I am 36 years old and I am teaching my self the violin. I found several teachers who were good players, but who could not teach. I got fustrated and decide to do it myself. It is a shame that most people do not pick up this wonderful instrument and learn it because most people say that you "must" have a teacher. Some of the top fiddle players did not have any formal education and most can run rings around these snobbish violinist who think that the instrument is a modern day Holy Grail which few can every touch.

I`m so glad you asked that question. I played in Junior High but stopped, and now I want to play again, but I`m 38 years old. I`ve realized that it`s only too late if you`re dead!! So, if 45 when I`m accomplished, so what....I was going to be 45 anyway! And you know what else? I`m starting medical shcool in two years....go figure!!!

Nope, it`s never too late to learn. I`ve taught people who were 40+ and who had never been musicians before. But that doesn`t matter! They usually do pretty well, especially because they`re more dedicated than children are.

Definitely get yourself some lessons. A teacher will show you the correct way to do things, and will definitely get on your case if you do them wrong! The single biggest problem with teaching yourself is developing bad habits that you don`t know to correct. And of course it`s much harder to re-learn something the right way than to learn the first time! Also, a teacher knows what skills you should learn and when, what book series are good, etc. You`ll progress much faster that way.

Its never too late. I heard the fiddle in some trad music sessions in Ireland and was taken completely. I started last November, have passed 2 grades and taking 3rd in March and I am 46!!! So dont let age be a barrier and enjoy it.