Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/33801/2
Page: 1 2 3
vibratingstring - Posted - 06/24/2013: 07:28:21
started with a borrowed fiddle at age 55 (4 years ago) at Ashokan at a workshop run by Bev Smith.
Larry
farmer bob - Posted - 06/24/2013: 07:45:20
Perhaps you need to be young if your goal is to play JS Bach in a symphonic orchestra. But TJ Jarrell is accessible to anybody at any age... Bob
sosofiddler - Posted - 06/24/2013: 08:15:59
Started at 45. Been playing about a year and a half.
sosofiddler - Posted - 06/24/2013: 08:17:37
Started at 45. Been playing about a year and a half.
wooliver - Posted - 06/24/2013: 11:44:19
i started ten years ago at 40. I don't think for a minute the young have a learning advantage. More focused, wiser, and have a darnsite more time, than i had prior. More recently learning piano. It's amazing when one knows one' self and trusts upon how they learn, just how easy it is.
imapicker2 - Posted - 06/24/2013: 15:13:32
Guitar since teens--banjo =30 years.Fiddle since 1 and half years ago( at 65.) I sure am getting rusty at guitar and banjo now
. Pass the rosin,please!
Jerseyfiddler - Posted - 06/24/2013: 17:16:04
Started 3 years ago at age 47. Its a great stress reliever for me.
shellyrat - Posted - 06/24/2013: 18:31:29
55 that was three and a half years ago. Never had so much fun,
kathy c in ky
JCB - Posted - 06/25/2013: 05:22:54
Well that depends on which time I started.
Began in my early 20's
Frustration set in.
restarted at 50. It is a lot more fun this time around!
Edited by - JCB on 06/25/2013 05:23:54
forestabri - Posted - 06/25/2013: 06:39:50
I think it was about five years ago, so 54ish.
Brian
FiddleRich - Posted - 06/25/2013: 10:33:38
60 for me.
Dave Clark - Posted - 06/25/2013: 12:03:29
Didn't start till 79 or 80! Am 82 now, and still can't play 'well'! But it's fun and keeps me out of Mama's hair. Have fun at it, life's too short not to. Dave Clark
fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 06/25/2013: 13:14:14
It looks like if you plot this...40-45 is the standard. Interesting. I started at 19 but at 40 it became my main avocation.
lawrence lamear - Posted - 06/25/2013: 13:22:27
Started a few weeks before my 47th birthday...be 8 years in September. Had no prior experience with music before then.
Without a doubt, this is the coolest thing I've ever done in my life!!!
leemysliwiec - Posted - 06/25/2013: 14:00:26
Ok guys and gals.. I have both a compliment and a complaint.. Here goes.. Compliment.. It is amazing just how many of you started late in life.. I would never have suspected it.. Also, it is obvious that you read the threads or you wouldn't have commented.. Thanks..NOW, Complaint.. WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN KEEPING YOURSELVES.. Didn't you see the threads about Hangout participation??? We need you to be outspoken about things other than when you started playing.. As a group you have a wealth of knowledge.. Lets hear a little of it.. Those of us who are on the Hangout a lot really shouldn't be considered intimidating.....(ok, maybe Fiddlepogo is intimidating 
, but surely, not the rest of us).
There..... I said it... LEE
lawrence lamear - Posted - 06/25/2013: 14:44:31
quote:
Originally posted by leemysliwiec
Ok guys and gals.. I have both a compliment and a complaint.. Here goes.. Compliment.. It is amazing just how many of you started late in life.. I would never have suspected it.. Also, it is obvious that you read the threads or you wouldn't have commented.. Thanks..NOW, Complaint.. WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN KEEPING YOURSELVES.. Didn't you see the threads about Hangout participation??? We need you to be outspoken about things other than when you started playing.. As a group you have a wealth of knowledge.. Lets hear a little of it.. Those of us who are on the Hangout a lot really shouldn't be considered intimidating.....(ok, maybe Fiddlepogo is intimidating , but surely, not the rest of us).
There..... I said it... LEE
Lee, I think the main reason most people don't contribute is they feel like there is very little that they can contribute to a given discussion. Tons of people here that are closer to the "beginner" category...which makes it difficult to jump in on more "advanced" topics. (I know I'm in that category).
Therefore, most of my posts are of the "chin up, you're not too old, slow, or dumb...keep plugging away... it's not easy but you can still do it if you stick with it" variety.
I suspect others feel the same way. This thread in particular would suggest that this is true.
If there were more "social" type threads, as contrasted to the more "technical" stuff, I'm sure more people would post. Though some people tend to frown upon such "silly" threads. I've started a few "fun" threads here and there, and have had modest success in getting people to respond.
I think a few more posters like "Humbled" and his brilliant-yet-twisted approach would put more people at ease, and encourage others to participate. The fiddle is tough to learn...a little humor can go a long way, in many different ways.
Lee, I've seen you post similar thoughts previously...please keep trying to get others involved. There are thousands of members from all around the world, yet few post. I think all of us would like to meet more people, and find more people with similar interests.
Good post Lee!
Edited by - lawrence lamear on 06/25/2013 14:58:29
Round Wound - Posted - 06/25/2013: 14:45:51
It seems like the fiddle option is safer and more satisfying than getting a two seater once we hit a certain age.
lawrence lamear - Posted - 06/25/2013: 17:26:09
quote:
Originally posted by Round Wound
It seems like the fiddle option is safer and more satisfying than getting a two seater once we hit a certain age.
Amen to that...not to mention a lot cheaper than a new Harley-Davidson or a new bass boat. At least we can "play with our toys" year-round... rain or shine, come snow or hail...
...and not worry about someone running through a stop light while they are texting. Oy!
fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 06/25/2013: 18:54:40
Oh, fiddling can be dangerous too. Why, just the other night I almost didn't get home. I was having too much fun.
openbar - Posted - 06/26/2013: 06:15:36
Here's my theory as to why at least some people start at a later age: They outgrow rock music and find themselves enjoying acoustic forms a lot more.
Me, I messed around for a few months when I was about 25, picked it up again 2 years ago at age 46. I've always listened to lots of old-time and country, now I get to play it more often, what fun it is!
JHDuncan - Posted - 06/26/2013: 06:16:34
I started fiddle at 17. Mandolin at 18. Banjo at 25.
I'm 26 now. Going like a house on fire.
Frankenfiddle - Posted - 06/26/2013: 07:38:41
quote:
Originally posted by JHDuncan
I started fiddle at 17. Mandolin at 18. Banjo at 25.
I'm 26 now. Going like a house on fire.
So I think that makes for three Spring Chickens so far. .
pinch - Posted - 06/26/2013: 11:52:10
52. There wasn't time for such foolin' around until I got all the kids on their way and out of the house.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 06/26/2013: 13:58:00
quote:
Originally posted by pinch
52. There wasn't time for such foolin' around until I got all the kids on their way and out of the house.
I think your reason is probably one of the big ones- openbar's idea about rock music no longer really working may have something to do with it too.
Maybe we need to have ANOTHER thread-
WHY did you wait SO LONG to start fiddling???
GodblesstheUSA - Posted - 06/26/2013: 15:34:15
Aged 7. I'd been begging for a fiddle since I was three and my mother finally gave in. (I acted like I was 40, though) :D
I know plenty of new over 40 fiddlers that keep saying that they'll "never play as good as me!" But what they forget to account for is with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom power, and with power, my greatest envy: responsibility. It's a whole lot easier to get your priorities straight and see the purpose behind things when you're older and have seen what happens if you don't.
But then, this is coming from someone with neither age, wisdom, or responsibility, so... ;0)
Round Wound - Posted - 06/26/2013: 15:35:21
quote:
Originally posted by fiddlepogo
quote:
Originally posted by pinch
52. There wasn't time for such foolin' around until I got all the kids on their way and out of the house.
I think your reason is probably one of the big ones- openbar's idea about rock music no longer really working may have something to do with it too.
Maybe we need to have ANOTHER thread-
WHY did you wait SO LONG to start fiddling???
My answer would be the same as the politician running for office in a new state, against an opponent making a big deal about being
a local. " I got here as soon as I could! "
leemysliwiec - Posted - 06/26/2013: 15:52:38
quote:
Originally posted by GodblesstheUSA
Aged 7. I'd been begging for a fiddle since I was three and my mother finally gave in. (I acted like I was 40, though) :D
I know plenty of new over 40 fiddlers that keep saying that they'll "never play as good as me!" But what they forget to account for is with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom power, and with power, my greatest envy: responsibility. It's a whole lot easier to get your priorities straight and see the purpose behind things when you're older and have seen what happens if you don't.
But then, this is coming from someone with neither age, wisdom, or responsibility, so... ;0)
Hmmmm, ageless, you say......... I only pretend to have age... I'm actually the same as I always was... We may have a lot in common.. We shall see..!
boxbow - Posted - 06/26/2013: 16:30:48
...I'm actually the same as I always was...
Good one!
JCB - Posted - 06/29/2013: 06:55:32
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Clark
Didn't start till 79 or 80! Am 82 now, and still can't play 'well'! But it's fun and keeps me out of Mama's hair. Have fun at it, life's too short not to. Dave Clark
Dang
that's impressive!
catsclawfiddle - Posted - 07/09/2013: 10:28:31
I don't know why it never occurred to me before now to simply ask for a fiddle but I never did. I thought I could never play or afford a fiddle when I was younger. I grew up with parents that were divorced. Lived with my dad most of the time and stayed with my mom a few times during the year. My dad never was a bluegrass or old time music listener but my mom was an avid bluegrass and old time music buff. When I was with her I heard it almost 24/7. My hometown where my mom and family are from way back in the Blue Ridge Mountains, have an annual Fiddler's "Convention every year in August and as I got older I began attending those with my mom. Well, time passes and tends to get away from ya sometimes. I purchased a fiddle and began playing and learning it by ear at 50 years old and I haven't stopped practicing yet. I do tend to look around me at the other fiddle players with envy who had begun playing at such a young age but it really isn't ever too late to begin anything. Just keep picking up that fiddle and bow every day. Even if it's to pluck it a few times a day, just do it.
vibratingstring - Posted - 07/09/2013: 11:30:30
catsclawfiddle says: >>>>>....but it really isn't ever too late to begin anything. Just keep picking up that fiddle and bow every day. Even if it's to pluck it a few times a day, just do it.
I look at it this way: I'm 59 now.......If I'm lucky, I might have 20-30 years left in me. What can I do in 20-30 years? Hmmmm.
It might be too late to start some things (figure skating career, ...there might be something else, but I have to think more), but most things are available for the doing.
Larry
Chernott - Posted - 07/10/2013: 08:45:02
I started fiddling at 64 after I saw how much fun my son was having with his latest obsession...fiddling. . The subculture of jammers amazed me. My son didn't start fiddling until he was 38. I actually thought he had suffered a stroke or something when he told me that he was going to get out his dusty violin and pursue bluegrass and old time fiddling. His last musical adventure at that time had been playing "bang your head" stuff on the keyboard. His violin had been tucked away since he played in the symphony when he was in his early twenties. I enjoyed hearing him play then, but it wasn't a CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.. Once he started fiddling I caught the bug almost immediately and, learned to play the stand-up bass and started thumping along. About a year later, I decided that I would fiddle too.......why not??? . If I had known how much fun it would be, my kids would have probably been in foster homes while I fiddled all day on the porch, LOL! I have a another son who also played the violin when he was young.. He laughs at our music preferences, but I'm wondering if middle age will make him susceptible to the FIDDLE VIRUS.
leemysliwiec - Posted - 07/10/2013: 15:14:42
quote:
Originally posted by boxbow
...I'm actually the same as I always was...
Good one!
Think about it.. There is something in you that Never gets old, never Isn't YOU...and only watches the physical YOU get old.. I love it.!!!!
catsclawfiddle - Posted - 07/10/2013: 18:06:54
I read something in this topic area that really hit it on the head for me. When I was in grade school I was surrounded by others listening to pop, rock, r&b etc. I naturally took to anything that I could dance to. I loved dance music that was fast. I would go to a church dance every chance I got. Then in my twenties I would go to the clubs and dance until I dropped. At the clubs I found myself dancing a flatfoot style to, strangely enough, house music. After graduation, as does most folks, life takes you where it does and I left my culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind. I missed that culture alot and so I wanted to learn fiddle music so that I could keep some of that familiarity and sense of home with me where ever I went.
harpon - Posted - 07/12/2013: 00:05:39
Started fiddle about a month ago, and I'm 59. Had a banjo back in college, and just couldn't get off the ground. Then I started on a casio keyboard in '87 at 33, and had some lessons. NEVER thought I'd play guitar because of some fingers I broke but got a steel string I sold finally. Had some really good Classical guitar class at L.A. City college in the 90's and found I could get something with the nylon strings and wider neck. Another banjo too.
Was writing a script about a harp- so hadda get a small one of those
thehearpe.tripod.com/index.html
Bought a mandolin then I never got far on-too small I thought- till I tuned it Celtic G--D-G- D- It's just for fun but easy to play that way- Got a flute, but then mostly play a little yamaha fife, and tin whistles, always playing along to the radio and youtube. Harmonicas along the way, nothing that serious.
Thought I was already spread too thin on too many instruments and because the mandolin seemed too small with the damaged fingers especially, I didn't get a violin tho I wanted one the past few years-
Classical guitar and keyboard is what I really practice reading.
Finally, I figured I just couldn't pass up a $37 fiddle on ebay, and I found immediately I liked it so well, I got a better one right away, and making progress- This thing is a BALL, and I liken it to harrnonica mostly, because it's mostly just one note at a time, but working on double stops. Wish I had done this years back, but sorta busy being flooded and losing almost everything when I lived a few miles from the Bill Monroe camp in Beanblossom IN, a few years back and getting reestablished.
Edited by - harpon on 07/12/2013 00:09:59
Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 07/12/2013: 12:16:25
I think I started playing the fiddle at age 48, though I'm not entirely sure the exact moment. The wife got sick of my banging on the piano, so I got an instrument I could sneak out into the backyard and only bother my neighbors. Of course, I'd wanted to play the violin since I was about eight, but other musical itches wound up being scratched first.
kindascratchy - Posted - 07/14/2013: 08:08:01
I took up the fiddle a year and a half ago at age 49. I just turned 51 (today, as a matter of fact). I've been playing the guitar since I was 10 or 11 and have played several other instruments over the years...flute, fife, recorder and, most recently, tin whistle.
When I first got my violin, I thought I'd be the only adult out there taking lessons. It's wonderful to hear that so many other folks also started learning as well-seasoned adults. :)
BTW, I'm new to this forum. Is there a place where new members are supposed to introduce themselves? Didn't see one. Or can this serve as my intro? Glad to be here and looking forward to connecting with and learning from the members here.
kindascratchy - Posted - 07/15/2013: 19:13:37
Thanks for the welcome, Curt. Glad you like my user name. I came up with it on another fiddle site that I joined when I started playing. It's still somewhat apt, though hopefully less so now than a year ago. :)
FireandAir - Posted - 07/16/2013: 09:22:33
Yep, 44. Been playing piano since I was a little kid, though -- got a lot of theory out of that, and it's still my primary instrument. But I wanted to play something untempered and portable, and violins are too high for me, so a viola it was and is. Wind instruments are like an alien universe to me, so I never considered them. I admire people who can play them well. They feel like balancing in mid-air to me.
My viola's really been tearing my shoulder and neck to bits though, so I've got a shortie on order. I've got the long arms and hands for viola, but very narrow shoulders, which makes it REALLY hard to manage. I just want to be able to practice scales without having to pause after two minutes and take the viola down to rest my neck. 
GodblesstheUSA - Posted - 07/22/2013: 15:00:02
quote:
Originally posted by kindascratchy
I took up the fiddle a year and a half ago at age 49. I just turned 51 (today, as a matter of fact). I've been playing the guitar since I was 10 or 11 and have played several other instruments over the years...flute, fife, recorder and, most recently, tin whistle.
When I first got my violin, I thought I'd be the only adult out there taking lessons. It's wonderful to hear that so many other folks also started learning as well-seasoned adults. :)
BTW, I'm new to this forum. Is there a place where new members are supposed to introduce themselves? Didn't see one. Or can this serve as my intro? Glad to be here and looking forward to connecting with and learning from the members here.
Nice "meeting" you, Diane!! Welcome from an unseasoned kid!! 
Look forward to getting to "hang out" with you. Happy fiddlin'!!
ukuleletim - Posted - 07/23/2013: 12:12:46
I'm also very glad to see so many people starting later. I started right around my 47th birthday which was January. I have been playing other instruments for decades but never thought I was up to the fiddle. So glad I started, though! I hardly play anything else now.
Odette - Posted - 07/23/2013: 13:13:28
quote:
Originally posted by leemysliwiec
Someone on another thread is 56 and having a little trouble getting going on the fiddle.. I want to assure him that a lot of Hangout members start playing the fiddle later in life.. WHen did YOU start? I was 30.
I started learning to play the violin at 51-52 years of age and totally self taught.
Am now 55 and I am confident enough to go along and play at my local bluegrass jam,
kindascratchy - Posted - 07/23/2013: 17:57:56
quote:
Originally posted by ukuleletim
I'm also very glad to see so many people starting later. I started right around my 47th birthday which was January. I have been playing other instruments for decades but never thought I was up to the fiddle. So glad I started, though! I hardly play anything else now.
I hear you on that. Ever since I first picked up my fiddle I've been nearly obsessed with playing it. I have to remind myself not to neglect my guitar. :) And I, too, am very glad that I started. Just wish I had started earlier. I hope that I'm capable and confident enough to participate in jams in a few years.
JohnKJR - Posted - 07/31/2013: 11:39:05
I just started playing, taking Bluegrass Fiddle private lessons. I am 51 years old and had not even touched a violin or fiddle till I took my first introductory free lesson. I am so hooked there is no turning back now!
drypitstop - Posted - 09/06/2013: 14:39:50
now 72, started playing fiddle when I was 56 years old but I didnt do a very good job at it, I needed one credit hour in 1988 to finish junior college, I took Orchestra Workshop, it was beginning violin. I had my little sisters very exspensive Violin, I was prodded into it because I play back up on my guitar for fiddlers from way back. So I went after it trying to learn music at that stage of the game was impossible, I was 47 years old most of students in the class were 8, 9 10 to 12 years old and a few adults. Ilearned the scale how to tune the violin all over again, I say again becauye when I was 12 years old a seventh grader in Long Beach California I was in Junior orchestra. WE rented the violin I was doing OK with it back then just learning how, but got tired of getting beat up and the instrument taken away from me thrown into someones yard or roof top. those were in the mid 50,s or earliere in those days boys didnt play violin if you did you were a queer or sissy, I had to sneak my instrument to school on mondays I was supposed tom practice at home on weekends.
I quit playing when I was in the 8th grade started taking guitar lessons, that is another story no time for it now.
I took the class in Junior college everything came back to me slowly, I started fooling around with tunes I heard fiddlers play Like my favorite waltz, "Westphalia" I got pretty good at it, I still play it to this day but My arthritis doesnt allow me very much leeway. 12 years ago I forced my self to enter a fiddle contest here in Yuma and a year later at the state level I placed almost last but I still keep after it, I have quite a reperoiret of tunes but I dont play them very well. just when I get ambitious, I dont pratice much my arm and hands hurt from Arthritis so I pratice half hour and quit, going to state contest this month cant make up my mind what I am going to try and play, mabey TUrkey in the straw for my hoedown, I dont play it too good because the trouble on the return to the AA part I get all mussed up but going to try anyways, going to try to play Lonesome Moonlight Waltz one of my favorites I dont do so hot on that either and Maidens prayer as tune of choice, wish me luck. going to atempt Dry an Dusty in the cross tune event
dogmageek - Posted - 09/06/2013: 19:28:19
age 38; violin called to me out of nowhere; now I call, to it.
Wiking - Posted - 09/06/2013: 22:11:09
I was 37 (2007). I needed something to do while I was looking for work, so I thought I'd learn the fiddle.
Page: 1 2 3
