Old Guy
Hi David and group.
Have always loved the harmonica. I am 69. Is it ever too late to become a pretty good player?
Thanks,
Paul
It depends how committed you are. At 75 as a total beginner I started learning at bluesharmonica 2years ago I am currently well into LoA 7. It's a challenge but great experience. Whilst I can't claim to be a "good player" I'm getting there. One reason I took it up was I suffer from AF and was experiencing shortness of breath. Now my heart rate is much more stable and shortness of breath is no longer an issue, plus I can now entertain myself and friends at various functions. Good luck and have fun.
Hello Paul, I turned 73 last November. Started studying with Dave 4 years 45 weeks ago with no musical experience. NONE! I am now studying for Level 8 LOA. It takes me a long time to get all this info into my brain but with determination and practice and Dave's trememdous teaching style, I am able to say, "I can play a decent 12 bar blues and understand the theory behind it." Practice time is the most relaxing time of the day for me. Go for it. You will be truly glad you did. Mic
It's NEVER too late to learn something new and exciting! And better yet, it keeps you young, both at heart and in mind!
There's even new medical evidence that demonstrates that learning new things later in life can help stave off cognitive aging and associated maladies. Just a few examples:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/learning-new-skill-can-slow-cognitive-aging-201604279502
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11337704/Playing-a-musical-instrument-may-lower-dementia-risk.html
https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/31/health/music-dementia-link/index.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-checkup/post/is-that-right-playing-a-musical-instrument-might-help-protect-against-dementia/2011/04/21/AF1G8cKE_blog.html?utm_term=.5b11a74a8cfc
Even if not susceptible to these diseases, keeping active, curious, entertained, and inquisitive can help maintain a high quality of life -- and since music envelopes so many parts of our very being, what a great way to hit all of that with one fell swoop!
As to your question, speed of learning is all about how much time and effort you put into it. You can become pretty adept at any instrument fairly quickly with hard work. But it's really not about becoming a pro. It's about doing something you love and enjoying the journey -- and the continuous improvement that goes with it.
And by the way, who says 69 is old???