learn the cello

How realistic is it to learn the cello when an adult in his sixties? Good musical ear, but no musical training.

My history with Cello…
...learned 3 years as a teenager, never sit any exam;
...learned 1~2 years 5 years ago, pass a ABRS Grade 3

Wanna to start again, but face the following “obstacle”:
- hard to find time after work time, study time, family time, TM time;
- don’t know if I can find an affordable place to learn cello in an expensive city like London…

BUT…I do miss my cello, it’s simply beautiful!

I took lessons with the lovely and EXTREMELY talented Dr. Janelle Ragno when I lived in Austin, TX. I have had to stop lessons since I moved to AR but hope to start again soon, once I’ve figured out my MBA results and plans. If you are interested in taking lessons with Janelle, here is her bio page with the Orpheus School of Music: http://www.orpheusacademy.com/Faculty/janelleragno.php.

Like any worthwhile endeavor, you should be prepared to commit and practice, practice, practice.

i “learned” the basics. now i just need a new A string, and some talent…

the A string snapped, so until I make enough money to afford another, cello is on hold :(

I love stringed instruments. But, the cello has got this deep, underground sound that makes me want to sing.

we got a free cello a few weeks ago, and i started learning to play! seriously, if you know one string instrument, its just a matter of time before you can learn them all. the most important part is listening…

Currently, I play the cello…and I LOVE IT!! I’m a music major, and I sing and play the piano. BUT, the cello is my favorite, by far!

I’ve been playing the cello steadily for the past 24 years, starting in elementary school, getting a bachelor’s and masters in music education, taught cello (and violin and viola and bass) in the public schools. I’ve got to say, picking up the cello was one of the best decisions of my life. If this is something you want to do, then Go for it! It’s never too late to start.

As a kid, I had the opportunity to learn the recorder in school. Though I never got to hear them, a great uncle and a cousin of my Mom had both played the flute in the Montreal symphonic orchestra, so there was a bit of musical precedent in the family. I was very excited when my Mom offered to pay for half of a flute, and subsequent flute lessons, I came up with the other half of the money (I was delivering newspapers, I was 12-13). That was so great!

In the following years, I also learned some guitar in high school plus a tiny bit of piano. I was also lucky that my young brother went to a special program music school: I got to try his violin.

From all these trials with different instrument types, wind, strings and tones, I figured that if I had the money, I would want to play either tenor saxophone or the cello. I also think in a perfect world, everyone should have easy access to a piano.

Today, I still want to learn the cello. I have not idea how much money is involved, thought I suppose I could plan for that. The biggest hurdle for now is that I do not have the time to engage in this, but I expect I will within the next few years.