Keep at it, you’ll be walking and chewing gum at the same time soon, 
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Wow thank you for such a detailed message. That makes perfect sense. I just need to relax and enjoy the ride. It’s my inner self saying “you’re too old for this” so I need to stop listening to that negativity
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There are many people here that started learning later in life. I’d probably say that this forum skews much closer to the more, uh, mature, side, than younger learners. So you’re among a lot of people going through or have gone through the same things.
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Not sure what that means sorry
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You’re in for a treat. It’s a classic from 1973.
Check it out sometime.
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I was going to write something, but @MikeC said everything! 
Still, I have to add my piece.
I also started late — 49 years old. 
I’m 51 now.
The beginning was tough, but I kept going. And then, right near the end of the course, everything finally clicked.
One piece of advice I can share (if you want) is something my first bass teacher told me — a line I carry into every part of my life:
“Enjoy walking up the hill.” 
We improve simply by showing up. Even when it feels like we’re not moving, we are.
And the proof? This past weekend, a dear friend — an excellent guitarist — suddenly complimented my bass playing out of nowhere. 
That meant the world.
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Thank you. I definitely want to do finish this course. Had you played an instrument before?
I will enjoy walking up that hill!
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Nope! I never played anything before.
I tried many times, though — piano, acoustic guitar, and bass — but never for more than a couple of months.
For my 50th birthday, my husband gave me Josh’s course, and that’s when things finally changed.
I’ll confess: I didn’t complete the whole course right away. I started in September 2024 and only finished in December last year 
When I reached Module 8, I suddenly felt like I wasn’t understanding anything, so I decided to start over. And every time I stopped practicing for too long, I felt like I had to start over again… so I did
But then I set myself a challenge: finish the course before the end of the year. And I did it 
Now I want to repeat a few modules, not because I didn’t understand them, but because there’s always something we miss or forget. I’ll gladly rewatch and practice them again.
Don’t give up. The closer you get to the end of the course, the more fun it becomes — everything starts to make sense. And the more you practice, the better you feel about playing.
And don’t feel intimidated by people who play better than you. I used to feel that way, but it didn’t help me grow.
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Pretty sure there’s a thread floating around about what ages we started at. Many, myself included, started in their 50’s and beyond.
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Wow that’s some story. It must be such a buzz when you finish.
Thank you so much, messages like this make it all worthwhile
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Literally I used this as an example when I was talking to a non-musical friend a couple of days ago when he asked how I could hear the bassline on a song we were listening to in my car. One of my earliest memories is when in the the car with my mom on the freeway and I realized I could read the words on the signs. And it felt like the whole world had opened up. Putting the time to practice and study has made music open up similarly.
I started playing bass at 42 and have problems with my memory. It took so many hours upon hours practice for the muscle memory and theory to finally click together. The first time I went to play a new song and it just happened was a beautiful feeling. The first time listened to “Bernadette” with a bassist’s ear and understood what James Jamerson was doing felt like magic. I look forward to the decade I’m finally able to play it at tempo 
Like everyone else has said be patient with yourself, stick with it, and most importantly find the fun!
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Thank you
Are you alive?
Can you control your hands and fingers?
Then you’re not too old.
(I was gonna say “Can you hear?” and “Can you sit up or stand up?” but Beethoven was deaf and Jamerson recorded “What’s Going On?” while laying flat on his back because he was too drunk to stay upright.)
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Absolutely. I’m currently in New Orleans with my daughter for a jazz camp. The vast majority of people in it are well into the 60’s, 70’s, and beyond.
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Do Not Quit.
Success requires sticking with it over a long time. You will regret quitting. Trust me on this!
Over time, it feels more comfortable and you will slowly suck less! 
It’s worth it.
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Thank you
Don’t quit! Keep moving along and, most of all, have fun! My guess is it’s eventually going to click. And if something doesn’t, then go back to it after you complete the course. That’s what’s working for me, anyway.
I am 76. I started a year and a half ago and have gone through the course 1 1/2 times. I feel the same way. I actually rebelled against learning any theory. Keep up with the course. Despite my resistance I learned more theory than I would have thought. I am still not quick. I can find any note on the fretboard, but not right away. My mind is simply not that fast anymore. Despite that, I am enjoying my new hobby.
Also, it is a well known fact that your effort to learn will only help you stave off memory problems. Keeping your brain active as a senior is a good thing.
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It certainly gets easier, and don’t think of this like traditional school, it’s more of a passive deal. You’ll learn as you do. Plus, you have the course, you can always go another round. Have fun and find a song you wanna learn.
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