Dick:

        Somewhere back in the dusty files of my brain cells I seem to recall that Maurice Andre didn't begin to play the trumpet until he was 12....

        Of course, that hardly paints him as someone who started later in life, but it _is_ later than many performers started....

        AFA starting later in life: who knows?  The biggest issue is one of dedication, then the ability to build muscle and reflexes(which, I believe is possibly for older persons who pursue an active lifestyle...)

        I understand that weight lifting is beneficial to the strengthening of muscles and the retention of bone mass, so why shouldn't trumpet playing do the same for the facial bones and muscles, as well as the back, abdomen, and interstitial muscles....

        Perhaps the technical aspects might not be quite as fast as some younger players might be able to manage, but, then, when is speed a necessary component of musicality? <<flame bait>>

        There are NO reasons, imho, to neglect the beginning study of  a musical instrument(or anything else, for that matter) in later life...and many benefits that I can think of, including social, physical, and emotional....

        Hang in there, Dick!  And focus on enjoying what you do...The improvement will come, with patience and practice...Also be sure to eat properly, drink enough water, and get some aerobic exercising(like walking)....The better your overall health the better will be your trumpet playing....

        So GO FOR IT!! We're all rooting for you and proud of you, and here to help when you need it.

:^)
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Take Care!
Jeannie
jarcher@shore.net