Can one be too old to learn an instrument?

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I own a guitar. I've owned it since I was about 13, but never really got into it because I was a spiteful teen who wanted to play the drums, and went out of my way to play the drums instead (to the dismay of my parents who acquired the guitar for me).



Now, as a 22 year old, I occasionally find myself entertaining the thought of picking it up and learning it. I really would someday like to learn music theory; I have created digital compositions for awhile, but struggle with keyboard and string derived instruments due to not knowing even basic music theory.



It takes me a very long time to derive melodies as a result, and I am hoping that learning a string instrument would help me develop the skills to be a better composer.



I mentioned this to one of my colleagues in the music industry, and while he was supportive, he warned me that I may have trouble seeing as I have never really picked up the guitar and that this is an older age to begin learning it.



This really discouraged me. If this is true, what limitations can I expect in the way of learning? I already have a lot of trouble playing due to the size of my hands, and hearing this is making me wonder if I should consider a different instrument entirely.



To be clear, I am asking about both the fundamental theory and the physical technique, as I have no formal education in other.










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  • I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
    – Todd Wilcox
    1 hour ago










  • Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago










  • Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
    – Tim
    1 hour ago






  • 1




    Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
    – Tim
    37 mins ago






  • 1




    Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
    – PeteCon
    27 mins ago














up vote
3
down vote

favorite












I own a guitar. I've owned it since I was about 13, but never really got into it because I was a spiteful teen who wanted to play the drums, and went out of my way to play the drums instead (to the dismay of my parents who acquired the guitar for me).



Now, as a 22 year old, I occasionally find myself entertaining the thought of picking it up and learning it. I really would someday like to learn music theory; I have created digital compositions for awhile, but struggle with keyboard and string derived instruments due to not knowing even basic music theory.



It takes me a very long time to derive melodies as a result, and I am hoping that learning a string instrument would help me develop the skills to be a better composer.



I mentioned this to one of my colleagues in the music industry, and while he was supportive, he warned me that I may have trouble seeing as I have never really picked up the guitar and that this is an older age to begin learning it.



This really discouraged me. If this is true, what limitations can I expect in the way of learning? I already have a lot of trouble playing due to the size of my hands, and hearing this is making me wonder if I should consider a different instrument entirely.



To be clear, I am asking about both the fundamental theory and the physical technique, as I have no formal education in other.










share|improve this question







New contributor




nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.



















  • I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
    – Todd Wilcox
    1 hour ago










  • Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago










  • Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
    – Tim
    1 hour ago






  • 1




    Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
    – Tim
    37 mins ago






  • 1




    Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
    – PeteCon
    27 mins ago












up vote
3
down vote

favorite









up vote
3
down vote

favorite











I own a guitar. I've owned it since I was about 13, but never really got into it because I was a spiteful teen who wanted to play the drums, and went out of my way to play the drums instead (to the dismay of my parents who acquired the guitar for me).



Now, as a 22 year old, I occasionally find myself entertaining the thought of picking it up and learning it. I really would someday like to learn music theory; I have created digital compositions for awhile, but struggle with keyboard and string derived instruments due to not knowing even basic music theory.



It takes me a very long time to derive melodies as a result, and I am hoping that learning a string instrument would help me develop the skills to be a better composer.



I mentioned this to one of my colleagues in the music industry, and while he was supportive, he warned me that I may have trouble seeing as I have never really picked up the guitar and that this is an older age to begin learning it.



This really discouraged me. If this is true, what limitations can I expect in the way of learning? I already have a lot of trouble playing due to the size of my hands, and hearing this is making me wonder if I should consider a different instrument entirely.



To be clear, I am asking about both the fundamental theory and the physical technique, as I have no formal education in other.










share|improve this question







New contributor




nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I own a guitar. I've owned it since I was about 13, but never really got into it because I was a spiteful teen who wanted to play the drums, and went out of my way to play the drums instead (to the dismay of my parents who acquired the guitar for me).



Now, as a 22 year old, I occasionally find myself entertaining the thought of picking it up and learning it. I really would someday like to learn music theory; I have created digital compositions for awhile, but struggle with keyboard and string derived instruments due to not knowing even basic music theory.



It takes me a very long time to derive melodies as a result, and I am hoping that learning a string instrument would help me develop the skills to be a better composer.



I mentioned this to one of my colleagues in the music industry, and while he was supportive, he warned me that I may have trouble seeing as I have never really picked up the guitar and that this is an older age to begin learning it.



This really discouraged me. If this is true, what limitations can I expect in the way of learning? I already have a lot of trouble playing due to the size of my hands, and hearing this is making me wonder if I should consider a different instrument entirely.



To be clear, I am asking about both the fundamental theory and the physical technique, as I have no formal education in other.







guitar theory technique learning self-learning






share|improve this question







New contributor




nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question







New contributor




nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question






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nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked 1 hour ago









nostalgk

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nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











  • I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
    – Todd Wilcox
    1 hour ago










  • Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago










  • Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
    – Tim
    1 hour ago






  • 1




    Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
    – Tim
    37 mins ago






  • 1




    Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
    – PeteCon
    27 mins ago
















  • I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
    – Todd Wilcox
    1 hour ago










  • Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago










  • Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
    – Tim
    1 hour ago






  • 1




    Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
    – Tim
    37 mins ago






  • 1




    Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
    – PeteCon
    27 mins ago















I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
– Todd Wilcox
1 hour ago




I've learned more than one instrument since I turned 22. If you love it, you can do it.
– Todd Wilcox
1 hour ago












Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
– nostalgk
1 hour ago




Without any formal education or music experience? That's really what I'm going for here.
– nostalgk
1 hour ago












Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
– Tim
1 hour ago




Why not sit on it for another few years, then have a go, and realise, to your frustration, that now was the time after all...?!
– Tim
1 hour ago




1




1




Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
– Tim
37 mins ago




Basically, the longer you wait, the more you have on your plate, therefore the more difficult it will be. Don't procrastinate!
– Tim
37 mins ago




1




1




Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
– PeteCon
27 mins ago




Start now. That way, you won't be '23 and wanting to learn a musical instrument'. Play for yourself and for fun; there'll always be someone better on the instrument out there, but you're the best you that there is. Just have fun.
– PeteCon
27 mins ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
5
down vote













Even if one can ever be too old to learn an instrument (I don't think so), then this is definitely not the case already at 22.



You may not be able to make as fast progress as if you had learned it at 13, but ultimately it's up to how much effort you put in. Practive five minutes every week, and it'll probably not go anywhere. But practice half an hour every day, and you'll be able to make decent progress. Will you ever become a virtuoso? Probably not. But that's not the point, I guess. A nice thing about guitar and piano is that one can achieve quite musically useful results without needing to be technically terribly skilled. Definitely enough to be helpful for composition.






share|improve this answer




















  • Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago






  • 1




    Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
    – Duston
    1 hour ago

















up vote
2
down vote













Unless one only has a couple of years to live due to a terminal disease, one is never too old.



It's true that in the early years up to maybe early twenties, children are (hopefully) more sponge-like, however, there are decades left for most of us. The biggest problem is that while kids learn more quickly (due to having nowhere near as much on their plate at the time) we oldies still have the propensity, but must manage time far better. And money - kids get their lessons paid for, and often aren't even aware of it - whilst we have other avenues that our money disappears down.



Bottom line is - just get on with it. You may find theory helps - you may not. It depends how you're wired. Playing an instrument (at any age) needs some sort of commitment, and if understanding what goes on is part of that, so be it. But until you commit, nothing will happen, let's face it. Fundamental theory, and basic technique are still abundantly available to you, whatever your age. And early twenties? Don't even bother asking! Stop wasting your time. Get going!






share|improve this answer




















  • Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
    – nostalgk
    55 mins ago






  • 1




    A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
    – Tim
    39 mins ago










  • Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
    – nostalgk
    37 mins ago

















up vote
2
down vote













First, 22 isn't old to start music, even 82 isn't. Because skill and your propensity for music is partly inherent. You could have musical abilities that other people don't. For example, people that are more sensitive/emotional tend to be more musically inclined than people that aren't. So it's not all about when you learn, or even the theory that you learn, part of being good at music is also very much inherent to your personality without even picking up an instrument.



Second, it's not like you ever stop learning music. You can learn music for decades over many hours a day. So learning music is not something that takes a year or two, or even a decade. It's something that you develop throughout life. And the more you develop and practice, the better you get. If you're looking to start at 22, that's great. It's not too late. The only question is, will you continue..






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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

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    up vote
    5
    down vote













    Even if one can ever be too old to learn an instrument (I don't think so), then this is definitely not the case already at 22.



    You may not be able to make as fast progress as if you had learned it at 13, but ultimately it's up to how much effort you put in. Practive five minutes every week, and it'll probably not go anywhere. But practice half an hour every day, and you'll be able to make decent progress. Will you ever become a virtuoso? Probably not. But that's not the point, I guess. A nice thing about guitar and piano is that one can achieve quite musically useful results without needing to be technically terribly skilled. Definitely enough to be helpful for composition.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
      – nostalgk
      1 hour ago






    • 1




      Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
      – Duston
      1 hour ago














    up vote
    5
    down vote













    Even if one can ever be too old to learn an instrument (I don't think so), then this is definitely not the case already at 22.



    You may not be able to make as fast progress as if you had learned it at 13, but ultimately it's up to how much effort you put in. Practive five minutes every week, and it'll probably not go anywhere. But practice half an hour every day, and you'll be able to make decent progress. Will you ever become a virtuoso? Probably not. But that's not the point, I guess. A nice thing about guitar and piano is that one can achieve quite musically useful results without needing to be technically terribly skilled. Definitely enough to be helpful for composition.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
      – nostalgk
      1 hour ago






    • 1




      Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
      – Duston
      1 hour ago












    up vote
    5
    down vote










    up vote
    5
    down vote









    Even if one can ever be too old to learn an instrument (I don't think so), then this is definitely not the case already at 22.



    You may not be able to make as fast progress as if you had learned it at 13, but ultimately it's up to how much effort you put in. Practive five minutes every week, and it'll probably not go anywhere. But practice half an hour every day, and you'll be able to make decent progress. Will you ever become a virtuoso? Probably not. But that's not the point, I guess. A nice thing about guitar and piano is that one can achieve quite musically useful results without needing to be technically terribly skilled. Definitely enough to be helpful for composition.






    share|improve this answer












    Even if one can ever be too old to learn an instrument (I don't think so), then this is definitely not the case already at 22.



    You may not be able to make as fast progress as if you had learned it at 13, but ultimately it's up to how much effort you put in. Practive five minutes every week, and it'll probably not go anywhere. But practice half an hour every day, and you'll be able to make decent progress. Will you ever become a virtuoso? Probably not. But that's not the point, I guess. A nice thing about guitar and piano is that one can achieve quite musically useful results without needing to be technically terribly skilled. Definitely enough to be helpful for composition.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 1 hour ago









    leftaroundabout

    17.9k3080




    17.9k3080











    • Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
      – nostalgk
      1 hour ago






    • 1




      Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
      – Duston
      1 hour ago
















    • Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
      – nostalgk
      1 hour ago






    • 1




      Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
      – Duston
      1 hour ago















    Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago




    Thank you. It does seem like there's a prevailing culture of "start young or never try" with music, so it's always seemed very daunting to me to try to get into. The drums were easier for me to learn, that's why they appealed to me.
    – nostalgk
    1 hour ago




    1




    1




    Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
    – Duston
    1 hour ago




    Just as one anecdotal data point, I'm 56 and started learning the flute last fall.
    – Duston
    1 hour ago










    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Unless one only has a couple of years to live due to a terminal disease, one is never too old.



    It's true that in the early years up to maybe early twenties, children are (hopefully) more sponge-like, however, there are decades left for most of us. The biggest problem is that while kids learn more quickly (due to having nowhere near as much on their plate at the time) we oldies still have the propensity, but must manage time far better. And money - kids get their lessons paid for, and often aren't even aware of it - whilst we have other avenues that our money disappears down.



    Bottom line is - just get on with it. You may find theory helps - you may not. It depends how you're wired. Playing an instrument (at any age) needs some sort of commitment, and if understanding what goes on is part of that, so be it. But until you commit, nothing will happen, let's face it. Fundamental theory, and basic technique are still abundantly available to you, whatever your age. And early twenties? Don't even bother asking! Stop wasting your time. Get going!






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
      – nostalgk
      55 mins ago






    • 1




      A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
      – Tim
      39 mins ago










    • Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
      – nostalgk
      37 mins ago














    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Unless one only has a couple of years to live due to a terminal disease, one is never too old.



    It's true that in the early years up to maybe early twenties, children are (hopefully) more sponge-like, however, there are decades left for most of us. The biggest problem is that while kids learn more quickly (due to having nowhere near as much on their plate at the time) we oldies still have the propensity, but must manage time far better. And money - kids get their lessons paid for, and often aren't even aware of it - whilst we have other avenues that our money disappears down.



    Bottom line is - just get on with it. You may find theory helps - you may not. It depends how you're wired. Playing an instrument (at any age) needs some sort of commitment, and if understanding what goes on is part of that, so be it. But until you commit, nothing will happen, let's face it. Fundamental theory, and basic technique are still abundantly available to you, whatever your age. And early twenties? Don't even bother asking! Stop wasting your time. Get going!






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
      – nostalgk
      55 mins ago






    • 1




      A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
      – Tim
      39 mins ago










    • Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
      – nostalgk
      37 mins ago












    up vote
    2
    down vote










    up vote
    2
    down vote









    Unless one only has a couple of years to live due to a terminal disease, one is never too old.



    It's true that in the early years up to maybe early twenties, children are (hopefully) more sponge-like, however, there are decades left for most of us. The biggest problem is that while kids learn more quickly (due to having nowhere near as much on their plate at the time) we oldies still have the propensity, but must manage time far better. And money - kids get their lessons paid for, and often aren't even aware of it - whilst we have other avenues that our money disappears down.



    Bottom line is - just get on with it. You may find theory helps - you may not. It depends how you're wired. Playing an instrument (at any age) needs some sort of commitment, and if understanding what goes on is part of that, so be it. But until you commit, nothing will happen, let's face it. Fundamental theory, and basic technique are still abundantly available to you, whatever your age. And early twenties? Don't even bother asking! Stop wasting your time. Get going!






    share|improve this answer












    Unless one only has a couple of years to live due to a terminal disease, one is never too old.



    It's true that in the early years up to maybe early twenties, children are (hopefully) more sponge-like, however, there are decades left for most of us. The biggest problem is that while kids learn more quickly (due to having nowhere near as much on their plate at the time) we oldies still have the propensity, but must manage time far better. And money - kids get their lessons paid for, and often aren't even aware of it - whilst we have other avenues that our money disappears down.



    Bottom line is - just get on with it. You may find theory helps - you may not. It depends how you're wired. Playing an instrument (at any age) needs some sort of commitment, and if understanding what goes on is part of that, so be it. But until you commit, nothing will happen, let's face it. Fundamental theory, and basic technique are still abundantly available to you, whatever your age. And early twenties? Don't even bother asking! Stop wasting your time. Get going!







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 1 hour ago









    Tim

    92.3k1094233




    92.3k1094233











    • Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
      – nostalgk
      55 mins ago






    • 1




      A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
      – Tim
      39 mins ago










    • Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
      – nostalgk
      37 mins ago
















    • Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
      – nostalgk
      55 mins ago






    • 1




      A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
      – Tim
      39 mins ago










    • Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
      – nostalgk
      37 mins ago















    Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
    – nostalgk
    55 mins ago




    Thank you for the motivation. I should look into lessons if I can fit it in my work and school schedule.
    – nostalgk
    55 mins ago




    1




    1




    A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
    – Tim
    39 mins ago




    A teacher will shave off so much time and effort - and since it aspires that you're still a student, make this part of your studies.
    – Tim
    39 mins ago












    Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
    – nostalgk
    37 mins ago




    Unfortunately, between working a full-time job and studying full time at a poly-technic university that does not offer musical education, my hands are tied on including it in my studies on a formal educative basis due to time constraints. However, I do have time on my own for practice and could possibly fit in a lesson every week or so with a private instructor.
    – nostalgk
    37 mins ago










    up vote
    2
    down vote













    First, 22 isn't old to start music, even 82 isn't. Because skill and your propensity for music is partly inherent. You could have musical abilities that other people don't. For example, people that are more sensitive/emotional tend to be more musically inclined than people that aren't. So it's not all about when you learn, or even the theory that you learn, part of being good at music is also very much inherent to your personality without even picking up an instrument.



    Second, it's not like you ever stop learning music. You can learn music for decades over many hours a day. So learning music is not something that takes a year or two, or even a decade. It's something that you develop throughout life. And the more you develop and practice, the better you get. If you're looking to start at 22, that's great. It's not too late. The only question is, will you continue..






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      2
      down vote













      First, 22 isn't old to start music, even 82 isn't. Because skill and your propensity for music is partly inherent. You could have musical abilities that other people don't. For example, people that are more sensitive/emotional tend to be more musically inclined than people that aren't. So it's not all about when you learn, or even the theory that you learn, part of being good at music is also very much inherent to your personality without even picking up an instrument.



      Second, it's not like you ever stop learning music. You can learn music for decades over many hours a day. So learning music is not something that takes a year or two, or even a decade. It's something that you develop throughout life. And the more you develop and practice, the better you get. If you're looking to start at 22, that's great. It's not too late. The only question is, will you continue..






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        2
        down vote










        up vote
        2
        down vote









        First, 22 isn't old to start music, even 82 isn't. Because skill and your propensity for music is partly inherent. You could have musical abilities that other people don't. For example, people that are more sensitive/emotional tend to be more musically inclined than people that aren't. So it's not all about when you learn, or even the theory that you learn, part of being good at music is also very much inherent to your personality without even picking up an instrument.



        Second, it's not like you ever stop learning music. You can learn music for decades over many hours a day. So learning music is not something that takes a year or two, or even a decade. It's something that you develop throughout life. And the more you develop and practice, the better you get. If you're looking to start at 22, that's great. It's not too late. The only question is, will you continue..






        share|improve this answer












        First, 22 isn't old to start music, even 82 isn't. Because skill and your propensity for music is partly inherent. You could have musical abilities that other people don't. For example, people that are more sensitive/emotional tend to be more musically inclined than people that aren't. So it's not all about when you learn, or even the theory that you learn, part of being good at music is also very much inherent to your personality without even picking up an instrument.



        Second, it's not like you ever stop learning music. You can learn music for decades over many hours a day. So learning music is not something that takes a year or two, or even a decade. It's something that you develop throughout life. And the more you develop and practice, the better you get. If you're looking to start at 22, that's great. It's not too late. The only question is, will you continue..







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 33 mins ago









        foreyez

        3,84922164




        3,84922164




















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