Dr. Jan Stirm's violin

Many of us associate practicing a new instrument with the dreaded scales and repetitive techniques that accompany early exposure in music. As music education becomes more integrated in school curriculum, most people you interact with have played an instrument at some point early on, yet most people leave their musicality in that stage of life. While the benefits of early exposure to music education are numerous, it could be argued that any exposure to music education, regardless of age, can help in many aspects of life. What makes adults, seemingly set in their ways and often not interested in investing precious time into the honing of a new skill pick up an instrument, and what are some of the benefits outside of a fun new past-time?

I spoke to Dr. Jan Stirm, a full-time professor of English at UW-Eau Claire and student of the violin, about what drew her to the violin as an adult and ways in which she respects the process of learning so much more now. Her inspiration came as it does for most of us, through a slight interest that manifested into a new learning opportunity (being friendly with the professors in the music department doesn’t hurt either). Patience as well as trust in herself and her instructor seem to be some contrasts that an adult learner may experience compared to a younger student. As we age, we tend to trust a professional for what they say rather than the pedigree they hold, with music being an excellent vehicle for that, with improvements reinforced through real results. Dr. Stirm explained that this aspect of music education has assisted in her determination and tenacity in achieving her musical goals.

While learning to play by ear is included in said goal, a difficult yet attainable achievement, she has seemingly enjoyed all aspects of the process, positive and negative. This mindset highlights an overarching theme of learning an instrument as an adult; without the pressure of a grade, the learning process of music becomes much more enjoyable and much more fulfilling, even those tedious scales gain a whole new perspective and importance. Trusting her teacher to not only give her the correct advice but that they truly have the best of intentions was another major aspect of learning an instrument later in life, something she may have taken for granted in her school-based music education. The idea of learning something new can be intimidating, but the stakes are low, and the benefits are numerous.   

And while everyone may not have access to peers that are professional musicians, the patience and determination to help students succeed in music no matter their age or motivation is shared across the music teaching community. As I said before, benefits can stretch into other aspects of life, with an increase in concentration and attention attributed to learning not only an instrument but any new skill. With opportunities abound in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley area, what is holding you back from learning the instrument you always wanted?