Is 40 Too Late to Become a Musician? Here's What You Need to Know

Breaking the Myth: Age Is Just a Number

So, you're 40, and you've been thinking about becoming a musician. The idea excites you, but then doubt creeps in: Is 40 too late to start? Well, let me tell you this—it's definitely not too late. In fact, some of the most inspiring musicians didn't start their careers in their teens or even their 20s.

The Reality of Starting Music at 40

You might think that music is a young person's game, but that's simply not true. There's no rule that says you can't pick up an instrument, learn to sing, or start composing at 40 or older. I recently had a conversation with my friend Karen, who had always wanted to play the piano but never had the time. She told me, "I always thought it was too late for me to start, but now I wish I had started years ago." Karen is 42 now, and she's been playing piano for the past year. Not only is she progressing, but she's enjoying it more than she ever expected.

The point is: the best time to start is now. Age doesn’t have to hold you back from pursuing a dream, and in many ways, you can bring a lot of unique experience and wisdom into your music.

Benefits of Starting Music Later in Life

Okay, so maybe you're wondering: What benefits do you get from starting later? Shouldn't younger musicians have the upper hand? Well, let me tell you—there are a ton of advantages to being an older beginner.

Emotional Maturity and Life Experience

One of the most significant advantages of starting music later in life is the emotional maturity and life experience you bring to your music. At 40, you've likely been through enough life experiences to express a range of emotions in your art. You might not have the raw "youthful" energy of someone in their 20s, but you have something they don't: depth.

Remember, some of the best musicians didn’t start young—take someone like Susan Boyle, who was 47 when she first gained worldwide recognition on "Britain’s Got Talent." The emotional depth she brought to her performances was unmatched, and her voice became her signature. That’s the power of life experience!

More Focus and Discipline

Let’s be real: when you’re younger, it can be hard to focus on one thing for too long, especially when life is full of distractions. At 40, you likely have a clearer sense of what you want and how to get it. That focus is key when learning any skill, especially music. You’ll have the ability to put in the work and build discipline, which will serve you well.

Can You Be Successful as a Musician at 40?

You might still be thinking, "Okay, I get it—I'm not too old. But can I still be successful?" The short answer: absolutely.

Success Is Not Defined by Age

Success in music doesn’t follow a set timeline, and it's not limited to being "young." There are plenty of musicians who started their careers later in life and went on to achieve incredible success. For instance, Sheryl Crow was 30 when she began her career as a solo artist. Even more recently, Ray LaMontagne was in his early 30s before he ever picked up the guitar and became a household name.

Your success depends on the work you put in, your passion, and how you connect with your audience. Age might affect the pace of your journey, but it doesn't determine the outcome. You can absolutely achieve your musical dreams at any age. It just requires dedication and patience.

The Music Industry Is More Open Than Ever

Thanks to the internet and platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud, there are now more ways than ever to get noticed in the music industry. You don’t need a big label to launch your music anymore—you can start small, build an audience, and grow from there.

Plus, older musicians often have a more developed sense of their artistic identity. Instead of trying to be something you’re not to fit into a market, you have the freedom to express your true self.

How to Get Started: Practical Tips for 40-Year-Old Musicians

So now you’re fired up and ready to go! But where do you start? Here are a few practical tips that will help you on your musical journey.

Start Small and Set Realistic Goals

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you’re starting from scratch. Instead of trying to do everything at once, break it down. Learn one song, practice an instrument for 15-20 minutes a day, and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve. If you’re new to music theory, start with the basics—there's no rush. Progress will come with patience.

Take Lessons or Use Online Resources

Whether it’s taking private lessons, joining a class, or using online tutorials, investing in your musical education will pay off. YouTube, for example, is a goldmine of free lessons. I remember when my cousin, Tim, started learning guitar at 45. He was a complete beginner, but after a few months of consistent practice and online courses, he was already playing his favorite songs.

Network with Other Musicians

Being a musician is not just about playing an instrument—it’s about connecting with other musicians. Attend local jam sessions, join online communities, or even collaborate with other artists on platforms like Instagram. Networking can provide valuable support, inspiration, and even opportunities for gigs or projects.

Conclusion: It's Never Too Late to Pursue Your Passion

At the end of the day, 40 is not too late to become a musician—not by a long shot. In fact, it might be the perfect time to start. You have the maturity, discipline, and life experience that younger musicians might not have. Plus, with technology on your side, you can learn and grow faster than ever before.

So, if you’ve been sitting on the idea of becoming a musician, don’t wait any longer. Start today, and remember: the only "too late" is the time you waste wondering what could have been. You’ve got this!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.