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INDIAN MUSIC FORUM ARCHIVES: Tabla Forum: Am I too old to learn Tabla?

 

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ChrisG
Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 10, 2003 05:43 p.m.

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 32 year old musician - hardly over the hill, but with Tabla it is a bit intimidating to think of taking up this instrument seriously with my fulltime job plus wife and children, etc.

I guess I'm really wondering if it can be done. Can someone really learn to play this instrument well without starting to study it as a young person?

Chris
Taklu
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 11, 2003 05:28 a.m.

You are as old as you feel. I started learning when I was 38 and I am now 47 and I am still enjoying it and just as proficient playing the with advanced students who are on average some 10-15 younger than me.

So its never to late at all ! - Enjoy
Roy Chowdhury
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 11, 2003 09:57 a.m.

you are never too old to start learning what you you enjoy. I started learning when I was 34, still playing when I am 42 and enjoying it as well.
Go for it. .
Sita
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 12, 2003 05:46 a.m.

Hi,

I started to learn Indian classical dance at the age of 34, which also required a great courage, as it is a lifetime project, just as tabla learning. Started to learn playing the harmonium in the same year. I'm 37 now. In the dance still just a beginner as well as in harmonium playing. But both give immense joy and enrich my life immensely. I would still like take up bansuri learning as soon as I find a teacher. Everyone is right here. Starting to learn new things is NEVER TOO LATE! Go for it!

Best Wishes
Sita
kulpreet
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 12, 2003 10:31 a.m.

Don't quite remember where I read it but the though stuck in my mind - One of the most beautiful things in this world is a passion discovered late in life.

So true. For one, one realizes it is for real and not a passing fad. So go ahead - in 10 years you can be balding middle aged person battling your own mid-age crisis and the kids teenage years. Or you can be a balding middle aged person battling your own mid-age crisis and the kids teenage years but whose Tirikits are finally beginning to roll off the fingers . .

Good Luck.
Jason
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 12, 2003 11:02 a.m.

A strange feeling I get when I do riaz is that it actually makes me feel younger (more energy runs through me) and my mind clearer.

Does Music have the same effect as these YOGIC process where it links you to spiritual plane rather than material one. This may be why I feel more energy.
sitarsrule
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 12, 2003 09:14 p.m.

Music is able to send the hear, as well as the player on a spiritual journey, so enjoy, I'm currently buying a book,& C.D in order to learn the Tabla better, and I'm 41, I'm also Taking up the sax, My teacher says the I'm a natural I can play notes on it that take most months to learn, so go for it and think about this,you won't end up 80 yrs old wondering what would have happened. . . . . . . . . . . .Peace
Devi
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Mar 14, 2003 12:18 a.m.

Ah, so it's OK that I'm struggling with Tirkit then?
I agree with these people; it's a matter of the reason you are playing. I had this mental struggle myself, as I also have a job that leaves me little to no free time and also no available teacher. I said to myself "Is it even worth it? I'll never amount to anything as a tabla player!" But then I thought. . "Amount to something? Exactly what was I planning to amount to, anyway? The next Zakir Hussain? The reason I'm playing is because I LIKE IT." It's relaxing, and even at my beginning level (started in January with a book and VHS tape) I get glimpses of the amazing feeling you can get when you are struggling with a rhythm and all of a sudden it just clicks. . like dissonant tones coming into harmony. THATs why I play. You must enjoy the journey; if you do, then there's never any such thing as "too old".

kulpreet (Mar 12, 2003 10:31 a.m.):
Don't quite remember where I read it but the though stuck in my mind - One of the most beautiful things in this world is a passion discovered late in life.

So true. For one, one realizes it is for real and not a passing fad. So go ahead - in 10 years you can be balding middle aged person battling your own mid-age crisis and the kids teenage years. Or you can be a balding middle aged person battling your own mid-age crisis and the kids teenage years but whose Tirikits are finally beginning to roll off the fingers . .

Good Luck.

It's hard to disappoint a pessimist.
unclebee
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Apr 14, 2003 11:32 a.m.

I started my tabla studies at 46 (I'm 48 now), with Kinnarji Seen at Sangeet Vilas. I have been a percussionist all of my life and I was intending to learn this instrument, but never had the cash, time or teacher. Finally, all of the pieces came together, albeit 15 years after my intentions were clear.
I may use this knowledge on stage--maybe not. But sometimes the best part about getting somewhere is the journey itself.
I'm clearly the oldest student, probably several years older than my guru. But I never enjoyed something as much as I enjoy my weekly lesson, along with my practice sessions.
Don't sweat it. You're NEVER too young, as long as you're breathing.
Peace and God bless


ChrisG (Mar 10, 2003 05:43 p.m.):
Hi Everyone,

I'm a 32 year old musician - hardly over the hill, but with Tabla it is a bit intimidating to think of taking up this instrument seriously with my fulltime job plus wife and children, etc.

I guess I'm really wondering if it can be done. Can someone really learn to play this instrument well without starting to study it as a young person?

Chris
Warren
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Apr 15, 2003 01:29 a.m.

It only takes a year or so to get the basics.

The only problem with tabla is that the more you learn the more you realize how much more there is to learn .
It is deep .
At this point my approach is more like food
If I don't play for a few days I start to starve.

So are your brains and hands hungry?
Neruda
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Apr 22, 2003 03:06 a.m.

I used to lament the fact that I wasn't able to start when I was five like most of the great masters, but getting started as early as I was able to (17, 18 now) was, I realize now, a very lucky thing. I'm pretty sure that my teacher didn't begin learning until he was in his 30's, but he's an excellent player now which just goes to show you that it's never to late to start. It gives me hope knowing that someone can get started as late as he did and become so good. Just stick to the Riazz!
Rohit
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Apr 24, 2003 06:29 p.m.

U will never be too old to start!!!
Chris
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? May 01, 2003 03:16 p.m.

Thanks to everyone for all their replies on this forum. I haven't been back here for quite a while, and in that time I started taking classes with Pt Samir Chatterjee. I have been enjoying them immensely, and I think that I will get a lot of enjoyment from the classes even if I never become an accomplished tablaji.

With Love,
Chris
vk
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Apr 30, 2003 08:00 a.m.

Hi dear besides i can say that it is never too late music comes more from heart than learning itself i have a simple site at http://passion.virtualave.net for beginners to get easy notations. Do visit.
Jo�lle
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? May 29, 2003 11:56 a.m.

It's never too late to start something good. I'm 52 and started tabla. . . two years ago ! The more I learn this beautiful and clever instrument, the more I love it. I improve certainly more slowly than if I had started younger, but I also learn patience and humility. So go ahead with your passion, it is really great. .
Jo�lle (French)
Vasanthe
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 01, 2003 09:58 p.m.

I am from Australia and new to this forum. I have been following all the traffic in the last few weeks and could not resist sending a line. You are old as you feel.

I am 55 years old and started learning the Tabla about three months back. I practice one hour everyday and enjoy every moment. This is my retirement plan!
Mitch
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 08, 2003 01:00 a.m.

I'm 41 and started playing a few weeks ago, While I don't expect to give Zakir Hussain a run for his money in my lifetime, my initial goal of "having fun" has been met and surpassed. While my next goal of "sounding like I sorta know how to play" is a few years off, so what- I'm having fun!
PJ
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 17, 2003 12:40 p.m.

Reading all the responses I am encouraged very much.

I am 61, and I had heart surgery 4 years back. I was in a depressed mood for a year. Our friend Asha for some reason brought her old tabla and left it in our house, - mainly because she got a new set, and also she felt that I can use it. She new I always liked music. Very simply she taught me the basic Teen Tal, Kehrwa, Ddra, etc. I started enjoying it. I took a couple of lessons from other professionals. I feel it is a great theraupy for mind and body. I can forget everything when I am playing what little I know.

So I feel that age has no bearing if you are not physically handicapped. It does not enter my mind while I am playing. Of course my hands get tired! I am playing it just for my own joy of it, and it seems at least some musicians do want me to accompany them. I am happy to do so.

Therfore all you young folks out there have a beautiful jouney ahead - just enjoy it.
Russ
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 17, 2003 05:06 p.m.

No NO NO. You are far too old! You must put down the tabla immediately or the music police will come to your door and demand your first born. .or your tabla. .which ever is closest!

Ha ha. Couldn't resist! I hope you're never too old to start. I took up sitar seriously just a year ago, and I'm turning 50. I had a heart attack a few years ago, was really down and depressed. This music and my instrument has brought me back to life. So, go for it and have fun!!!
ChrisG
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 19, 2003 11:50 a.m.

Boy, if I had taken all that time I spent wondering whether or not I was too old to learn tabla, and spent it practicing instead - I'd have been in great shape by now!

As it is, I've been taking classes with Samir Chatterjee for many months now and I cannot believe what a difference it has made.

Thanks again to everyone!
Ananth
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 20, 2003 10:05 p.m.

One is never too old todo anything that he or she may enjoy! I developed a sudden urge to learn tabla out of no where, when I turned 50. That was 10 years ago. it gave me a sense of accomplishment and courage to venture in to new arts. As a result I dabble in learning flute, Dumbek and trap set with confidence. Learning curve may be a little broad and memory may not assist much but if done at our own speed is very enjoyable stage by stage. One of the downsides of investing so much time and energy in learning this fascinating instrument, is the tublist and the instrument does not get the appreciation it deserves.
keep on drumming.
Ananth.
Swara
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 21, 2003 04:30 a.m.

Well Chris, it seems you are one of the youngsters on this forum. This must cheer you up. Everything I read here is very recognizable to me. I started at the age of 33 and I am 40 now. You don't have to expect anything ,just experience the joy of playing.
tablob
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 22, 2003 12:44 p.m.

Yup, another 'late starter' here. .I'm 42 and started a few years ago. I wonder how to explain this phenomena. Either because of awareness (America is painfully uninterested in other cultures that aren't European in general)? Or is it because it takes wise, mature, cultured, refined gentlemen to appreciate it?
Wayan
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jun 22, 2003 02:58 p.m.

Or is it because it takes wise, mature, cultured, refined gentlemen to appreciate it?[/quote]

Absolutely!!! Right to the point!!!
joe
Re:Am I too old to learn Tabla? Jul 06, 2003 06:59 a.m.

The great thing about playing tabla for me is the act of being present with the instrument. When you are
being present all age vanishes. According to our critical mind, we could never ever fully start early enough. Even if we started as soon as we were born, the intensity of playing pleasure would wipe out the inner joy of being, making us wish our parents played tabla continuously outside the womb. So, play like you eat, sleep, walk, breath, and poop. .ha! Just let it happen. Love, Peace, Living in the now. joe
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