On 23/02/2010 07:09, Iain Churches wrote:
"Dave Plowman wrote in message
...
In .com,
wrote:
Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.

IMHO it's one of these things you need to learn when young, to be
proficient.

That sounds like a reasonable excuse:-)

I have had a chance to study mixed groups of
young and mature students playing music,
and it seems to me that although the younger students
learn and develope quicker, the mature students are
better motivated, work harder to make up for lost time,
and keep up with the demands of the curriculum.

A friend of mine who has the same teacher confided
that it took him four whole weeks, to learn two difficult
phrases, a total of 16 bars only. The teacher divided
what looked like an impossible part for a non-pro
player, into four sections of four bars each, and encouraged
him to learn a section a week and include it in his 2 hrs
practice every day to - starting with playing
every second note at less than half speed, over and
over and over again. He now plays it, as written in,
the correct tempo. That's what I call motivation:-)

Although can be fun to try in later life.

Many people of our age, who have had demanding
careers, now find themselves working to an easier
schedule, with more spare time available, especially
if the children are no longer at home.

Learning a musical instrument (and what better instrument
than a lute:-) is a very good way to spend that time and
also keep the little grey cells active.

Music has an important social aspect too, and beng
able to play well enough to perform with others, either
privately or in public, is its own reward.

It's never too late:-)


Much better than 'IMHO don't bother'. Thanks.

Rob