Too Late?

I have always had a talent for music but have never truely pursued it. Now that I am 19, I fear it is too late to beging a composing career. I have composed various pieces including a minuet and am currently trying to compose a Requiem Mass in A Minor, a key I find most appropiate for such a piece. However, I have limited musical training and was wondering if it is too late to begin a career in composing at this age? I desire to compose classical style pieces and sacred music (for the Catholic Mass in Latin). Again, is it too late to start a career in composing?

It's never too late. I was 19 when I started writing my first piece, with virtually no training. (I'm not going into a musical career, but if you can dig up my compositions on these boards, I think it's proof that 19 isn't too late to start.)

There are probably others who started even later.

with virtually no training

Are you serious? Could you tell me how you reached the level you are at now, please? DId you study music theory, or did you just compose, compose, compose? I really need to know.

Well, given that I have been known to recommend music theory textbooks... (Tonal Harmony by Kostka and Payne is my favorite) I've actually studied a lot of music theory on my own. Mostly in the year that I started composing, though. It was mostly a matter of starting out and realizing that I needed the tools. A lot of the instinct came from playing chamber music.

Nineteen? When I read this topic title I would expect a 50+ age...

Are you serious? Could you tell me how you reached the level you are at now, please? DId you study music theory, or did you just compose, compose, compose? I really need to know.

Nineteen? When I read this topic title I would expect a 50+ age...

I guess 19 is not very old but it seem like most start out as kids is the thing. I have had some piano lessons and hope to resume. I was Level 1. I am also going to take violin. I can play by ear moreso and that is how I compose then put it to staff. I am buying books to improve my understanding of music theory.

I am going to enter a music at a community college for a couple of years and then go on to a better school after I improve my skills--mostly sightreading and playing on the piano. Is it to late to think of majoring in music with such little musical training?

Most people in classical music are pushed by their parents and start at young ages. But why can't you start at an 18+ age?

Starting with music altogether at the age of 18 with the goal of becomming a professional may be tricky though. But there are still examples of people who try it and succeed.

I have no formal training of music composition, orchestration, or theory. I'm a self-taught composer and i only started when i was 13 (i'm 15 now). Basically, if you have an ear for music, and if you have alot of ideas- nothing is limiting you.

It's never too late.

It's never too late.