suliman on 16/3/2008 at 20:28
Starting to play the violin at the age of 18, more correctly. Without any practical knowledge at music whatsoever. Hell, I wasn't even into music in general until, like, a year ago. Is it even possible?
You see, my eighteenth birthday just came up, and seeing as I am facing a five-month period of doing nothing between school and the IDF enlistment and am lacking any real hobbies(I just can't seem to get into video games lately, too lazy to get a job, and watching two films a day can literally drive me insane), I considered getting violin lessons as my birthday gift, and, if things turn out well, a violin too. Now, the question is, should I even waste my time on it, or is it already too late for me?:(
Gingerbread Man on 16/3/2008 at 20:49
The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.
The second best time to plant a tree is right now.
Koki on 16/3/2008 at 21:18
Well unless you don't grow arms in the Israel untill you hit 30, I don't think you're limited by how old you are.
suliman on 16/3/2008 at 21:27
i already have hands you anti semite
Seriously now(No, really, I DO have hands)- isn't it a whole lot harder to learn this sort of things when you're older? I mean, every single guy I checked about already performed with the Berlin Philharmonic or whatever at my age. I guess I'll at least take a few lessons to try it out, but that's pretty discouraging.
theBlackman on 16/3/2008 at 22:02
You can be 90 and still learn an instrument. Look at it this way, what the hell are you going to do with your time anyway.
Learn the Violin, or anything else you want. You don't have to feel that you are too old at 18.
It might take you 10 years to become Itsak Perlman, but what the hell. 20 minutes every other day, and you might be the next concert star.
Repetition in even short stretches is more productive over time than long periods.
Initially, try for a 10 to 20 minute session. As you get more used to the instrument you can go longer, but 20 minutes a day, or twice a week, is better than 1 hour a week. Your muscles (fingers) learn by repetition. It won't take long for your fingers to "remember" where to go and you won't have to think about it.
I started playing at 20. I'm still playing and improving and learning. Have fun and, unless you play a career as a concert musician, ignore those "expert" orchestra players.
Ben Gunn on 16/3/2008 at 22:08
The violin is a tough mother fucker, there is a reason why most ppl go for the guitar or the mandolin. I dont want to discourage you but you're chances of becoming the next Yehudi Menuhin are close to nil.
That said, I dont see a reason not to give it a go- if you really want it, just practice, rinse and repeat, you'll get somewhere for sure. Your neighbours will want to murder you in cold blood. Just remind them you could have bought the drums.. or a bagpipe.
aguywhoplaysthief on 17/3/2008 at 01:23
Often times the value of something is not in the result, but in the process.
Jennie&Tim on 17/3/2008 at 01:48
Go for it, you aren't likely to hurt yourself; and perhaps you'll find a source of personal pleasure.
Myself, with five months to myself I'd bury myself in a library; but that's my pleasure.
Tocky on 17/3/2008 at 04:33
The pleasure is in being able to play a piece you enjoy. The process on a violin is a completely unforgiving bitch however, so start with simple tunes you like. Be careful not to overstretch your strings or it will be nearly impossible to hold the correct note. Microtune with the little knobs at the bottom when you are near and you can get them near with an electronic tuner but your own ear is the best judge. Tablature is next to nonexistent unless you want to play Christmas tunes which aren't a bad place to start anyway. Don't expect any Bach tablature for certain.
The good part is you can scare cats easy.
scumble on 17/3/2008 at 10:16
Well, I'm nearly 30 and picking up on the guitar again. Most of what matters is the desire to make music. Even simple music can be a joy to play when you're starting out. I think the best musicians just happened to find out early that they had a passion for it.
