[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Home
What's new?
Questions & Answers
Discussion Forum
Saxophone Players
Saxophone History
Sopranissimo Saxes
Sopranino Saxes
Soprano Saxophones
Alto Saxophones
Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophones
Bass Saxophones
Contrabass Saxophones
Subcontrabass Saxes
Sheet Music
Saxophone Brands
Yamaha Saxophones
Jazz Saxophone
Saxophone Accessories
Free Newsletter
Selmer Saxophones
How To Play
Used Saxophones
Contact
Privacy Policy

I'm 53 years old, interested but have never played the sax. Is it too late to begin?

by Joseph Roberts
(Bahamas)

I am 53 years old. I'm very interested in playing the sax. I will be getting an alto sax in the next few weeks. I have never played the sax before. How difficult would it be for me to learn and even master?




Comments for
I'm 53 years old, interested but have never played the sax. Is it too late to begin?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Never too late /be positive and open minded
by: Anonymous

Hi , I am 54 years old ,but have been playing all my life . I am presently teaching a 68 year old gentlemen ,who is a semi retired financial advisor.
If you have patience and find a very knowledable teacher such as myself ,then at least you have the opportunity to learn at the quickest pace that you desire . Inother words, depending on how fast you take in the information .
There are only so many keys , so many notes , ect. Than it is a matter of refining your sound , rhythm , musicianship and overall ability to perform with authority.
All that stuff ,comes from experience , but who is to say . Maybe in one year , you might sound great ,even better trhan a guy who's been messing around for 20 yars at it .
Any questions , contact Murray at gvt_mm@sbcglobal.net or at 626-818-2251
see my web-site at www.murray Middleman.com
SAXOPHONIST - I HAVE A 1959 SilverPlated Tenor for sale Gereat sound and a beautiful Vintage Sax . Looks Great .it has a serial # of 77,xxx
See it on the Tenor Madness (Iowa)web site

Aug 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
thanks for the encouraging words
by: Anonymous

I really appreciate your comments. I will practice and play. I am determine to become a master saxophonist.

Aug 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Never too late
by: iwive

You seem to be very dedicated, so look for a teacher for the basics and then start. I am 40 and have started only 3 months ago. I am so glad I did. Friends and colleges think I am a little bit crazy now. So get started and have fun.

Aug 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You're not too old to begin
by: Sharon Sukola

I am an alto sax player, and also play piano. I have taught both instruments. I say, "Go for it" Adults are more committed, and usually practice regularly. Make sure you get supplemental music that you enjoy. There is so much available.

Aug 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
never too late
by: Jack Andrew Dagg

Hey Joseph,

As others have said it's never too late. Well, there is a time that is too late, but then we won't be doing anything anymore.

I have played sax off and on since I was a kid and it has been so enjoyable. It satisfies both my creative side and logical side through improvisation and studying the mathematics/physics of the horn.

So Joseph, take it on, enjoy yourself, and you might be surprised at how playing the sax can enrich your life.

And you are starting at a time when there are so many digital tools that can help you learn.

take care, jack dagg

Aug 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Good Luck to you
by: Anonymous

You can do it! I'm 48 and have played almost my whole life. Can't imagine life without it. Practice, practice, and more practice and you will do just fine. Your enthusiasm is inspiring me to do even more with my music...there is always something to learn. I currently play the alto and bari. I don't think it is ever too late...just dive right in.

Aug 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I'm Encouraged
by: Joseph Roberts

Hello All, guess what? I really appreciate all of the comments that I have gotten thus far. I'm very excited. As soon as I receive my alto sax I will begin my lessons. It's a yamaha alto used sax, and the person that is selling it to me said she will also be giving me some free lessons. She is also a profession musician who can play several instruments including the sax. Thanks again.

Joseph Roberts

Aug 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Murray Middleman -Pro Player L.A.,CA.
by: Anonymous

Hey Joseph . Best of luck . Makke some joyful music, play for family , friends , church , ect . Music is one of the most rewarding and peaceful and positive activities in this world .
Murray

Aug 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Starting
by: iwive

Hi, Joseph,

cool, that you are really going to do it. As a beginner myself, I am curious about your experiences. If you feel like it, maybe we can share tipps, excitement etc. Let me know.

Aug 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
SAX PLAYING IS NOT ONLY FOR YOUTHS
by: Anonymous

Ornette Coleman still ålays (alto), now being
78 years old - sometimes being one of the main attractions at jazz festivals. I myself is 64
years old and have played tenor sax since I was
30 years old. 53 years old? I think the time
is ripe(!) for realizing dear dreams. Good luck!




CELTIC
OCTOID

Nov 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You're never too old...
by: hooked on sax


Hi Joseph,

Go for it... if you haven't already started. I'm 50 and started on the tenor sax a few months ago and am really surprised - and hooked. It's changing my life!!!

good luck!

Dec 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
im 49 too
by: john erik

i have no experience either but tonight just bought a bundy. its so alone here and my dog loves the harmonica so im upgrading and we will see if i can do the sax good.

Feb 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Im 56 and just getting started too
by: Anonymous

5 days ago I asked myself the same question..At 56 I felt I was over the hill a bit but the desire to participate in my church musical group won out the decision making. 5 days into my alto has shown me that I can do this. All of my neighbors yell over the fence that it sounds good Sarge..Well, there ya go..Jump in with both feet!

Mar 30, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Of Course U Can!
by: Anonymous

I'm 54 four year old female and started with an alto, I switched to a vintage soprano and have been playing about 6 years. It does help balance the creative right brained visual artist. It was hard at first 'cause I knew nothing about reading music ,notes, and never did well in math, numbers, u know. Just make sure if u get an instructor make sure he is not the arrogant muscian who doesn't have patience and NOT MOODY. Been there done that, it can be very discouraging. It's the instructor, I had one who said I played wonderful when he was in a good mood and yelled at me when he was in a bad mood. Believe me my playing wasn't that bad, just his attitude. Pick someone u really feel comfortable with. I used to dread seeing this guy. I quit after 45 years and playing better without him. Much luck 2 you!

May 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
YAY!
by: Cbell

It's so wonderful that you're learning. It's so strange how we all get hooked on an instrument. Really there is no starting late; it's all relative. For example, I'm in Grade 12 and I started playing tenor in Grade 8. Well compared to all my friends who started in Grade 5, I thought it was too late for me! Four years later, I dream of playing my sax every day! Really, when it comes to music, the only advice I can give is that what you give is what you get. I'm so happy for you! As with starting with anything, if you can just make it past the first little while, and try to hold onto a few songs that you like at your level, it will make the whole experience much easier!

Jun 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
now I know the answer
by: gabrielle

I've always loved music and the sound that floats out of the sax into the air, fills one's senses with delight,made me realise thats the instrument I would like to learn at 51 years .I have never pick up an instrument to learn before and a thought just came into my head while on hoildays, why can't I do it? After reading Robert's question is it too late to learn? I was inspired by everyone's comments.Thanks everyone now I too will here the sweet sound of my sax and my heart will smile,live your dreams.

Sep 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Me too!
by: Anonymous

Your original post was Aug 09. Well Aug 09 I too wanted to take up the sax, at (then) age 51. I borrowed a sax and have just picked it up on my own, getting tips from youtube etc. on the internet. Now a year later I still love it, wish I had more time to devote to it. How's it going for you?

Jan 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
sax
by: Anonymous

i am 13 and started playin alto in 6th grade and im first chair and have been recomended to a performing arts center.I say go for it it will be hard at first just make sure you practice and you will get better faster than ever.And i am like the best student in my class.All u have to do is start with grade one peaces like dance of the thunderbolts or bad romance by lady gaga.

Oct 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Let's go for it :)
by: Vito

On my 66th birthday I furnished myself with an alto, and have a lot of fun with it RIGHT NOW. Never played a windwood, just a guitar and organ, but always wanted to blow a horn. So be it!

Click here to add your own comments


Recommended For You

Buy Saxophones and Accessories:

Amazon has a wide range of affordable saxophones and sax accessories. Check it out here. Click here to buy saxophones and accessories.

Saxophone Sheet Music:

Classical Sheet Music to download instantly

Here's the best place I've found for saxophone sheet music. Click here for the best in saxophone sheet music.

Get Your Free E-zine. Enter your E-mail Address
Enter your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Saxophone Xpress!.

The Saxophone.com is now on Facebook. Click the like button below and (be one of the first persons to) join us on Facebook.

The-Saxophone.com on Twitter

Follow The-Saxophone.com on Twitter.