When Are You Too Old To Do Music?
I had to post this, and pray Tony van Veen of DiscMakers lets me keep it up for those who haven’t seen it!
Tony recently turned 60 and asks the question above, as he imparts some great wisdom.
You can catch his video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddqOCZ9P8iw
If you are a musician, singer, or songwriter, regardless of age, I HIGHLY recommend reading all of the replies that poured in after his video!!!
I paraphrase Tony here, so watch the video if you can.
“Little secret - last week I turned 60, and I wasn't exactly thrilled about it.
Turning 30, 40, or even 50 - the previous big milestones never bothered me.
But even though I don't feel particularly old… 60 just sounds old.
This milestone did get me thinking…
When am I too old to do some of the things that I do or that I want to do?
I know as a young musician in my late teens and early twenties I had dreams of what I wanted to accomplish with my music. Many of them I never reached in part because the goals were unrealistic. I probably wasn't talented enough. But mostly because I didn't work hard enough.
But enough about me - what about you?
Are you too old to achieve your music goals?
Are you ever too old to make it in music?
We all know that commercial success in certain genres, pop in particular, comes with an expiration date or expiration age.
If you have hopes of being the next big thing in pop and you're over, say…27… it's probably too late for you.
But for the rest of us, I’ve got good news - we're never too old!!!
You can be over 60 and still rock hard. Metallica's James Hetfield is 61. AC/DC's Angus Young turns 70 next year - and have you seen him jump around on stage in his little school boy outfit recently? And speaking of jumping around on stage - old man Mick Jagger is 81! And might I say – is in phenomenal shape and selling out stadiums!
There are some advantages to pursuing music when you're a bit older and in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and yes – 60’s and beyond!
Advantage number one:
With age comes perspective.
You have a clear view of what is achievable
You can know what's realistic and what is not.
And you can adapt your goals to what you can realistically commit to your music.
Advantage number two:
The experience you've gained over the years allows you to have a clear focus.
You know what you want to do.
You have the proper perspective - Exactly what you want to get out of it.
Maybe it's not pop, or touring the world, or playing stadiums.
But you can certainly write and record and perform!!
You can get sink licensing placements.
You can put your music on YouTube.
You can manage the social media for your music.
You can market yourself, build a loyal fan base, and of course sell CDs and vinyl, if that’s what you want to do!
And that's just a partial list of the many things that you can do in music at any age.
Just remember -
Be authentically YOU!
Be yourself!!
Don't try to be something you think the market wants.
Wear your years and your experience with pride!
Yeh - you've been around the block.
We all have.
You've got some war stories to tell.
You've made your mistakes and you've learned from them.
Put that experience to good use [and write about it]!!
Set or reset those goals!
Tune up that guitar, strap it on and let's ROCK!!!
Thank you for letting me share this with you.”
Hopefully Tony’s YouTube link remains up at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddqOCZ9P8iw
This post was uploaded in April 2026…
As I post this it’s Springtime.
Everything… springing to Life again…
Comment Highlights
Here are just a few of the comments following Tony’s video on YouTube – well worth reading more of them at the link above!!!
@Benardous
My friend, Danny Brooks, is fond of reminding us, "You can't lose if you don't quit." Play on.
@727jk
These days with Music not paying anything except for the top 1% or half percent who fill stadiums, it’s important to realize that the goal is not to be a superstar, but that it’s really important to have a hobby in life that you love. Having a hobby that you love will get you through a lot and will help you have a fulfilled life.
@TheFirstCorina
I literally JUST had some very strong, heavy thoughts about this very topic, and POOF, your message came in on my phone. I want you to know that as you soothed your heart, you soothed mine and probably the hearts of many! OUR dreams are literally part of our purpose and unique to each and every one of us. As long as you're still breathing, you must follow your joy and that is what dreams are all about! I have a birthday coming up end of December... you have no idea the gift you've just given me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE and GOD BLESS. Thank you!!
@brizzieleif5258
My songwriting and playing is better in my fifties then in my twenties. I was in a punk band in my youth and got bored quick playing with limited chops. Now my musical ability has broadened I write songs that interest me with lyrics that come from years of experience. I give myself an hour in the evening after work either recording or mixing a song and take my time. Its the journey sometimes not the end result.
@sarandaperez3923
41 and still dreaming of selling out stadiums because I have just started to discover my true voice - leaving all the bad technique that has been taught to me more and more behind - and the music is pouring out. Unless it is mainstream pop, why shouldn't new stardom not be possible at my age if I am now putting all the effort in? The limit is the sky and everything is possible <3
@gamingwithmrgvil3511
Beato made a video alluding that all good music was made by musicians all under 30, example the Beatles. He said after that you age and you're no longer creative. Of course I'm paraphrasing here but I'm saying bunk to that. Just yesterday I was listening to Henry Mancini and he was mid 30s before he cut his first record and continued on for decades until he [passed] at 70 in the middle of writing the music for a Broadway production. Another example that shows my age is milli vanili if I spelled that right. They were just fraudulent lip syncers that looked the part and danced great and the people behind the pop hits were all gray hairs. Personally looking back it was genius. As long as your brain still works in my opinion you're still in the game if you want it. There's always a way.
@rgwilliamson
I've been playing, writing, recording and performing music for 40 years and it never ceases to amaze me how every day, month, year it is a new experience in the business. Opportunities have grown so exponentially since I first began playing, even at 57 there are doors always opening and chances that beckon to be taken. Age is just a number. Happy Birthday Tony!
@billglaysher9249
Very timely, Tony! Lately I’ve been asking myself the same question. At 69 I’m writing music and still gigging and enjoying it. Schlepping gear to and from my gigs is good exercise and I think I’m in pretty good shape. I’ll keep going until my vocal cords and/or fingers call it quits.
@NevillePeter777
When I was in my twenties, I met someone who was very confident that he could turn me into the next blind sensation. He came very close several times before i felt God’s calling on my life. I am still a full time musician, working for the Lord. Now I am 52 years old and have no regrets at all. I have never won a Grammy or any other prestigious awards, but when I meet those who have told me that they found new life in Jesus through my music it is the best reward I have ever received. By the grace of god I will do this as long as I’m alive. Living for Jesus is really the best life anyone can live. Much Love to You.
@ronsesney5140
In Feb. I will turn 79, I started playing the square neck dobro for a year, at age 71 then switched to acoustic guitar which I have been playing for over 7 years. I also took keyboard lessons, and am now playing electric guitar as well as acoustic. I can't believe anyone would think they are too old to learn. The one thing I know , is you have to want to learn, if you don't have that burning desire, you will never stick with it. Music is the best therapy…
@TheJustineJones
Onya Tony ...There are only 2 types of musicians...Dead ones and Alive ones ...
If your still alive and still in the game, you are winning!
Greetings from Australia