For those of you who are not 7 years old and still dreaming of learning how to play the violin, piano or any other instrument,there’s hope! I would love to share with you an inspiring article I found In the Morris Daily Herald about a couple, Karin and Jim Facko, who, late in their lives, find joy in entertaining others with their instruments, but in particular about Jim.
Though Karin has been performing since she was a child, that was not the case with Jim who started his music career much later, at Karin’s urging. He not only learned piano as an adult, but also learned how to play the violin. What he said stands true today:
“It’s never too late to learn to play music,” Jim said. “Many people think they can’t learn as an adult, but they can – I did.”
I was especially amused, and impressed, to read how they were asked if they could play dueling piano – so, being the go-getters that they are, they took it on, with a LOT of practice, and even added a drummer to their act.
Though Jim did have his wife as encourager and inspiration, I realize we don’t all have such support. I, myself, am a late bloomer musician. I love the accordion and acquired one, but never had lessons on it. After my fifth child was born, I decided to find an accordion instructor (not easy!) and take real lessons. I did locate one and in between working multiple jobs and raising five children, managed to make enough time to allow me to learn to play decently and even out on some paying gigs. I, too, wanted to learn how to play the violin and pursued that too. I now play the violin in our local church orchestra.
So, I encourage everyone who has a desire to play violin, or any other instrument, to follow their dream!
If you are even the least bit interested in learning how to play the violin but have no instructor yet, or are not living near one, or maybe you don’t want to invest immediately in expensive lessons until you get a feel for if you will like to play, then I highly recommend your getting The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Book 1 with CD. The author comes from a highly reputable background of extensive training in the violin. It’s a great way to get your feet wet, to see if it’s for you, without putting out a lot of money. If you are not a beginner, but intermediate, then you will love her Book 2 with CD for intermediates. Both are in Amazon and have a 5 Star rating!
You can read the whole story on Karin and Jim here
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Thanks for your efforts! I’m also an adult violin learner. Although I have experience playing piano since I was young, violin is new for me and very difficult so far! However, I’m up for the challenge and I will be logging my progress on my blog. Feel free to check it out: http://junipersbrow.blogspot.com/
ecalpon1 – thanks for your encouraging comment. Being a late-bloomer myself in music, I give you a lot of credit for your desire to learn. I’ve heard a lot of women at work say they wouldn’t know what to do if they quit and stayed home from work! I know what I would do! There is soooo much to do and learn. I would never be bored! I think we both feel the same. I enjoyed your blog and especially the video with the little girl watching the violinist. I wish you the very best with learning violin. Stick with it and you will be glad. Check back once in awhile. My blog is new, but soon I hope to have some meaty information on the very, very basics of violin playing, how to choose the right violin, reading notes, etc. My husband, who played violin professionally, will be providing the information. He is extremely knowledgeable. We hope then to go on to intermediate and advanced playing.
Learning how to play the violin is a fantastic hobby that I would suggest everyone try! The music is just so beautiful. It can be kind of hard to master, but with enough practice, anyone can be amazing at it.
It is never too late to start. There are ways to learn How to play the violin and improve at the own pace. It is definitively worth a try and needs some long term commitment.
Great article i have also written about being a late bloomer musician at my blog
I think that is the greatest thing about starting to learn the violin is that you can never be too old! Music all together is that way. My father in law is almost 60 and he recently took quite a liking to the guitar. My aunt who is over 50 is starting to learn the violin as she was inspired by a twelve year old! This is what makes music great! Very nice blog!
I think that is the greatest thing about starting to learn the violin is that you can never be too old! Music all together is that way. My father in law is almost 60 and he recently took quite a liking to the guitar. My aunt who is over 50 is starting to learn the violin as she was inspired by a twelve year old! This is what makes music great! Very nice blog!
I agree that its never too late – recently I came across a 68 year old man who has, for the first time ever, picked up a violin. And he loves it!
Thanks for posting this encouraging article.
It is definitely tough trying to learn the violin. But I agree, it’s never too late even if you think you’re way past the learning age.
II’m the one asking about learning to play the violin, at 50 year old women I’m in Irvine California any suggestion on a place for lesson around here?
Hi Sue,
Glad to hear from you and I think it’s GREAT that you have a desire to play. I am presently living in OH but was born and raised in CA and have contacts out there so I will be glad to check things out to see if I can find a good recommendation for you. One of my sons, who is also a violinist, is presently visiting out there with his wife. He will only be there a couple more days, but I will email him to see if he can check out some of his contacts.
Sue, will be emailing you shortly. Diane
Thanks for the encouraging article!! There are many
instructional DVD’s which are of great help to learn how to play violin.
Many of the pupils are over 50 and make the best students.
Sue,
I tried violin a little bit….it’s pretty hard. Guitar is a lot easier…at least for me. I’m impressed you’re thinking of taking up an instrument! Music can bring back lots of memories.
I read your method so i agree . I want to say if you want to success and you learn than you step to step .
Excellent article. I definitely appreciate this site. Thanks for this violin lessons.