Fiddle???

[Toneisok]

I am late forties and have the strange urge to learn to play the fiddle, the urge became so strong today that it lured me into a music shop and made me buy an instrument that makes horrific sounds.
Can anyone help?

[saxy_jag]

Go back to the shop and buy yourself (if you haven't already done so) a tutor book. Whilst you're there, ask them if they have a list of instrumental teachers or if they (as these places usually do) have a place where teachers are allowed to post their ads. Lessons may seem a little extravagent, but even if you can only afford a few, they're invaluable in the beginning. They're probably the only way you'll know how to correct what you're doing wrong.

That said, most instruments make horrific sounds when you're a beginner to them, the exception probably being the harp. Part of the experience of learning is developing the right mental attitude and the perseverance to carry on when that seems impossible.

Stick at it, and good luck.

[willa]

Saxy is spot on. Invest in a few lessons. I started playing violin when I was 42, and took biweekly lessons until I got hooked enough to switch to weekly. As my teacher said, practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent. So spend a bit to develop good habits from the start. You won't regret it.

And when you play well enough to not frighten the cats, you'll sell that starter fiddle and buy one with a lovely tone that will show off all you've learned. Good luck, and have fun!