When someone asked me recently what I’m into I didn’t have answers. Existential crisis aside, what are some good hobbies/interests for someone in their mid thirties to pick up?

  • bfr0@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Play an instrument.

    I had zero musical talent, I’m not coordinated, and I don’t even listen to music much to be honest. Yet one day I decided to try playing guitar and totally fell in love, it’s like a new part of my brain came online.

    I’ll never be playing Wembley stadium or whatever but just practicing is so rewarding. It’s not about getting good, it’s about getting better.

    • DarthVader@discuss.tchncs.de
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      1 year ago

      Man I really want to learn the piano but the community sometimes feels so gatekeepy. So many people will tell you if you don’t start off with a dedicated piano teacher, you won’t have the right foundational principles and you’ll be forever shit. I just dont have the time to commit to a schedule and regular piano lessons.

      Love your comment bout getting better, not good. Maybe I shold just dive in and see where it takes me.

      • bfr0@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Just do it!

        I did a ton of research and got a cheap bit quality monoprice starter electric guitar.

        There’s definitely a ton of snobbery, same with any hobby. YouTube is a fantastic way to dip your toe in the water and you can always start lessons if you’re enjoying it!

      • IntheTreetop@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        Same with the piano but when looking around for starter keyboards all they can tell you is everything is shit unless to throw out $500.

        I don’t even know if this is going to click with me. I can’t spend that much on something that may end up gathering dust.

        • DarthVader@discuss.tchncs.de
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          1 year ago

          I feel you man. It has to be 88 weighted keys otherwise it’s shit. 500 for the piano and $100 per lesson is what you’re supposed to spend. Put me off it, I bought a Ukulele instead haha.

        • scytale@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          You can start with a midi controller keyboard for less than $200. It doesn’t have its own sound and you’ll need a laptop or ipad and software to actually play, but at least you won’t blow hundreds of dollars just to pick up a hobby. A full weighted keyboard will be a little more expensive though and can hit $300+.

      • can@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        So many people will tell you if you don’t start off with a dedicated piano teacher, you won’t have the right foundational principles and you’ll be forever shit.

        Are you one of those people though?

      • scytale@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        If it helps, I never learned “formally” and play by ear pretty much all the time; and I’ve been playing in bands since college and have my music on streaming platforms. Obviously I’ll never be able to perform classical pieces or work as a sessionist because I can’t read sheet music, but I do make my own music. Go for it!

    • stochasticity@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 year ago

      I actually did this but with the ukulele! I picked it up partially because it’s small and really easy to pick up and put down when I’m bored at work, but also because it’s relatively easy.

    • earlgrey0@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      Dude learning music is so fulfilling. I picked up the viola at 30. Am I good, no, not at all. However, it’s been super gratifying being able to hear gradual progress. I have improved enough that playing with other people is no longer a pipe dream. Learning music has given me so much happiness. I felt so anxious and stalled in my paid work because of the vagueness and lack of direction, so small achievable goals like learning a new piece has been really grounding. It’s also really peaceful to have something so completely selfish. My viola skills are not for anyone but me, so I always smile a little whenever I pick it up. I sincerely hope that the guitar brings you the same joy.