I Had My First Violin Recital (at Age 52)
I've Moved! The Boomer Chronicles has closed after 6 years, but you can keep up with me on my new blog at http://www.rheabecker.com
As many readers of The Boomer Chronicles know, I started violin lessons a year and a half ago. I had always loved the sound of the violin but never pursued lessons. Finally, around the age of 49, I had the time, money and motivation. As I began to seek out a teacher, I had a few false starts. For instance, I was all set to sign up for an adult education class but realized the schedule would not work out. Then I searched for a teacher in my neighborhood by reading flyers at the local library and other places. Again, nothing worked out. Then I learned of a professional string orchestra that had formed in my neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, Mass. It was called A Far Cry, and the interesting thing is, they had a storefront. So on my neighborhood’s monthly First Thursday art openings, I visited the storefront, met some of the young, enthusiastic orchestra members and got the names of four possible violin teachers. I emailed them, and settled on one.
I went to my first lesson and I knew I had found the right person.
Sure, I wish that string instruments had been available to me as a schoolkid, but it’s better late than never. I love learning the violin.
As for my recital last weekend, a great crowd of about 30 friends attended it. It was nothing fancy. It was me and my teacher playing for a few minutes. I made some mistakes, for sure, but it went well.
I want to send a special shout-out to my former housemate Cat, who with her kind indulgence, tolerated and even supported my practice sessions early on. And my current roommate, Blair, who does not object to the practice sessions, either.
And, of course, my incredible violin teacher, Liza, who is a world-class musician, yet is willing (and enthusiastic) to teach kids and me. How lucky I am!
March 8th, 2011 at 10:15 am
Good for you! You’re proof that there ARE second (and third and fourth) acts in our lives. My older sister is learning Italian; my spouse went back to school to get a master’s; I’ve started a blog — sightingsat60.blogspot.com/ — and many other 50 and 60-somethings are following their dreams. See you in Carnegie Hall!
March 8th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
It is never too late to learn something new! When I turned 50, I took up ice hockey. Seven yrs later, I am back in school, working on a master’s degree to prepare myself for a new career. I applaud you for following your passion. I feel it is so much easier now to try something new because now, at this stage of our lives, we pursue our passions. We want to be there, so we are more engaged than we might have been when younger.
March 8th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Oh, I’m sorry, I meant to add, Congratulations on your very first recital! What a wonderful achievement!
March 8th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
So cool to hear about the things people are pursuing later in life.
March 8th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Congratulations! It is a fun instrument to play (and maddening also at times
March 9th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Isn’t it wonderful to follow your bliss? I began both voice and mountain dulcimer lessons at the age of 60. I sang a Mozart aria in recital at the age of 62. What joy this music brings to me! (Thanks to my husband for his encouragement and for saying that he loves to hear me reaching for those high notes -many others would call it shrieking! LOL) I am 64 and still going strong!
March 9th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Inspiring too say the least I have been thinking of going back and finishing guitar lessons that I started 40 years ago and never finished. I just might now, wonderful story, congrats!
March 9th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Love hearing about all these pursuits. Keep ‘em coming!
March 10th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
That is a great achievement, and certainly for learning how to play only a year and half ago. Congratulations, and I am sure you will get even better as time passes.
March 11th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
I never played an instrument myself but struggled through piano, violin, ‘cello, guitar, clarinet, trumpet and flute practice — and I only had four children.
I still wish I had had music lessons (so I guess that’s why I indulged my children every time they wanted to add another one), and I still stand on tiptoe when I (very occasionally) play the high notes on my recorder.
To get as far as a recital is very brave indeed. Congratulations!