When Is Too Old To Learn To Sing?
Posted on 19. Sep, 2009 by Per Bristow in Health, Singing
I did something wonderful last weekend! Bear with me as I explain why I’m sharing this and why I think it benefits you. See, in my teens I waterskied a handful of times, and I remember it as being so unbelievably fun. But in almost 30 years I hadn’t done it. Until last weekend….
But was I even going to be able to get up out of the water? What if I fell all the time?
Yup that’s me in the picture. What was also so much fun was how well it went. I popped up on my first attempt and was slaloming as if it was 30 years ago. And, boy, did I feel good afterwards!
As a side note I should mention something you may not know, and that is that I always cheat.
I’m kidding of course when I say “cheat”, but the truth is that it wasn’t the first time in 30 years at all. I had practiced several times the day before, and on the boat ride – even while my kids were trying to psyche me out. Yes, I had practiced in my head.
Well talk more about the art of visualization and mental preparation another time though. The reason I mention this event is because of this email I received:
"Per, I appreciate your emails, but I have a problem. I used to sing solos many, many years ago, but haven’t sung much lately. The problem is that I am 65 hears old, and although I love the idea of being able to sing again, it is probably too late."
There is no denying that there are many physical changes in our body as we age. There is no denying that we lose muscles strength and flexibility. However, too often we make "age" the culprit – or the excuse, if you will. Realize that many young people – even kids – also run into voice and other physical problems. So although there are certainly things we will never be able to do as well as we once did, it is certainly never too late to have fun. It is never too late to do activities that inspire us and make us energetic and vibrant. It is never too late to learn and develop.
You should know that although we don’t keep track of the ages of our members of The Singing Zone, there are many who are well into their 70s and 80s who have spontaneously written and expressed their gratitude and joy.
The Singing Zone is not a program where a certain age or skill is a prerequisite. Although many professional and semi-professionals are members, there are just as many who have never sung before. Since we are about developing awareness and taking you from where you are to where you want to go, your level or age is really irrelevant. Singing is indeed for everyone.
I remember I felt I was “too old” when I was 26. Old or young is really a mental state. As our bodies transform our minds transform, we find new activities that inspire us. Singing is one of those activities that has no age limit, unless we are judging they way we sound towards some limiting ideal. My grandmother starting painting well into her 60s, my dad still sings in the choir. There have been studies that have shown incredible improvement among 80 year olds who started weight training, and we can go on and on.
What do you think a 100-year-old would think when a 65 year old kid talks about things being too late? Take a look at this video of Roger Gentilhomme one day after he turns a 100 years old and then post your comment below.
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Linda Beal
23. Sep, 2009
I love to sing but didn’t have a lot time until now. I’m 67 and recently won the Georgia Senior talent showcase 1st place for solo. I love your style of teaching to free up the tension. Makes such a difference. I personally do not believe that one ever gets to old to sing. Wouldn’t it be cool if all the 60 + singers could get together for one giant sized senior singing party?
Keep singing everyone.
Jeannette Viers Brooks
22. Sep, 2009
Yes, Catherine Mein. Yah, good ideas! I haven’t been inviting him to sing with me, except when we need to practice for a duet in church. I will start each day, inviting him to sing hymns with me. He has a good voice, and he is a good critic, and when I let him, he does help. The only draw back is, where Per says don’t worry about hitting the note, this special person will tell me every time I miss. Of course now that I have learned to “feel” it, I know without being told when I miss. But, he doesn’t know about being aware how it feels. I used to sing in choirs with difficulty because I relied on my ears, but with a big choir I couldn’t hear myself. Now, with this new skill, I can “feel” the notes. Thanks Per, for all you do for us. We are never too old. I’m starting to realize too that singing doesn’t begin in the vocal cords, mouth and lungs and rib cage and all that. It’s much deeper. It comes out from deep inside the soul. It’s like a cry, (Not physical here), but an inner joy released. Well, I talk to much, I better stop.
Joy to all
Per Bristow
22. Sep, 2009
Okay, “bear” it is. We’ll go “bare” another time.
Great comments everyone!
Quentin
22. Sep, 2009
Per
Regarding line 1; I hope you want us to ‘bear’ with you, not ‘bare’ with you (unless, of course, you are thinking of going nudist, which in my case is not a pretty sight!)
Only kidding – I find your material and your optimistic attitude truly inspirational. Age is relative – my neighbour drove his car at age 101. He loved buying old clocks, radios and other antiques and fixing them up to resell.
Helen Wright
22. Sep, 2009
Per
Doesn’t it have something to do with hormones as we girls get older? My voice has definitely got lower since the menopause.
Carola
21. Sep, 2009
Yes Per,
first of all aging happens in the imagination to be or to become old. Now I’m 68 and I don’t feel old at all and I don’t look old.
At FaceBook I have a very inspiring girlfriend and I always thought she is young woman because of her activities. Now she wrote that she is 98!
That makes me feel even younger than before
Best wishes,
Carola
wendy l
21. Sep, 2009
Per,
I am in my 40′s and have recently taken up singing “again”. I used to sing when I was young, like high school age. I learned a lot from my mother who was a singer in a pop quartet when she was young-they sang at local events and on a local radio station, but never recorded anything. and her mother was a pianist who taught me a some stuff about music appreciation and different styles, ect.. my goal is to achieve a wider range and improve my tone, smoothe out transitions, ect. not sure if your program would be helpful? would like to take private vocal lessons, but I have alot going on and only have time when most places are closed or folks are not available. looking for your input?
wendy L
Jerry D. Noble
21. Sep, 2009
Per: In always enjoys your views and instruction greatly. Thanks much!
(Next comment not intended to be “published”): I think you mean “BEAR with me”…not “BARE with me.
Padma
21. Sep, 2009
Thanks for the post. Every encouraging.
Catherine Mein
21. Sep, 2009
Well done Jeanette!
I knew which F you meant! There are three main ways to deal with “that certain person” Don’t waste energy beating him up.
1. Buy him ear plugs.
2. Lock him in a room in front of Per’s videos & then drag him screaming & kicking to join you singing. He just might, like my “certain person” find that he can sing too & has joined a choir with me & really enjoys it!
3. Say “You show me how to do it darling!”
Good luck,
Catherine.
PS – a large box of choolates plus the big hug & kiss might work quicker, then start the exercises together
If that doesn’t work, there’s no hope & he maybe enjoys winding you up, so think to yourself you must therefore be making him happy! so stick him in front of the tele with his favourite sport programme plus the chocolates & the volume turned on high, then you ignore him!
P.S. Per’s “-NG excercise slidy up & down on scales pushes the air up into your palate to vibrate at the the front of your mouth & releases
the tension in your throat, also going brrr lips vibrating without the “r” loosely at your grumpy one might make him laugh! Here’s hoping!
through you
Karen Krueger
21. Sep, 2009
Thank you for the video of Roger Gentilhomme. It was inspiring – As is your website. It is so positive and a joy to read. I am a 56 year old singer who sometimes feels very old. Guess not. Thank you, thank you. I’m psyched for the day. KK
Jeannette Brooks
21. Sep, 2009
Correction to my Blog. I am trying to hit the second F above Middle C, not high C. I’m laughing at my faux pas. Lol.
Jeannette Brooks
21. Sep, 2009
I’m 64 years young. I tell my grand daughters that I am just an antique little girl. People tell me I act much younger than my age. I am not afraid to try something new, as long as it isn’t dangerous. If I get up in front of people and mess up, at least I won’t get a broken arm or leg. I remind myself of Eunice, Carol Burnett’s character in the series, Momma, with Vicki Lawrence. And, I am like Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy. I’m always trying to sing, and someone in my family keeps telling me, I will never sing well, it’s too late for me, blah, blah, blah…. In a certain song I am working on, I’ve been trying to hit an F, the second F above high C. Sometimes I can get it, sometimes, if I am too tense, I can’t quite get it. Just this week while practicing that song, I received one of those comments, from a certain person who will remain unnamed. I responded, “Well, I’m going to sing Jeannette’s best, the best that I can do, not compared to anyone else, and I will enjoy myself. Then, I returned to my practice. The thing was, this time the comment didn’t bother me very much. And when I was through practicing, I walked over to him and gave him a hug, and felt good. Everyone has a right to their opinion, though I believe sometimes we should keep them to ourselves instead of discouraging someone. But, nevertheless, I don’t have a right to punish him for his opinion, but I don’t have to fall into someone else’s line of thinking. I can think for myself, thank you very much. Thank you for sharing, Per. I sing everywhere now. When I am out shopping, all through the stores I am singing softly under my breath. I don’t care if people hear me. It makes me feel good. I try to carry a song in my heart all through the day. Thank you for sharing your method of singing with freedom, and your continued ideas.
Jeannette Viers Brooks
derek elton
21. Sep, 2009
I was never thought of myself as a “good” singer in the sense that my range was, and still is limited and I actually never really liked the sound of my voice, although others said that they did. I learned to accept that as a fact, after all like and dislike are both subjective. I am 63, still singing, performing and writing music. I sing what I can and have stopped trying, or wishing I was able, to do what is beyond me. I try and play to my strengths and concentrate on for example phrasing and mood and I try to inject a little “soul” no matter what the song content. By “soul” I definitely do not mean the kind of over the top vocal pyrotechnics which results in never singing one note when 37 can be fitted in, but merely feeling the words. 16 or 116 if you like to sing then sing
Savio
20. Sep, 2009
Hi Per,
I totally agree that age is not a barrier to singing. I am from India and if you have heard of names like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle who are in their late seventies they are still so good that they will put youngsters to shame.Of course there is weakening of muscles etc but that does not take away the capacity to sing. You may sing a note lower than before but if you have the melody in you that the high notes may not at all be necessary.It is so right of you to clear the misconception that age is a limit.
Savio.
Geoff Wilson
20. Sep, 2009
Hi Per:
I turn 66 next month and still sing in public. Still have all my notes from high F to low F, and down to low D occasionally. Nothing has disappeared but I practice probably six days a week.
Sure my breathing is not as good as it used to be but I manage OK.
Regards
Geoff
Betty Bartholomew
20. Sep, 2009
Loved your course and gained some good advice to improve my singing. I am almost 88 years old, female, and very active in several areas of endeavor–art, volunteering and exercising. I sang in Sweet Adelines chorusus for many years, and as soloist with a wintertime band over the past five years. My husband and I have performed in many nursing homes–very rewarding for us. Our church choir is great, and I love being a member. I have been asked numerous times about my “professional singing career,” and answer with a laugh that I am not a pro. What is the age limit for singing well? My answer: “There is no limit!”
Loyce!
20. Sep, 2009
As an aside to Caroline: I play the banjo/uke since I wanted more twang and with the four strings it fits in nicely with my uke band. It’s compact and easy as pie to tune.
Evie
20. Sep, 2009
Hi Per,
I am 64 years old and never sung in my life until I bought your program now my hubby and I sing 3 times a week and hold karaoke parties at our house we love it and it a wonderful feeling to receive the compliments and the clapping from our guests after the songs we sing, makes us feel good and young again, if we find a song we want to sing but are unsure of how it sounds we check out the song on youtube first and then sing it on our karaoke set up, we have a building on our property that we have turned into a night club and as we can only have 22 guests at a time we now have a waiting list of people wanting to attend. We now have over 150 cd’s carrying 2,600 songs Thank you so much for your program that helps us attain the levels we are at.
Carlotta
20. Sep, 2009
I should add–not everyone in my life supports what I do. My mother-in-law, concerned about age, finally said, “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt”. That’s o.k. Sometimes your heart drives you past all that. People can be nice, maybe be supportive, or–they can just get out of the way. I like being able to mentally push past the people in the way.