The violin is a wonderful instrument played by people all over the world. Parents would love to send their little kids to music lessons to pick up violin at a young age. Some may wish to become a famous violinist, but some would just love to learn the violin, so they can play their favorite song.
But one question that is always brought up by prospective violin students: “It is too late for me to learn the violin?”
Students who ask these questions are usually in their twenties, or their adulthood, and may fear that they might not be learning as fast and playing as well as students who learn from young.
.
Credit: Shane’Stuff
As a violin teacher, I have taught violin students ranging from 5 years olds to a mother of 2 children. Based on my experience in teaching them, age might not be an important factor in the learning of the violin. That said, I can say it is never too late to learn the violin.
There are benefits for learning the violin at a younger or older age.
By starting to learn the violin young, you have enough time for the child to learn and develop his skills. Unlike an adult, a young violin student has less responsibilities and thus, can have more time to practice and play the violin. A young student can also learn better as a young mind is more susceptible to learning.
Technicalities wise, fingers tend to be more flexible at a younger age than older. The finger movements are more mobile and stretchy than older ones. Hence, it’s easier to young students to pick up some violin positions than older ones.
However, all these does not mean it is late to learn violin at a later age. An adult can learn faster than a young one, given that he can understand the lesson better, and may communicate well with the tutor during class. An adult will tend to ask more questions and clarify doubts than a child.
Adult learners also have longer concentration span than young children, who tend to get distracted or tired very easily during lessons. That is also why it is recommended that violin lessons for young children should not last more than 45 minutes.
In all, we can see there are both advantages for learning the violin at different ages, and it is never too late to learn and play the violin well. What’s more important is the passion and the love for violin music, which will keep the student learning and playing for long.
Looking for violin lessons in Singapore to kick start your dream of playing the violin? Check out how our Violin teacher can help you!
I started violin lessons Sept. 2013 and I am 80. Progress is slow but satisfying!
That’s great! You’re a inspirational to many people who wanted to learn violin. Way to go Patricia! š
Fantastic Patricia, love you! And wish you all the very best in your violin playing. I believe that the older a person is the more pleasure and satisfaction a person gets out of learning top play an instrument. I think that it is amazing to take up any instrument let alone the violin at 80, and you are amazing doing so.
Amazing indeed! You are an encouragement to the world! Keep on!
After 50 years away I resumed violin lessons at 63 in January this year. Reading music, bow hold & left hand position came back quickly. Intonation has improved greatly last few months after acquiring a fine violin. Now even my first student violin easier to play.
Hey Paul, It’s really great to hear you resumed violin lessons again! Well done! No matter the age, with passion, I’m sure you will be able to keep on playing good music!