 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Enid
Date: 1999-08-12 02:02
I am 67 years old. I would very much like to learn to play an instrument. I used to play the recorder but I found the range too small. I've tried the piano but I find it confusing to be doing two different things with each of your hands. I also like the sound of the flute very much. I would be taking lessons once a week. Thank you for any input.
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Author: Eoin
Date: 1999-08-18 07:21
I notice that your question has been sitting in the forum
for a whole week without anyone replying. I myself have
not answered because I don't play the flute. However, this
has gone far enough...
I think that if you want to play an instrument very much,
then it doesn't matter what age you are. Work at it and
you will make progress.
Some things I do know about the flute:
1 You don't need good teeth! The clarinet and saxophone
both put a lot of pressure on your front teeth, but
the flute doesn't.
2 The playing position of the flute is quite awkward. You
have to hold your right hand quite far out from your
body at the same height as your mouth for long periods.
Try this and see is it comfortable.
3 I would guess that the first two octaves are easy
enough to produce but that once you get to the third
octave, real technique is required. This seems to be
the case with most woodwind instruments. The clarinet
is the exception because it uses a different method
of producing the note (overblowing at the 3rd
harmonic). This makes the fingering more difficult,
but it is quite easy to get almost 3 octaves out of it.
Have you really explored the recorder enough to know you
don't like it? The recorder is a good instrument because
it is played in a very comfortable playing position, doesn't
require any complicated embouchure (mouth position) and
can produce a range of two octaves and one note easily.
Recorders come in a range of different sizes, so you can find one to fit you. The normal one recommended for adults
is the alto recorder, unless you have very small hands, in
which case you should use the soprano recorder.
I hope that some of this is of use.
Eoin
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Author: Al Soskin
Date: 1999-09-16 13:27
Good for you! I have two sisters that study with me and they are in their 80's. They are now playing in a senior citizens band. Keep your goals high.
Al Soskin
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Author: Laura
Date: 1999-10-14 00:11
Learning new things is what keeps us young. Try the flute for awhile...you can rent until you decide if you want to continue. I know numerous people who didn't start playing until they were older and they're having a ball. Good luck.
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Author: Danielle Yemiola
Date: 1999-10-18 01:35
Hello,
First off you should definetly start to play the flute.
No age is too old. I do play the flute and it is a wonderful thing to play. You have to hold it out to the side of your body,(which can become a strain on your arms), but if you have the right Embochure,you could always play the piccolo
which is a smaller version of the flute. Believe me it is a lot less hassle holding it up because I play one of those too.
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Author: KEN
Date: 1999-10-25 00:06
I think you should play flute. It is a beautiful instrument and i hope you do well on it.
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Author: Rachel Kudeck
Date: 1999-11-10 02:17
No one is ever too old to learn to love anythin or to learn anything. Do what you want to do! Age has nothing to do with it. It might take you longer than a ten year old, but that is only because children learn faster. Don't worry, if you put enough time and effort into it, than you will learn faster. My grandfather learned the flute in high school, but he still takes it out to play and he's almost 79! He loves it and you will too.
Peace and Love,
Rachel Kudeck
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Author: Hiro
Date: 1999-12-03 01:51
I am a Japanese playing flute,clarinet,saxophones, and at the age of 48 I am now starting to play trumpet.
A wind instument, if practiced good way, makes us healthier in physically and mentally.
I hope you start flute. Flute is an instument through which your breath comes into it not via reed or other device.
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Author: Mina
Date: 2000-04-21 21:19
Hi.
It should not matter how old you are. Making music is for everyone. I play the flute and think it is a great instrument to learn to play. Besides no one is every to old to enjoy music. Good luck!
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