Ep 03

Pick up your childhood violin again – seriously! Join the “late starters” finding joy in making music with Elena Rahona

For anyone who regrets quitting their music lessons when they were little and assumes it’s too late to go back, please listen to Elena Rahona talk about founding the New York Late Starters Orchestra, modeled on a similar one in London.  “Late starters” are people who want to resume playing their childhood instruments, are learning a new instrument, or have never played before.  Late Starters ensembles emphasize coming together as a community to make music. The discussion covers the importance of music-making as a community activity, the challenges and vulnerabilities of adult learners, and the value of creating spaces where imperfection and joy are celebrated rather than perfection being the sole focus. 

Elena Rahona is the co-founder of the New York Late Starters Orchestra.  She had always wanted to play the violin but did not have the opportunity until later in life when she decided to pursue it as an adult.  This experience led her to co-found the Late Starters Orchestra to provide a supportive community for other adults in a similar position.  

Key Points

• Late starters in music can be those who never had the chance to learn an instrument, those who played as children but had to stop for various reasons, and those who are starting a new instrument later in life.

• Late starter orchestras like the New York Late Starters Orchestra welcome players of all levels, including complete beginners, and focus on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment for music-making.  

• Music-making is valuable not just for the music itself, but for the sense of community, connection, and pursuit of beauty it can provide, especially in challenging times. 

• There is a need to shift expectations around music-making, away from perfection and towards joy, self-expression, and the process of creating something together.  

• Starting or returning to music-making as an adult can be daunting, but having the right teacher or conductor, appropriate music, and a welcoming space can make a big difference. 

• There are potential benefits of music-making for older adults, both in terms of cognitive brain-hand coordination and social connection. 

Links

East London Late Starters Orchestra: https://www.ellso.org/