ok an analogy, "playing an instument is like learning a language." Ive been blaying cello for a little ove one year, im also 23. my question is do you think that it is possable to learn cello later in life, without always haveing an "accent." Just as if a twenty somthing person trys to learn a languge, even if they become fluent, they seldom sound perfect.

WOW! your topic blows my freeking mind!!!!!! what an interesting idea. To compair learning an instument in learning a language! well you know what ive am a 23 year old cello player too and i think that if you stick with it you can do it, with perserverence you can could go on to play with best of the best.

I'm 18 and learning the cello...I completely understand what you mean. But also, I'm not trying to sound like the polished classical professionals who have been playing for 50 years, I'm going for a more inovative indie-rock sound. I think it will be impossible to loose the accent since you will not be taking orcestra in high school, and you probably will not major in the cello at a fine art school, so why not just embrace the accent?

I think in the end it comes down to personal ability.

My wife started cello at 50 and is truely dedicated to it. She is presently in an intergenerational orchestra and aseveral chamber ensembles. So, yes you can learn if you want it enough.

I have just started at age 30 and kind of wondered the same, I don't really care since I'm not looking to be great, I just want to be able to enjoy the instrument. At least unlike some kids starting out I don't see any part of it as a chore, I can't wait to get home from work and practice and thus I think I practice alot more.

There's a book called 'NEVER TOO LATE', by an 'amateur' cellist named John Holt.
He studied learning and stuff, and he began to learn cello at the age of 40. Apparently, he got to be real good!
I'm trying to get hold of this book. Apparently it's really good, and an inspiration for older people who want to learn an instrument.

I think the reason it's hard when you're an adult is that we're less perseverant! I mean, it's kind of embarrassing to do something that sounds bad or not that great. So instead of continuing, you kinda give up. Whereas kids just find it fun and don't care HOW they sound. And they end up being professionals!!

The general rule seems to be that, especially with strings, the earlier you start the better you can get... but really I feel that applies to the very best.

I started at 12, and already I was too old to achieve highest level professional standard, though perhaps if I'd persevered through my teens I may have reached jobbing orchestral standard. Most top string players start at 5 or earlier. I lost interest at 15 after reaching grade 2 and have returned to it in the last 18 months (over 20 years later).

Having said that, standard is also dictated a lot by commitment, and adults tend to demonstrate more of that. I also find that, as an adult returning to it, I'm much more interested in the music itself, wheras I had little interest in classical music as a teenager. I now love getting hold of the sheet music for some of my favourite classical pieces and working really hard at them.

However, I do often feel very disappointed in the quality of what I produce, despite my dedication, though I know I would be making more progress more quickly if I could afford a teacher.

I believe that anyone can reach a standard where they are capable of performing in front of others (even if just friends & family), and primarily it's about enjoying the process of playing and of gradually improving. As long as you're not counting on becoming a concert cellist, then I'm sure you have the capacity to make the progress you hope for.

Any one can start an istrument at any time!

People in my family have started piano and they are 50!

They love it.

It is good to start an istrument at any stage of life.

I played the cello when I was 10 for two years, and then stopped. I went back to it five years ago when I was 59 and am learning like crazy. Perhaps I'll never be as good as someone who has played for 50 years, or someone who started as a youngster and kept going, but it's not a contest. I'll surely be good enough to have fun and play in groups (already do)and play worthwhile music. I think lessons help a lot if you can afford them and there's a good teacher near you. I imagine it's pretty hard to start from scratch entirely on your own.