
Background: I took up the drums age 50. I now play joyfully in Toronto with terrific musicians in the Jazz, Rock, and New Music areas. I still study and practice daily.
- Myth #1: "Adults can’t learn to play music because their cognitive connections are already set." I had a doctor say that to me once. I replied by selling him a ticket to an upcoming concert I was playing in. What a boneheaded killjoy!
- Myth #2 "It’s too hard to become a beginner music students as an adult." It's not that difficult, you are motivated, your mother is not over your shoulder scolding you. You can read books and watch videos on line on how to be a great student. You can easily seek out other adult learners to share experiences with. My wife says, "it is if you are lazy!"
- Myth #3 "It’s too hard to schedule training into my busy day." This is a challenge, but doable. Work on making your goals congruent with the time available.
- Myth #4 "It will make my life more hectic." Maybe, maybe not. Learning music is a journey, not a sprint. I'm 7 years in.
David Story
PS, I'm off to practice my double bass drum pedal technique.