key board, is there any room for learning there? I wouldn't even know where to start there. and apparently her teaching skills haven't kicked in yet :wink:

[Dave Dolson]

retromom: There are a myriad of sources for basic music theory - an Internet site(s), the public library, a teacher. I don't know of any specific sources, though. Someone here may be able to list one or more sites on the 'net.

Music stores with written music and study-books could help you there. Probably any basic text could give you some info. A local community college may have music-theory courses for beginners

Yes, a keyboard could help you in that regard. You could sit down at that keyboard and listen to various notes as you press the keys and even teach yourself some scales (the old do-re-me thing). Best bet - get a teacher and a saxophone and get started. DAVE

[tensopbass]

Retromom, I'm sure that if I'd found SOTW when I first started I would not have fallen into the usual traps (cheap horn etc) but there's also a wonderful optomism that comes with naivity. The sax is so hard, nine fingers to play one note, trying to juggle embouchure, reading charts, working in non-concert keys, not being able to workout with guitarists(damn C# and F#keys!) and making a sound that bear's little relationship to what the audience hears.
I took it up as a millenium resolution at the age of 53. I still won't perform in front of anybody I know, but I like bebop, not "excerpts from the Nutcracker" so I've set the bar high.
Suggestions; play the type of horn you like to hear. Buy the best horn your money can buy. Get a teacher who likes the style of music you want to play. Join a group that has adults in it, if only for sympathy!
nicko

[Old Charlie]

retromom,

For those of you who started from scratch what do you think the amount of time was until you were able to pull the sax out without being embarrased {even to practice when someome else was home :razz:
and then how long before you could actually play a song that was recognizable?

The first thing I did after getting a working sax was to buy a beginner's method book. The one I like best is Essential Elements for Eb (E flat) Alto Saxophone, Book 1. I started at page one and blew the notes. It only took a couple of weeks to learn enough to play the basic tunes, usually only one or two lines of a song.

The embarrasment went away for me at about two weeks, when my embouchure began to develop and I quit squeeking and squawking (mostly). :( :roll:

Where I really made progress though, as has been repeated above several times, is when I got a teacher. They tend to push your limits, sometimes really hard. This forum and the Search feature has also been an enlightening experience.

I hope this helps. I am only about six weeks ahead of you and if I can do it, you can too. :thumbrig: :)

[fballatore]

Retromom -

In addition to the other advice given here regarding ease of play, cost, etc, the other considerations in choosing which sax to start with is knowing what tunes you'd like to be able to play. You may find that your favorite music is played on an alto, or it might be otherwise. In my opinion, if you're learning and playing tunes that you recognize and like, that will make it all the more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the fingerings are basically the same for the different saxes, so if you learn on one, it will be fairly easy to move on to one of the others.

Frank

[Mike_K]

retromom,

Another “go for it” here!

I know it seems overwhelming to read all of this – there is so much to learn. But it helps to realize two things – 1) with music, you will always be learning and 2) you don’t have to worry about learning it all at once. In time you will learn about things like arpeggios and improvising over chords.

As far as deciding on which sax to go with – it might be helpful to have your sax teacher (once you find him/her) show you and play for you the different horns – or if you can find a music store that sells saxes, you might be lucky enough to find a sales person who can do the same. Just holding and listening to each should help you decide which one you want to play. The good thing is that just because you choose one now doesn’t mean you can’t switch later on.

Just an idea – but one thing that you can do today to get started on your journey – as you’re looking for teachers and horns, is to get a recorder (soprano) and a “learn to play recorder” book. Most music stores (and the Barnes and Nobel type book stores) sell a recorder and book bundle for less than $10. My thought is that you can start learning the very basics on your own. Before you do anything you need to learn about notes – whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc.; grouping of notes, e.g. keeping time and beats in a measure; the treble clef and the notes on the staff (you’ve probably heard of a mnemonic that goes something like “Every Good Boy Does Fine” – you can learn what that means); scales – do ra me; and it won’t take long to learn to play notes and simple songs on the recorder. As a bonus, the basic fingerings of a recorder are very similar to a sax. You can learn this with your daughter’s keyboard as well – chances are she has a beginning level book that covers the staff and notes and beats and measures.

Good Luck!

[fballatore]

Unfortunatly I know absolutely nothing about music Dave, especially Eb or Bb.---- there must be somewhere on the web where I can learn at least what those mean :?: :?: :?:
For those of you who started from scratch what do you think the amount of time was until you were able to pull the sax out without being embarrased {even to practice when someome else was home :P and then how long before you could actually play a song that was recognizable?

Retromom -

Here are a few links that were helpful to me when I first started.

http://www.saxophone.org/buyersguide/2.html

http://bands.army.mil/masterclass/tusafb/jun2001/sax_basics.htm

http://www.petethomas.co.uk/saxophone-practice.html

I also found the Saxophone Tipbook helpful. You can find it here:

http://www.tipbook.com/usa/index2.asp

As far as being able to play recognizable tunes and not being embarrassed to play in front of others, I don't know if I'm typical, but after 4 lessons, I can play the theme from the Pink Panther and Strangers in the Night reasonably well. I played both for my wife all the way through a couple of nights ago, and she was impressed. She told me I sounded better after 4 weeks on the sax than my teenage son sounded after a year on the bass clarinet!! (I hope my son doesn't read this!)

Frank

[johnsax]

Retromom,

I say DIG IN! You are way too worried about this music reading thing. Your goal is to make music PERIOD. Music notation is just a tool for keeping a record of musical sounds and rhythms on paper. Nothing magical there at all. Making music is about getting beautiful sounds out of your instrument NOT about Eb's and Bb's and C#'s or dotted eighth notes!

The first thing you need to do is get an instructor. This is very important. Your satisfaction and progress will be much greater if you can find an enthusiastic teacher who is experienced in teaching adults. He or she will get you making sounds and exploring music. Just about every beginner book on any instrument that I've ever seen assumes that the student DOESN'T know how to read music. Also, your instructor will likely have worked with beginners who don't know how to read music.

Are you too old to take up sax at 50? The question itself should be banned from your mouth. It seems to concern you that you don't know anyone who's taken up an instrument at age 50. Well I know for a fact that lots of people have but what difference would it make if you were the first person in the universe to do so? The only thing you should be asking yourself is, "Is this going to be fun?" Personally, I think it's going to be a great adventure for you. Music is truly one of the great pleasures in life and to be able to make your own is sublime. If you love it and you're motivated, you will get to a level that will please you.

Is there a particular saxophonist that you love? If so, why not find out what type of sax he or she plays and take up that type (soprano, alto, tenor even baritone if don't mind lugging one of those monsters around). People have opinions about what kind of sax beginners should start with but I'm certain no studies have ever been done to validate those opinions!

Talk about a late bloomer, I took up surfing at 35, alto sax at 45, fatherhood and a new career in academia at 46. Who knows WHAT I'll be taking up in 3 years at age 50. Good luck and happy music making!

John

[alexh]

I used to have a great sax teacher (he was from Texas 8-) ) who always told his students: "get your a** in the practice room- and don't come out!!!"

IMO, a great part of the rumors about older people having difficulties with learning how to play is because, simply speaking, elderly people don't work hard enough on that matter (I suppose, they have lots of other things to do? Dunno).

So, retromum, do as the old guy from Texas said and--- enjoy!!! :D

[gary]

...a great part of the rumors about older people having difficulties with learning how to play is because...elderly people don't work hard enough on that matter...
I can't quite agree with that. All you have to do is teach kids to see how just how unfocused they can be while mature people have a greater ability to focus. I think it really gets down to the individual and not much more than that.

By the way alex, er harumph, 50 is not elderly! :Rant:

[retromom]

Good for you John, That was such an inspiring post. I took up "motherhood" at 41 and went from Clinical nursing to academic nursing at age 40 JUST imagine what 60 will bring for me :lol:
I am so motivated to do this, I really can't sing at all { my daughter thinks I can :D } but I still love it and I believe that music of any sort is the universal language.
thanks
Vicki

[alexh]

All you have to do is teach kids to see how just how unfocused they can be while mature people have a greater ability to focus. I think it really gets down to the individual and not much more than that.


Hi Gary,

I totally agree with that, it doesn't contradict what I was trying to say... maybe I didn't express myself clearly enough :roll:

What I wanted to say is that it depends on how much you practice (and how much talent you have) rather than on how old you are.

Therefore I'll see to getting my a** in the practice room quickly! :glasses7:

[rcwjd]

Hello

I kind of hang out in the corners and listen in on this thread. Here are my suggestions for retromom which are worth about a $1.60 if you add them to a grand vente from Starbucks.

1. I've changed careers at least three times (the last after I was 45) so age is not an issue.

2. Get yourself a good instrument in good repair and go for it. I am going to run a bit counter here and suggest the tenor to you. Try it and I think you will see why.

3. You can learn the basic fingerings in about an hour. Then you can spend the rest of your life trying to make them work. :lol:

4. After you learn the fingerings from G in the staff to C above, pick one tune, say Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars. Play the basic melody (you can pick it out by ear - start with G in the staff (three fingers down on left hand) and go to D (3 fingers down on each hand with octave key depressed). Your ears will lead you to the rest. Once you get that going - then try variations on the theme (also called improvising or playing the changes to the cool cats :wink: ).

5. Visit us over at the member recordings thread and check out some of the players posting there. At least two of them have been playing less than a year. See if you can figure out who.

6. Have fun.

[johnsax]

So Retromom,

It appears that you're no stranger to life changes! Taking up the sax will be a snap for you. By the way, I can't sing at all either. I was very concerned about this when I took up sax thinking that as a wind instrument, there would be some crossover with singing.

I was worried enough to mention this to my instructor and he just laughed saying there was no correlation between singing skill and the ability to play a wind instrument of any type. I'm happy to say that I've since found him to be right. My terrible voice hasn't seemed to slow down my alto sax progress.

I still can't sing!

John

[BruceW]

I was very happy to see all the positive responses to RetroMom. After all...what other answer could there possibly be?

You know, one of the best advertisments I've ever seen was from Yamaha (I think). It's a great way to look at most things in life. The ad was a newspaper print ad of a grand piano, closed. The print said "I never learned to play piano because it takes 10 years to learn. Ironically, I said that 10 years ago."

It must have been 20 years ago since I've seen that ad but I still think about it.

Take care...
Bruce

[John Holifield]

I saw a news story years ago about this guy who loved jazz and always wanted to play the trumpet like Doc Severinson, mind you this guy had the career, wife, kids, house etc., but in his mid 50's he finally bought a trumpet, started playing it and I'm not sure what the circumstances were but he ended up performeing live with Doc. I have a not so spectacular but similar story myself, so who knows, dare to dream and then go for it.

[CluelessEPA]

Retromom,
Haven't seen a post in awhile. Believe that there are many, many more of us out here (whom you haven't heard from) who are also rooting for you.
We would love to hear that you have acquired an instrument and are well on your way.
Myself -- I dusted my tenor off (at age 55) after a 20 year hiatus, and I've had more fun the last few years than I ever had.

[alsdiego]

What wonderful stories! I for one refuse to believe that age has much at all to do with how far you can go in music (although I do believe, which no supporting evidence whatsoever, that ear training is easier at 6 than at 60).... we all go through phases... for some each phase might require a different amount of time, but absolutely everyone passes through these phases:

1. Beginner - develops basis sight reading skills, tone, and technique. Some people are quite accomplished after 2-3 years of this basic work.

2. Intermediate - learns basic music theory, and memorizes commonly used scales and arpeggios while still developing tone and technique. Begins learning a number of tunes. This may take 2 years or more.

3. Advanced Intermediate - transcribes solos by ear, begins to develop a personal style, picks up gigs whenever and wherever. This may take another couple of years.

4. Advanced - "sheds" 5 or more hours a day for several years. Develops the ability to play what's "heard" in the head. Gigs regularly. This basically lasts forever!

Comments welcome.

Al

[retromom]

Hi Cluless,
I just happened to come upon your post. I'm sorry I didn't see it before.
Anyhow, I started my lessons in the middle of Feb. and i'm having a blast. I'm starting to play some tunes and I love it. I rented a Selmer student sax but i'm seroiusly thinking about looking into buying one.
I just had a lesson tonight and I should be starting my second book next week. I can't say that there aren't some frustrating times but never enough to discourage me. I actually find it very relaxing and enjoyable.
How is everything going for you now that you dusted off your tenor? :)
John,
Please share your similar story.

[Bud]

I simply wish to add a word of encouragement to you to continue with your sax plans full speed. I am 80 years old and while I have been a musician most of my life, I must tell you that nothing has been more pleasure to me than being able to play music. I am now retired and play saxophone purely for my own enjoyment but I still have music goals and am just as enthusiastically pursuing those goals as if I were 30. You must take full advantage of the time you have to do something truly significant in your life and nothing will add more to your life than the ability to play music.

[brassnaked]

Retromom:
For what it's worth, I didn't start saxophone until I was 52 years old! That was 2 years ago and I can't even begin to describe not only the sheer joy of playing(even if it's only for me), but I do get a chance every so often to play with my church's Praise & Worship team too. I live to play and I play to live...I know...sounds kinda corny but stick with it and you'll see and HEAR the joy it will bring to YOU, if no one else! I commend you for taking a HUGE step and going for it. I'm so glad that I did. I'm sure you will be too!

[Greyduster]

I believe that lester Young's father thre him out ofhis band because his reading wasn't up to scratch.
I really wish I could not read music as well as Lester Young couldn't read music........if you see what I mean

[Doctormyeyes]

When I was in fourth grade, the coolest kid in the class got up and played clarinet. I figured I was too old, because, after all, he'd been playing since second grade.

Think about all those talented players you've heard who are in their early twenties, many of whom have been playing for about 10 years. If you start now, there's no reason you can't be just as good in 10 years, and hopefully you've got a lot longer to live than that.

There's a big advantage to studying as an adult. You know what the music is supposed to sound like. Most kids don't have a clue. Also, I don't believe that kids learn any faster or better than adults. They just usually have more time to practice. If you put in the time, however, and have a love for music and even just an average ear, the rewards will be well worth it.

I'm 55, playing sax for only a year (did play other instruments my whole life, however) and am already playing credible versions of Parker tunes. No one suspects I'm a beginner till I tell them.

Go for it!

[Nobby Keys]

As long as you have a dream and that dream is to play sax to the best of your ability, then age should not be a barrier.

Looking on this forum alone will give you many many good pointers, (what a great place to start).

Just be patient, your sound and ability to play what you want will take time, maybe a long time. Try to improve little step by little step and be encouraged by your progress.

I've been playing 35+ years and still feel that I have so much to learn, strangely enough I keep going back to the basics.

Best of luck

[ian g]

Hi, like you I am a 50 year old 'late starter'.Go for it-I picked up one of the instructional DVDs and within one hour I could read and play a few notes and i've never read music before! Okay I know it will get a lot harder as I go on but what a buzz :D :D Stick to it, there are lots of us newbies playing along with you. ian g

[Keith Ridenhour]

Retro, if you have the time (half hour a day to start with) and the discpline to practice everyday you will be very surprised a couple of years from now. A good local teacher is a must also but really, go for it. You may not sound like "the record" but few of us do. And hopefully you'll have something that you really enjoy doing for the rest of your life. K

[zmzmzm]

retromom,

i was really thrilled to see your post. i am a 40 yo mom, who has decided that i want to learn to play the alto. many years ago, maybe when i was 10-12, my parents made me take piano lessons. i took them for a year or two, but quit because of the such high expectations my parents put on me. i just wasn't into it. i also played the trumpet for a year in middle school.

since that time, i have not touched a musical instrument until i talked my son into trying the trumpet for 6th grade middle school. he has been with it for 3 years now and i, at least, have enjoyed every minute of it!!

anyway, there has been a lot of advice given to you, that i myself will be following. i have my first lesson tomorrow evening! i'm so looking forward to it! i have remembered a little bit, as i can read some of the music, it's just getting those darn fingerings correct.

lots of luck, keep us posted on your progress, as will i.

later,karen.

[cleger]

i have my first lesson tomorrow evening! i'm so looking forward to it! i have remembered a little bit, as i can read some of the music, it's just getting those darn fingerings correct.

lots of luck, keep us posted on your progress, as will i.

later,karen.


Great news! Glad you found your way to this site and that you have taken the plunge. Welcome and hope to hear more of your progress.

[retromom]

retromom,
there has been a lot of advice given to you, that i myself will be following. i have my first lesson tomorrow evening! i'm so looking forward to it! i have remembered a little bit, as i can read some of the music, it's just getting those darn fingerings correct.

lots of luck, keep us posted on your progress, as will i.

later,karen.



Thank you and best of luck to you Karen. Welcome to the site, the information and patience here are unreal--- Everyone has been so helpfull and believe me I have had a ton of questions. :o
Not only have I never played a musical instrument, I didn't know how to read ANY music when I started in mid Feb.
I'm having a great time, this Thursday will be my 7th or 8th lesson and I truly look foreward to them each week. I drag my ten year old with me to see if I can spark and interest but it just isn't happening yet :( .
She seemed to be inherently good at the piano but she gave that up for now. :x same thing with the Violin.
Good luck and please keep us posted and up to date.

Vicki


PS when I say that my daughter seems to be inherently good at picking up music I don't mean to sound trite, we adopted her so all the glory belongs to her biological parents not us ;)