Would a violin teacher take me on?

[YellowTaxi]

I am now 20 and have never played the violin before, but it's always been quite an attractive prospect.

I'm on summer hols from uni at the moment and I would love to develop a hobby over the holidays, which I would carry on at uni and use as an escape from work.

I would be a complete beginner, but I have been told that I am very musically capable, and that I'm a natural musician. I'm a quick learner when it comes to musical things.

Do you think a violin teacher would be willing to teach me, even though I'm a complete beginner and am not a child!? I feel a bit daft about it, but I would love to be passionate about such a thing. I'd really like to get good at it.

[pinktwink]

i am sure particularly if you are interested. Have you looked up teachers in your area give them a buzz. Good luck

[Buenchico]

Many thousands of adults start learning a musical instrument every year. My uncle was in his 50s when he started to learn to play the piano.

You're a great deal younger than many people who decide to take on new challenges. If this guy wasn't too old to jump out of an aircraft, how the hell can you be too old to learn the violin? ;-)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/oddities/65498/10 1yearold_man_makes_parachute_jump/index.html

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, you'd be able to do it if you're musically inclined. My sons have violin lessons amongst other instruments, and the tutor gives lessons to people in their 40's. Best of luck.

[YellowTaxi]

Thanks very much for the encouraging answers! I'm going to get in touch with some teachers in my area this week.

Excited! Always nice to learn something new.

[Mortartube]

I began learning the guitar at the tender age of 39. It's never too late to learn and personally I play my guitar every day. I would be lost without it, it's such a pleasure. It is nice to find someone else who is a complete beginner and learn together. You will be surprised how much you can teach each other. They may learn a tune or how to do a seemingly fiddly bit and pass it on to you and vice versa in adiition to your lessons. Happy playing.

[saxy_jag]

All of the above - it's never too late to learn an instrument. I took up clarinet and saxophone in my 30s and have never looked back.

I suggest you visit a local music shop and see if any teachers are advertising, or if the music shop carries a list of local teachers. Also, if you have a professional orchestra in the vicinity, contact them too. Professional musicians don't earn a lot and many supplement their income with private teaching. The reverse of this, however, is that violinists are more in demand than, say, woodwind players due the sheer numbers required in most orchestras, so you may have a lengthy search on your hand.

Finally, think about placing an ad somewhere like the student union noticeboard. There could well be an experienced musician among the student population who'd be willing to teach you for a lot less than some pro teachers. You'd have to be wary of bad habits etc., but it would be a start.