A beautiful instrument. It came in a nice case with one bow, a cotton chin rest pad, cleaning cloth, and extra rosin. I picked it up gently, put it to my chin, drew the bow across the strings, and eyed myself in the mirror.

I didn’t remember anything about my brief childhood lessons, didn’t see that young girl learning to successfully play “Reuben and Rachel,” a popular kid’s song back in the day. In truth, I wasn’t enthused about starting over.

The violin wound up back in the case, propped in a corner of my office right next to the banjo I’d bought a while back. My family tried to encourage me and suggested I read articles on the benefits to seniors of playing an instrument.

What I learned is that music lessons may positively affect comprehension function in older folks. One study highlighted “the potential of music interventions as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive decline in older adults.” I found many medical articles written on this subject, some easy reads, others a bit confusing and boring. I needed more information.

I could have talked with one of my doctor acquaintances, but to find a balance between clinical facts and user-friendly details I chose, instead, an up-close and personal route with a pro. I chatted with a violinist and instructor who has seen the positive results of music for us mature individuals. It was a great visit with my son, Chris. Here’s some of what he shared with me.

The concept of “beginner’s mind” is a Zen thing. It’s about having an open attitude, an eagerness when learning and studying. The path of adult beginner on the violin is challenging and constantly puts a person in that “beginner’s mind” state.

The mature beginner on the violin or any new instrument reaps some positive health benefits. Improved posture, rhythmic arm movements, coordination, and fine motor control to name a few. Personally, I like the body awareness you experience, noticing how it feels to stand or sit straight and breathe rhythmically. 

Many new players are surprised at their own talent, learning to practice slowly and improve quickly. Playing violin often becomes a meaningful part of an older student’s life. Not only is it something positive to do for the physical aspects, it’s an endless mental and spiritual challenge. Like meditation, it calms the breathing.

Playing clears the mind of the mundane, connecting player to instrument, changing the focus away from idle chatter to true sound and feelings. And if you’re in a class, there’s the opportunity to learn, play, and commiserate with others.

It’s also a way to connect with 500 years of violin history, a window into times, places, and cultures – Bach, Mozart, classical music, blues, jazz, Irish, and Old-Time. The Old-Time style highlights the fiddle and is an example of traditional North American music following Native American tones.  

Since it’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument, and music education for seniors may promote positive mental and physical well-being, let’s get that guitar out of the closet, mandolin down from the attic, violin away from the corner. And from what I gather, the instructor benefits as well.

Beyond the much-appreciated payment for teaching services and students keeping in touch for years, there’s the pleasure of seeing an apprentice exhibit pride after having completed a lengthy teaching program. There’s also a sense of gratification on the instructor’s part. “Yes, I feel satisfaction,” Chris says. “But I’d like the trend of older players to catch on. I think it could be very meaningful to a lot of people.”

My son has been playing violin for 30 years and is also an accomplished guitarist. He’s been to two Fiddle Tune events and a Blues Fest. And he likes teaching. “The key idea is how challenging it is,” he says. “It’s the Mt. Everest of fine motor control.”

Chris tells me that some folks actually name their musical instruments. Think I’ll call my violin “Gooch,” Got Out Of the Corner, Hooray! Time to rosin up that bow.

Good spirits from this old girl!

Carole Marshall is a former columnist, feature writer for a national magazine, author of three books. Her writing focus today is on the often fun, often daunting process of AGING IN GOOD SPIRITS. She is Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma to some spectacular kiddos.