Is 24 too late to start learning cello and play in orchestras?

[İchbinelf]

[SueShe]

Just as @Nikki1989 states, you can learn something new at a higher age but whether you will be good enough to play in a classical orchestra remains entirely with your abilty to learn quickly and be proficient with your music instrument.

I would assume that you have played a string instrument before otherwise you may be faced with learning how to play the cello from scratch. That would mean, that if you start at age 24, you may not be proficient enough till you reach the mid thirties. Whether an orchestra would take a person in his prime age to play is questionable but not impossible.

Go for it if you think that you have the ability and the motivation.

[İchbinelf]

I used to play guitar, but my family was very much against music. People always wanted me to have a profession, so they took my guitar and sold it. I currently have a profession and my days are free after work, so I've been thinking about the cello or violin. But I've always been in love with the cello, so I really want to learn to play it.

[SueShe]

Music is a fantastic opportunity, so go and play what you feel like and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

[İchbinelf]

Thank you very much, I'm very happy.

[Nikki1989]

It is never too late to learn music. It is always so rewarding.

[BCRanger10]

No.

Ray Kroc started McDonald's when he was 52 years old, Colonel Sanders started KFC when he was 65, Henry Ford started Ford at age 40, and the Dark Lord Sauron was 54,000 years old when he forged the One Ring.

It is never too late to follow your dreams.

[slatyb]

That depends on what you mean by "play in orchestra". If you mean "play in community orchestra", then no, it's not too late. If you mean "play with a professional symphony", then it's probably too late. But do it anyway if it appeals to you.

[AI Opinion]

No, 24 is absolutely not too late.

From my coaching experience, adults often progress *faster* than teens because they’re more focused and disciplined.

If you want to reach orchestral level:

1. Teacher: Find a good cello teacher and commit to weekly lessons.
2. Practice: Aim for 45–90 minutes a day, most days of the week.
3. Goals:
- Year 1–2: solid basics, simple ensemble pieces.
- Year 3–5: community orchestras, amateur chamber groups.

You may not land in a top professional orchestra, but community and semi‑pro groups are very realistic.

[katiesmuff]

Anything is possible, but I think it would be a very hard and tedious job to become successful.

[FunkyMonkee]

No, I started learning bass when I was 25 and keys when I was 28.

[In_Trance]

Why did you wait so long?

[İchbinelf]

I learned to play the guitar on my own, but my family didn't want me to pursue music; they wanted me to have a proper profession. Currently, I work for the government in data processing. I wanted to learn during university, but it was very expensive, and unfortunately, the courses were very expensive, and the musical instruments were even more expensive, so I couldn't learn.

[In_Trance]

Well, it's never too late to start

[Anonymous]

Yes you should be martied with kids by now

[Pterodon]

No it isn’t. Have fun and good luck

[FreyaRed]

Nope...

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Never to late!!

[İchbinelf]

Thanks

[Iron_Man]

Nope

[kinks1951]

Never too late