Am I too old to learn...

I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. I now find myself in the position of having the extra time in my life to learn. Am I too old at 40??

Thanks for any advise.

Never too late to start, Maria. I just started two months ago with formal lessons. I'm 33.

All The Best,

I once heard a famous rock musician (Jon Bon Jovi?) say that he's nervous before every performance. The interviewer was incredulous and went on to say that when he no longer felt nervous, it meant that he no longer cared. I've found this to be true when I have performed on stage as well. Congratulations on learning to play, Mike. There is a Sufi tomb in Iran somewhere. It's a big mausoleum on a hill that overlooks a vast valley. It is a place of pilgrimage for many Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The inscription over the tomb reads, 'If you are reading this, there is yet time!' Carpe diem.

I'm 51 an I am still learning. NO OF COURSE NOT! 40, ha, you are just starting out!! Dont listen to what anyone says here unless as they say 'you are never too old' because that is the truth - and this time I am not wrong!

Not too old at all. Several of us here started as older students. Your brain and fingers won't work as fast as a younger person, but it is definitely worth it. Get a teacher, though. It really helps.

How do you know, kid ? You are not THAT old ....

Actually my fingers work just as well as ever, FWIW. TS

The only time its too late to learn is when your dead. Also like most of the people here I'd certainly recommend a teacher as soon as possible.

Most people find it easier to learn (anything) when they are young, but that is not to say that you cannot learn later on in life. You are never 'too old' to learn, but do not be surprised or upset if you discover a 10 year old next door to you, who starts lessons at the same time as you, progresses faster than you.

The more crucial things you have to ask yourself, to say whether it is likely that you will achieve anything, is:

1. Do you have sufficient time and self-motification to give up an hour or more per day to practise?

2. Do you have a half-decent piano? If not, can you afford one? BTW I would *not* advise learning from scratch on a digital/electric piano, because you may find it hard to adapt later for a 'real' piano. And is the piano being regularly tuned and maintained?

3. Do you have a good teacher nearby that you get on with? And can you afford this as well? (The costs do mount up!)

Thanks to you all for your wise words and words of encouragement.

I am now in the process of finding myself a tutor!

I'll let you all know how I'm getting on - watch this space!!