We live in a world where barriers often impose themselves. Music is a prime example. How many people love music, dream of learning to play an instrument, and never give it a try?
Fear and shame are obstacles that must be overcome because, believe us, there is no age limit for starting music.
Students of all ages in music schools
Ismaël, the Director of the Swiss music school Drums & Co, confirms this: “My audience is diverse. I have completely different people who come to me. In the late afternoon or on Wednesdays, I have a lot of children who come. But, during the day or later in the evening, you find an audience made up of workers, homemakers, or retirees. For a teacher, having these audiences brings different experiences.”
So if you’ve ever been afraid to sign up for fear of ending up with kids, put that thought out of your mind!
Melodies within everyone’s reach
Guitar teachers like to say that you only need to know the three main chords to be able to play guitar. While this statement may be a bit of an overstatement, it’s not entirely untrue.
You don’t need to take three years of lessons to be able to play your first melody. Initially, you’ll mainly learn how to handle the instrument and tame it. Then, once this phase is over, progress is rapid.
Ask your teacher for practice instructions when you get home. Without them and on your own, you’ll be more comfortable trying out compositions and chords you haven’t learned. This format often yields the most results: a teacher guiding you on the right path and you experimenting to learn on your own. Don’t hesitate to watch tutorials on YouTube. Some, like this one, are great for beginners.
The example of the guitar is valid for many other instruments such as the flute, the piano, the drums…
An ideal activity for single people
When you’re over thirty, you encounter many people suffering from loneliness. Indeed, many men and women form relationships and have children. For those who aren’t in this situation (single, widowed, divorced, etc.), falling into the spiral of loneliness is easy.
You come home from work, sit in front of the television, and don’t see anyone until you go back to work. This situation is wearing on you because we’re built for social interaction.
An activity like music allows you to open up to others. During a private lesson, you interact with your teacher, but you can also try group lessons. With a few other students, you can share your newfound passion for music.
Everyone helps each other, without any competitive spirit (unless one person has not understood the benefits of music!), and you seek to listen to the other for mutual support.
Often, these interactions aren’t limited to class time. Afterward, continue your discussions by going for a drink to debrief your performances and chat about anything and everything. Music groups can emerge from these exchanges.
You will then have a new circle of acquaintances and friends who will take you away from the loneliness you knew then.
In your quest to open up to the world of music, get out of the house. Go to concerts that aren’t necessarily headliners from your zenith. A piano bar, a school performance, a church choir—all these performances increase your physical awareness, promote your skill development, and help you escape your usual torpor!
