Am I Too Old To Learn Violin? NO! Advice for Adult Beginners

[@richardabbott7135]

I started violin when I was 70, and I'm 75 now. As I get older, my memory is getting poor, but in spite of that, I've made progress, and am currently working on Becker Gavotte in Suzuki book 3. Learning the violin is very challenging, but it's also very fun, and there is nothing I'd rather do. If you are on the fence about starting, my advice is to go for it.

[@winnymm6136]

The violin will keep your memory healthy for sure!

[@MartinPodholaMlok]

go for it and enjoy it!

[@perlaursen1885]

I just started. Im 73. Have only played guitar for 60 years, but never the violin. Lot of teachers on the tube. If you dont go well with one, just choose another. Per 😎in 🇩🇰

[@Pteromandias]

Damn! I thought I was too late in my 40s. Thanks for the hopeful note.

[@edmcwv]

In December I turn 77 yrs old and just started violin lessons two weeks ago. I have already started looking for a second violin.

[@terrytombaugh3253]

From my perspective you are right on in every respect. I started learning the banjo at age 25, and still play it. I started learning the mandolin at age 70 and still play it. I started learning the violin almost 3 years ago at age.....wait for it....82 !, and still play it. The most challenging for sure, but so very versatile. Your site is invaluable. 👍

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

I love this! Never too late to learn anything! I'm so glad you find my site helpful. I hope it's inspiring for people to keep learning violin. The funny thing is, comments like yours are what inspire me to keep teaching. Thank you!

[@junetaylor5098]

Oh I want to cry. I started playing at 25, just before my 26th birthday. I pretty much instantly fell in love and decided, that I will become a professional violinist. Well I am graduating from musicology and pedagogy this year and then go to the university of music. Maybe not a professional Solist, but definitely a professional violinist to be. The first 2-3 years were very, very hard. Alexander technique helped so much. I can’t stress enough how helpful that is. Especially if you feel tense on a daily basis anyways. I still want to study violin as an instrument at music university and I will not give up. The music world needs to change and I need to be a violinist. I just can’t breath or life without playing, there is no other way. And just as you said, I won’t Listen to anyone, who says I will not make it.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

That's so wonderful to hear! Congratulations. Alexander technique is wonderful too!

[@tanyapmpsky]

Wow so inspiring! Way to go!!! I learned violin when growing up in Ukraine and now as 40 year old I need to start over as the only thing I remember is how to hold it correctly 😅

[@SandraSkokal]

59! Three years ago. My COVID project

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Awesome! Keep it up!

[@robl5455]

"The violin is just learning a skill...times a million". I love that. I'm 62 and have been playing for almost three years and so much of what you said applies to me. I've played the guitar since I was a teenager so I know a little about music and theory, I'm very analytical, and I listen to tons of music, including the Beethoven concerto, which is my favorite. I also compare myself to others and get frustrated at my progress. But I'll never quit. It's such a beautiful instrument.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Yes! I think your last statement is the key to sticking with it. Just committing to not quitting is a winning a big battle!

[@theresac7366]

I played viola 50 years ago and am learning the violin; just received my new violin from Fiddlershop. I learned to play the harp when I was 63 and am now 65. Never too late to learn.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Wonderful! I totally agree! Best of luck with your new violin!

[@sheev11]

I started 3 years ago. I will turn 76 next week. I am a slow learner but I am happy with how I am doing. But I am lucky to have a good teacher and a great support group.

[@miffynair5157]

This video motivated me as an 18 year old who’s really interested in violin! It’s been so long since I’ve played an instrument and I have absolutely no experience with violin but I’m so ready for the challenge so, thank you :)

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

That's wonderful! I hope you take it up. I have many students who never had any other experience with music. It's do-able!

[@Trantice99]

I've fallen in love with the violin at 42, and I just bought my first beginner violin from Fiddlershop. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life learning and doing my best to become better and better at the instrument!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

I love that attitude! With that mindset you can achieve a lot!

[@sombraenlaluna]

How's it going so far?

[@EudoraPrice]

❤❤❤100%Totally agree so glad I follow my Dream not listening to negative People.Its workkng well especially if you are a musician Singer already

[@1nonlycricket]

Thank you! I am returning to the violin after 40 years and this video was so encouraging!!!

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

This is very encouraging. I have been taking lessons for 8 years, I am an older adult learner. Great thoughts, thank you!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

You're welcome! Glad it helps!

[@live4only472]

I started playing at 9 and played obsessively until 15. I'm 40 now and am picking it back up. Was super disappointed I couldn't just sound like I did then. I almost just put it away but w in the last 2 weeks my music reading has come back as 2nd nature so my bowing is what I'm working at getting back. This video is comforting lol.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Glad it helps! I can understand how frustrating it can be, but keep it up and you'll get over that hump!

[@jamikoehl4275]

Thank you, Lora, for your encouragement and clear thinking on this question we often ask ourselves before taking a leap like this!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

You're so welcome!

[@Jifmona]

This was just what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much! I am an adult beginner 1 1/2 months into learning. I practice everyday so far, taking breaks every once in a while and sometimes I can't tell if I am making progress. I am also guilty of comparing my journey and learning to others on youtube. I love the violin and I hope one day my passion shows in my playing. Thank you for your educational videos and this encouragement!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

You're very welcome! Glad it helps. Stick with it, it's definitely worth it!

[@dennismcconnell7057]

About to turn 60 I have been getting frustrated. With the arthritis in my neck I keep wondering if I can do it but I have a tremendous desire the play so I push through the pain hoping it will get better. I’ve also been frustrated with the problem of a bouncy bow. I thought after 4 months I would think it would be gone by now. Thank goodness for your zoom lessons last weekend. After a few days of doing the exercises you taught us and I can finally see a huge improvement. To get rid of the bouncy bow make it bounce on purpose. Who would have thunk it 😊. Thanks again, really appreciate it.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Awesome! This makes me so happy to know it's helping with the bouncy bow!

[@M_SC]

I improved my bouncy bow a lot with no effort! My teacher lent me old bow, that’s how. Maybe you have a crappy bow like I did

[@KimberlyAndrews-g8s]

Hi Laura, I wanted to learn at a young age but we couldn’t afford it and there was no one around to teach it. I am now 50 years old and I got my violin for Christmas last year. There’s still no one here that knows how to play so I’m pretty much on my own. I’m glad I found your site. I’ve gained a lot of insight and encouragement from you so far. I’m not in a rush to learn. I have the rest of my life, to practice and if I only learned twinkle, twinkle little star, I’ll be happy with this, but I do hope to learn more. Thanks ❤

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

So glad you picked up the violin!

[@KimberlyAndrews-g8s]

Me too😊

[@billyliar]

I'm 61 and started learning the violin in January this year (2023) and I absolutely love it. I have a great teacher, she as the patience of a saint, especially with my Bouncing Bow and wondering Bow problems lol. Thankfully I'm getting through it now, and I'm enjoying every lesson.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Wonderful! It's great to find a good teacher. Yes, you will get over those initial bow frustrations with good practice!

[@LittleDreamer1412]

I started at 28 😘 Has been 1,5 years now and am nearly finished with Suzuki Book 2.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Awesome! Keep it up. It's worth it!

[@joselinraj156]

Even me too just started Suzuki second volume very recently

[@katieb9312]

That’s amazing thank you so much. I’m 40 😊

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

You're welcome!

[@alainayoub1289]

Thank you for this video. Very clear and informative. 🙏 🎻

[@dcorrette]

I am a classic baby boomer and I have been teaching myself with my daughter's violin lesson books, watching Andre Rieu and the :Lawrence Welk show when they focus on the violin section or a certain person who plays beautifully. I observe and I work at it. I got the violin bug by watching Michael Landon "playing " the violin portraying the real Charles Ingalls on Little HOuse on the Pririe. says Judy Corrette

[@MartinPodholaMlok]

I totally agree with you! I started violin at 33, now I am 39. But I have music background, I studied high school jazz rock guitar. So I know theory and music reading and also string instrument left hand and I also have trained hearing (not perfect pitch but very close to). So starting violin was relatively easy. I was also teaching guitar for years, so I am able to progress well during teacher visits which is not so often for me. My further progress is slower, but I am happy with it and I enjoy practicing and playing. And yes, a lots of small children years are torturing with so little progress (I have 2 children, older one is seven and she wants to start playing piano this year).

[@metal1846]

Same bro. I also learn music theory through piano and guitar and when I lay hands on a violin, I never thought I couldn't learn easily but I did, I already make progress in just a month.

[@MartinPodholaMlok]

@@metal1846 That is great! Lets enjoy it, it is so great to play violin :)

[@joselinraj156]

I started learning violin 🎻 when I was 39

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Wonderful!

[@guerlaavilus]

Thank you . I needed this encouragement. I brought a membership , so many resources . ❤

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Thank you so much and I'm so glad you found the encouragement helpful and that you are enjoying the studio!

[@niloofarabi2762]

Perfect 👌🏻 loved your video 😻 it was so informative , you are a real musician ❤❤❤ Your video really helped me, bless you and thank you so much 🙏🏻💐🌹

[@mement0_m0ri]

I just turned 42. I have been playing violin for a little less than two months. I figure by the time I'm 50 I'll sound okay.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Awesome! Way to go!

[@marionmuller5102]

I started learning violine at the age of 57.... Left hand is less problems... but bowing.. working at this problem and it gets better.... slowly but it does

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Yes, sometimes progress is slow but definitely worth it!

[@katieanne2980]

Hey! I don’t usually comment on videos, but this has really inspired me to finally start learning the violin. I’ve been wanting to for a while, but after seeing an orchestral show at the Royal Albert Hall in London over the weekend, I was completely mesmerised by the violinists! I’m 24 and have always been a bit put off because people say I’m too old to learn, but I’ve decided to give it a go anyway. Do you have any recommendations for beginner violins? :)

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

I'm so glad you're taking up the violin! You're really never too late. Some of my studio members started in their 80s and are loving it! Don't let other people tell you anything different. I do have a lot of thoughts on beginner violins because I see a lot of people purchasing VSOs (violin-shaped-objects) so I wrote an article on good violins that I'll link below. If you're in the UK these might not be options for you, but bottom line is find something that is a real violin, and you'll be much happier! Many violin shops or luthiers will have beginner-level violins so that's also a good place to look. Best of luck! meadowlarkviolin.com/violinblog/best-violins-for-beginners

[@MelvynMenezes]

Lora, thank you for some excellent advice, especially the part about not comparing yourself with others.I truly love your channel content and perspective borne from years of experience!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you found it encouraging! Thanks for your support!☺

[@JustFiddler]

I started learning the violin when I was 16 years old. at that time there was a rare violin in my city and it was not easy to get a violin and of course it was expensive. Matur suksma Laura ☘️🎻🤠🌹🍀

[@rootsandstarslodge]

I am sitting here smiling and nodding my head, thanks for sharing 😊

[@BobQuickandDirty]

Lora, Thanks for the inspirational video. Maybe I won't quit trying to learn violin! I've been studying with an in-person teacher for about 1 1/2 years and am midway through Suzuki book 2, have hit a wall, and I've wondered if I should quit. I have three strikes against me - I started at age 75, I have relatively fat fingers, and I'm left - handed! The Suzuki book is now getting into staccato and I discovered yesterday that my left hand (and arm) are so much more adept at handling the bow than my right hand (and arm). I'm wondering whether I should stick with a normal violin or switch to a left handed instrument. What do you think? I don't know whether it's a plus or minus, but I've played piano since I was 16, and minored in music theory in college - so that certainly makes me comfortable reading music but contributes to the adult frustration and impatience that you talked about in the video. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

I would stick with the normal left hand on the fingerboard, especially since you have already been playing for a while. I think both hands are doing equally difficult things!

[@buddythompson5284]

Hello. I have a rather lengthy question about learning to play the violin and your studio program. What is the best way for me to submit that question to you?

[@darrellphipps1220]

Very good advise , thank you

[@lejendhasit3323]

I'm about to start learning violin at age 33. Thank you for this video, its like a pat on the back saying "it's ok. You're right where you need to be"

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Exactly! Glad it helps!

[@Jss766]

Thank you. I'm starting today in my 20s and feel like I'm so behind because I can't even read music.

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Don't worry! You'll be able to learn note reading in no time. Plus there's a lot you can learn without note reading.@@Jss766

[@kleinbiker1]

I’m about to start at 50. Definitely not 15. lol. Only music experience is a small amount of piano in elementary.

[@Jeff034]

Yep, 66 and working though the grades. Just commit and don’t think it’s easy. It IS a challenge, but that why you do it. Think Everest - because it there!

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

So true! Great advice!

[@marionmuller5102]

Even Jehuin Menhuin did learn till his death... 🎉😢😊

[@welcomezigode5838]

Thank you very much for your wise advise about learning at adult level . You are very true. I know it from experience

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Thank you so much!

[@EudoraPrice]

My Mom gave me the same advice as little Girl We are All uninque ❤be yourself

[@ladjazzz]

I am 56 year old guitarist... It is very difficult compare to the guitar. However I love the violin so much whether I can play it well or not. It doesn't bother me at all. Age is in your mind...

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

So true!

[@lurdessilva2658]

I started playing violin at 56❤

[@djarvis8]

I am 50. I started 5 years ago. I am just OK, I don't feel I really accel at this. I have started to not really enjoy it very much and am thinking of quitting. Any advice?

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

I think getting into that slump is very common. I would suggest switching up whatever style you play. If you like fiddle, try some classical or vice versa. See if you can find live events in your area (symphony concerts or Bluegrass get-togethers). Or even better, look into ways you can get involved with other musicians like community orchestras or bluegrass jam sessions. Getting involved with other musicians is probably the best way to stay motivated. My Online Studio is a great way to stay motivated as well. That's really one of the reasons I created it. Lots of lessons on various styles and levels of playing, live events, practicing challenges, recitals. I think the best part is the community forum. It's all about staying motivated and cheering each other on. Here's a link if you are interested. We'd love to have you! www.meadowlarkviolinstudio.com

[@reggykhun3208]

no you still young for starting of leaning violin playing: because the playing gives you benefits of improving your brains and mental indeed. Start up leaning now. respect your purpose.

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

Can you give recommendation on what fiddle to buy? What price range do legit fiddles start at? And what are some brands to look for?

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

Yes, here's an article I wrote that answers all of those questions: meadowlarkviolin.com/violinblog/best-violins-for-beginners

[@mguitar762]

Thanks so much! I play classical/acoustic guitar. I have always wanted to learn violin and will start lessons soon more for the joy of it. I am 58.

[@Jss766]

​@mguitar762 at my level. Total beginner, can't read music even, etc. I was setup with a stentor for around $300. Currently renting but plan to buyout soon.

[@daniellazylen5350]

15 year old ! and that's old ? Oh my gosh...That's so ridiculous. Maybe to make a living playing violin, not sure. Not everyone wants to be a professional violon player though. I started a few months ago at age 64 and the fun of playing a song on the violin is priceless. I do not plan on playing in an orchestra, or making concert. For anyone who would like to play the violin and is looking for a super hobby and something to do when retired, it's awesome. No rush, just the fun of it.

[@winnymm6136]

I despise this mindset that you have to begin at 5 years old. Instruments will benefit any child, teenagers and adults on their motor skills and their memory, even if they only play simple pieces or move very slowly through each Suzuki book. It's healthy! And even if you started at 5, the average progress it's still slow for children. Plus, years spent playing doesn't equal time of practice. I could say I've been playing for 10 years and still sound awful. I met a violinist who's been playing for 25 years and the bow was crooked.

[@PinkBinx]

15 still young 38 is old for it

[@duckie.louise]

39 try and stop me

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

@@duckie.louise Exactly! Go for it! 15 is pretty old to pursue it professionally, but I have many students starting to learn violin at 80+. With the right mindset and practice routine, you can learn to play beautiful music and enjoy this wonderful instrument, no matter how old you are!

[@artviolino7251]

❤😊🤗😍👏🎵🎶🎶🎻

[@ambarvalia9757]

well 15 is also quite young tho

[@MeadowlarkViolin]

It's young for someone pursuing violin as a hobby, but for someone wanting to pursue violin as a profession, 15 is VERY old!