Latest Posts  •  20. December 2021

Clearly, the reasons people start learning an instrument in adulthood often look different than when they were young. At 14, you might dream of becoming successful with your own band. And for all those who want to become professional musicians and stand on the stages of the world, it is quite clear that the earlier you start, the better your chances become to be successful later on. But even of all the children and young people who learn their instrument of choice, the vast majority don’t necessarily aim to become rock stars. For those who love music and simply want to be in the thick of it, there is no “wrong” age. Any age is the right age to learn an instrument. We’ve had students who were 80 years old when they started learning their instrument and really enjoyed it. So here are my five reasons for advising any adult who is thinking about learning something completely new again with an instrument.

1. It’s fun

Actually, not much needs to be said about that. It’s a great feeling to learn something new – no matter what age. It just has to be done in the right way. So in order for everyone – old or young – to find the right music lessons which also keeps them motivated, I always like to recommend my book 7 Things You Should Know Before Starting Music Lessons.

If you have a good music trainer who teaches according to a sensible concept, you will improve step by step on your instrument with the help of small challenges – without tediously rattling scales up and down, but by playing real songs right from the start. And that brings a lot of fun.

2. It’s social

Let’s not fool ourselves. While it was easy to make new contacts and friendships when you were younger, this becomes more difficult as you get older. Many people move in their fixed circles between work and family – and that’s fine, but sometimes you miss new input. But meeting a music coach and fellow players can be the start of many new contacts and a great time not only musically, but also on a human level. Because, of course, it’s not just during your teenage years that you can start your own band and play with others and maybe even write your own songs.

3. It’s good for the brain

Good music lessons do for our brains what good circuit training does for our bodies. Circuit training is about moving from one piece of exercise equipment to the next, exercising and keeping many different areas of the body fit. There are very few activities that can do the same for the brain – but learning and playing an instrument is one of them. Hardly anything trains our gray cells as well as learning to coordinate our brain and body while making music.

4. It reduces stress

It’s an experience we’ve all had at one time or another: whether we’re listening to quiet music in the bathtub or dancing to our current favorite song in the kitchen, music influences our mood. It can calm us down or be an outlet for stress relief. This effect is enhanced when you create the appropriate melodies yourself. Sitting down with an instrument is a great way to blow off steam or completely relax and sink into the concentrated activity.

5. The choice of instrument enriches your personality

For some students who start in adulthood at one of our schools, learning an instrument is nothing new and they have already made music in their childhood. However, back then they were often more or less forced to learn a particular instrument. Many of us are confronted with making music for the first time when they hold their first recorder in their hands at a music school. Others are made to learn the piano or violin by their – often overambitious – parents. This takes away any fun in music for most students. In adulthood, everyone can decide for themselves which instrument they want to learn. And most of us know exactly which instrument suits us and our personality best. Those who were forced to play the recorder in their youth may be able to express themselves much better on the drums and really let go and be themselves.

So – my advice to all adults who are considering learning something new again with an instrument: Don’t think too long. Start. 🙂 I wish you a lot of fun!