I cannot count how many times I have met new people who have been fascinated by the fact that I am a cellist and cello teacher.  So often these people will then continue the conversation by saying “I wish I could do that!  I always wanted to play a musical instrument – but I’m too old now”.  I continue to be amazed by this belief that age precludes the possibility of learning – especially with music.  I’ve taught cello to people into their 80’s and my own experience proves that amazing things can happen when motivation and opportunity present themselves in tandem.

In my early 30’s I found myself at a life and career crossroads.  I had worked as a psychologist for 10 years but found myself drawn back into the music world.  Living in regional Queensland, Australia, I was asked by a fellow cellist in the community orchestra to teach cello to her daughter and subsequently found myself teaching in the schools and my private studio.  I decided I wanted to learn more in order to do a better job of teaching and found myself returning to university to undertake an undergraduate music degree.  So was my motivation to be a better teacher or to be a better cellist?  Probably a bit of both, certainly I’ve found both joy and frustration both as a cellist and a teacher.

So what can I tell those adults who say they’re too old to learn?  I just tell them that it is always possible – they just need to decide.  The decision is about making the commitment to make the time …  but with families, work and other commitments this often seems impossible to the adult interested in playing music.  The skill of playing comes with practice and a good teacher who understands that adults learn a little differently – but how does one make time for the practice?

Recently I came across a novel idea for encouraging adult learners (The Strad, December 2008).  In Tokyo, Japan several special music centres have been setup for adults only.  One example is the Music Salon Ikebukuro which is located above a busy railway station in the city so that members can visit on their way home from work.  Lessons can be arranged with the teacher of the student’s choice – a teacher who is on standby when not giving lessons.  How wonderful for someone whose busy work schedule makes it difficult to schedule regular lessons which is the most common problem for continuing adult learners.  At this centre instruments and sheet music can also be purchased and lessons can be taken individually or in groups.  So the music centre becomes a place of learning, relaxation, enjoyment and social interaction amongst like-minded people.  What a great idea!