Why It’s Never Too Late: The Benefits of Learning an Instrument After 50

Many people believe that learning a musical instrument is something you have to start as a kid — but I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, picking up an instrument after the age of 50 might be one of the most rewarding decisions you can make.

I recently shared a video on this very topic, which I’ve included below, but I also wanted to put some thoughts down in writing for those considering the idea.

It’s About More Than Music

Learning an instrument later in life isn’t just about playing songs — it’s about keeping your mind sharp, improving your coordination, and giving yourself a creative outlet. Numerous studies have shown that playing music engages multiple areas of the brain, which can help with memory, cognitive function, and even emotional well-being.

Music Builds Confidence and Community

Many of my adult students come to lessons thinking they “missed their chance.” But within a few months, they’re playing tunes, building confidence, and often connecting with others who share their love of music. Whether it’s sitting in on a jam session, playing for family, or simply enjoying your own progress, music brings people together in a way few other hobbies can.

It Keeps You Young at Heart

Let’s face it — staying active, engaged, and curious is the key to staying young at heart. Learning to play an instrument challenges you in the best possible way. It’s a journey, not a race, and every small improvement feels like a personal victory.

You Control the Pace

One of the biggest advantages of learning music as an adult is that you set the pace. You’re not trying to prepare for auditions or competitions — it’s about your personal goals, your enjoyment, and your progress.

 

Songwriting, Teaching Music and The State of Music Educating

In the years leading up to 2020, private music instruction was the heart of my professional life. I taught violin, mandolin, and guitar to students of all ages, both in person and online. The rhythm of weekly lessons was steady and familiar — a tradition as old as music itself. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed.

At first, there was a flurry of interest in online lessons. Parents and students were at home, searching for structure and creative outlets. Chat became a lifeline. But as the months turned into years, the fatigue set in. Slowly but unmistakably, the demand for private music lessons began to taper off. Post-COVID, it never really bounced back.

The world had shifted, and so did I.

Today, I find myself leaning fully into songwriting. It's not a retreat; it's a return — to the part of music that first lit me up. Songwriting allows me to process, reflect, and connect. It gives voice to the stories that matter most to me. I'm still teaching, just in a different way. Every lyric, every phrase, every melody carries the lessons of a lifetime in music.

And yet, I mourn a little for what we’ve lost. The music education landscape feels fragile now. Schools are cutting back. Budgets are tighter. Fewer kids are picking up instruments. Private teachers across the country — especially those who teach traditional or classical instruments — are feeling the pinch. It's not about competition or pricing. It's about shifting priorities. In a world of screens and scrolls, attention is harder to hold. Commitment to practice is rare.

But I still believe in the power of music education — maybe more now than ever. Music is one of the few disciplines that connects mind, body, and spirit. It builds patience, self-awareness, emotional intelligence. Whether I'm writing a song about a summer hike, a piece of New England history, or a memory I want to preserve, I carry those values with me.

This isn't the end of teaching for me — just a new chapter. I’ll always welcome students who are curious, who want to learn, who are willing to dig into the process. And I’ll keep writing songs that speak to where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Thanks for being part of this journey. If you're still teaching — I see you. If you're writing — keep going. If you're listening — thank you.

Let’s keep the music alive, in whatever form it takes.

The Crushing Impact of a 104% Tariff on My Music Business

As the owner of a small music shop specializing in mandolins, violins, and related accessories—strings, bows, cases, and rosin—I’ve built my business on passion for these instruments and a reliable supply chain. For years, I’ve sourced all my inventory from suppliers in China, where quality craftsmanship meets affordability. But with President Trump’s proposed 104% tariffs on Chinese goods looming on the horizon, I’ve been forced to crunch the numbers. The results? Devastating. If these tariffs hit, my shop could face a loss of $32,000 a year unless I make drastic changes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how I got there—and what it means for small businesses like mine.

My Shop’s Financial Baseline

Let’s start with where I stand today, pre-tariff. My shop brings in $100,000 in annual sales—a figure I’ve worked hard to maintain through loyal customers and careful pricing. Like most small retail businesses, my costs break down into two big buckets: the cost of goods sold (COGS) and operating expenses.

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): This is what I pay my Chinese suppliers for mandolins, violins, and accessories. Based on typical retail markups (around 50% for music shops), I estimate my current COGS at $50,000. That means for every $100 mandolin I sell, I’m paying $50 to get it on the shelf.

Operating Expenses: Rent for my storefront, utilities, a part-time employee’s wages, and basic marketing add up to about $30,000 a year—30% of my revenue, which is fairly standard for a shop like mine.

Profit: Before any tariffs, my profit is straightforward: $100,000 (revenue) - $50,000 (COGS) - $30,000 (expenses) = $20,000. That’s a 20% profit margin—enough to keep the lights on, reinvest in inventory, and maybe take my family out for a nice dinner now and then.

This model has worked. It’s not lavish, but it’s sustainable. Then came the tariff talk.

The Tariff Bombshell: 104% on Chinese Goods

The proposed 104% tariff would apply to every mandolin, violin, bow, and string I import from China—which is everything I sell. Since my suppliers are all based there, the tariff hits 100% of my inventory. Here’s what that does to my numbers:

Pre-Tariff COGS: $50,000, as established.

Tariff Cost: A 104% tariff on $50,000 worth of goods is an additional 104% × $50,000 = $52,000. That’s right—the tariff alone costs more than my entire current inventory spend.

New COGS with Tariff: $50,000 + $52,000 = $102,000. Suddenly, the cost of my mandolins and violins more than doubles.

Now, let’s assume I don’t raise prices right away. Maybe I’m hoping to keep my customers happy or ride out the storm. With sales holding steady at $100,000, my new financial picture looks grim:

New Profit (or Loss): $100,000 (revenue) - $102,000 (new COGS) - $30,000 (expenses) = -$32,000.

That’s a $32,000 loss annually—a swing from a $20,000 profit to a $32,000 deficit. My shop wouldn’t just struggle; it’d be underwater in a matter of months.

Double-Checking the Math

Let’s test this with a slightly different baseline, just to be thorough. Suppose my COGS was lower—say, $40,000—because I’ve negotiated great deals with my suppliers (a 60% gross margin isn’t unheard of in this industry):

• Pre-Tariff Profit: $100,000 - $40,000 - $30,000 = $30,000.
• Tariff Cost: 104% × $40,000 = $41,600.
• New COGS: $40,000 + $41,600 = $81,600.
• New Profit: $100,000 - $81,600 - $30,000 = -$11,600.

Even in this rosier scenario, I’m still losing $11,600 a year. The tariff’s impact scales with my costs, but it’s always a gut punch.

Why This Hurts So Bad

The numbers tell a stark story. A 104% tariff doesn’t just nibble at my margins—it obliterates them. My current business model assumes I can sell a $100 mandolin for twice what I pay, leaving room for expenses and a modest profit. Post-tariff, that same mandolin costs me $104 before I even account for shipping or duties, and I’m still selling it for $100. I’d be losing money on every sale before I even pay the rent.

And here’s the kicker: I assumed sales stay at $100,000. That’s optimistic. If I did raise prices to offset the tariff—say, marking up that mandolin to $150—some customers might balk. Violinists and mandolin players are a dedicated bunch, but they’re not immune to sticker shock. Sales volume could drop, making the revenue picture even bleaker.

What Can I Do? Exploring Options

A $32,000 loss isn’t a business—it’s a countdown to closure. So, what are my options?

1. Raise Prices: If I passed the full $52,000 tariff cost to customers, my revenue would need to jump to $152,000 just to break even ($152,000 - $102,000 COGS - $30,000 expenses = $0). That’s a 52% price hike across the board. A $20 set of strings becomes $30.40; a $200 violin jumps to $304. I’d keep my head above water, but I’d risk losing customers to competitors or online giants.
2. Cut Costs: Could I slash operating expenses? Maybe negotiate rent down to $25,000 or cut my employee’s hours, trimming expenses to $20,000. That softens the loss to $100,000 - $102,000 - $20,000 = -$22,000—still a loss, but less catastrophic. It’s a Band-Aid, not a fix.
3. Switch Suppliers: Sourcing mandolins and violins from Vietnam, Indonesia, or even domestic luthiers could dodge the tariff. But it’s not that simple. Non-China suppliers might charge more upfront (say, $60,000 instead of $50,000), and transitioning takes time—time I might not have while bleeding cash. Plus, my customers love the specific brands I carry, many of which are China-made.
4. Hybrid Approach: Maybe I raise prices a little, cut costs a bit, and slowly shift some inventory to non-China sources. It’s a juggling act, and I’d need to model it carefully.

The Bigger Picture for Small Businesses

My shop isn’t unique. Thousands of small retailers—music stores, toy shops, electronics sellers—rely on Chinese goods to keep prices competitive. A 104% tariff doesn’t just hit me; it ripples through Main Streets everywhere. Sure, the policy aims to boost domestic manufacturing, but in the short term, it could sink businesses like mine before we can adapt. And with a $32,000 loss staring me in the face, “short term” might be all I’ve got.

Where Do I Go From Here?

I’m not ready to hang a “Closed” sign on my door. I’ll start by talking to my suppliers—maybe they can absorb some of the tariff hit or point me to alternatives. I’ll survey my customers: would they pay more for the same mandolins and violins? I’ll crunch more numbers, maybe even blog about my next steps. But one thing’s clear: a 104% tariff turns my $20,000 profit into a $32,000 loss overnight. That’s not a challenge—it’s a crisis.

If you’re a fellow small business owner or a musician who loves a good deal on a fiddle, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you handle this? Because right now, I’m tuning up for a fight I didn’t see coming.

 

Mandolin, Fiddle & Guitar Lessons

Hey friends! Are you ready to embark on an exciting musical journey? My name is Adam Sweet, and I’ve been sharing the magic of mandolin, violin and guitar with students of all ages since 1986 . Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

🎸 What You’ll Learn:
From Bluegrass and Country to Blues , Jazz , Celtic , Irish , and even Classical, I specialize in teaching a wide range of styles—tailored just for YOU!

📅 Lesson Times:
Monday through Friday | 4 PM - 7 PM

👨‍🏫 Why Choose Me?
With decades of experience, a passion for music, and a love for teaching, I create a fun, supportive environment where you can grow as a musician.

🔗 Ready to Get Started?
Learn more about my lessons and reserve your spot today by visiting:
👉 https://linktr.ee/sweetmusicusa

Let’s make music together! 🎸✨

#MandolinLessons #FiddleLessons #GuitarLessons #MusicTeacher #Bluegrass #Celtic #Classical #LearnToPlay #SweetMusicUSA

Myrtlewood Magic: Crafting Instruments with a Pacific Northwest Gem

Hey, instrument lovers! If you’ve been following along at Sweet Music USA, you know I’m obsessed with tonewoods that bring something special to the table—both in sound and story. Lately, I’ve been captivated by myrtlewood, a Pacific Northwest treasure that’s been turning heads thanks to folks like Breedlove. This isn’t just another pretty wood; it’s a tonal powerhouse with a sustainable edge. So, let’s dive into what it’s like to craft instruments with myrtlewood and why it might just steal your luthier heart.

What’s Myrtlewood All About?

Myrtlewood (Umbellularia californica) grows wild along the Oregon and California coasts, soaking up the salty air and mineral-rich soil. The result? A wood that’s as gorgeous as it is unique—think swirling grains in blonde, honey, or even blackish hues. No two pieces look alike, which is half the fun when you’re shaping it into a guitar, mandolin, or ukulele. It’s not as common as spruce or rosewood, but that rarity is part of its charm.

Tonally, myrtlewood is like the Swiss Army knife of tonewoods. It’s got the deep, resonant lows of rosewood, the warm mids of mahogany, and the crisp highs of maple—all rolled into one. Imagine a sound that’s balanced yet bold, with a strong fundamental and enough clarity to make every note pop. It’s no wonder Breedlove’s been showcasing it in their Oregon Series guitars, but I wanted to see how it holds up in my own shop.

Building with Myrtlewood

I snagged some myrtlewood from a sustainable supplier—salvaged from fallen trees, not clear-cuts—and got to work on a little A-style mandolin. First impression? This stuff is a dream to carve. It’s dense enough to hold its shape but not so hard that it fights you. I used it for the back and sides, pairing it with a spruce top to see how it’d play off a classic soundboard. The grain was wild—almost like a topographic map—and I couldn’t wait to hear it sing.

Bracing was key. Myrtlewood’s got a lively vibe, but it’s not as stiff as, say, East Indian rosewood. I went with a lighter, scalloped brace pattern to let it breathe, and it paid off. Once I strung it up (D’Addario mediums, because why not?), the sound hit me like a coastal breeze—bright and punchy up top, with a low-end warmth that filled the room. It had that quick response I love in a mando, perfect for chopping chords or picking out a melody.

Next, I tried a guitar—a parlor-sized beauty. This time, I used myrtlewood for the top too, just to push its limits. The result was stunning: a clear, singing tone with a surprising amount of volume for such a small body. It didn’t have the bell-like ring of cedar, but it brought a unique depth that felt alive under my fingers. The sustain was solid, and the overtones danced without getting muddy.

The Sustainability Angle

Here’s where myrtlewood really shines for me. Sourcing it locally in the U.S.—often from wind-fallen trees or selective harvests—means less environmental guilt. It’s not a rainforest wood shipped halfway around the world; it’s a homegrown gem that supports sustainable luthiery. Companies like Breedlove prove you can make world-class instruments without trashing the planet, and that’s a ethos I’m all in for.

Tips for Luthiers

• Grain Play: Let the wild figuring be the star—keep finishes light to show it off.
• Bracing: Experiment with lighter patterns; myrtlewood loves to vibrate.
• Pairings: It plays nice with spruce or cedar tops, but don’t sleep on an all-myrtle build for something truly unique.
• Finish: It takes stain well, but I’d stick to natural to highlight those crazy patterns.

Final Thoughts

Myrtlewood isn’t just a tonewood; it’s a statement. It’s got the looks, the sound, and the story to make instruments that stand out—whether you’re strumming on a porch or picking on a stage. I’m hooked, and I’ve got more slabs on the way to keep experimenting. Have you worked with myrtlewood? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how it’s treated you!

Swing by Sweet Music USA for more tonewood tales, and let’s keep crafting music that’s as sweet as it is sustainable. 

Paulownia Mandolins: Sweet Tone, Greener Future

Hey mandolin lovers! We’re always on the hunt for fresh takes on crafting instruments that sound amazing and respect the planet. Lately, I’ve been digging into an unexpected tonewood that’s making waves: paulownia. You might’ve heard about it in guitar-building circles (shoutout to Bryan Galloup’s experiments over at Premier Guitar), but what about mandolins? Let’s explore why this fast-growing tree could be a game-changer for our favorite little stringed wonders.

Paulownia isn’t your typical spruce or maple. It’s a lightweight, fast-growing hardwood that’s been hiding in plain sight—former President Jimmy Carter even grew it! The folks at World Tree, an eco-focused outfit, have been pushing it as a sustainable alternative, and I’m starting to see why. It matures in about 12 years, and after harvest, you can replant a sapling in the same root system for a new tree in just seven. That’s a renewable cycle that keeps giving, unlike the decades it takes for traditional tonewoods to grow. For mandolin makers like us who care about tone and the earth, that’s huge.

So, how does it sound? I got my hands on some paulownia and ran it through the paces with my trusty sound-testing gear (nothing fancy, just my ears and a little tech help). The results? Surprisingly punchy! It’s got a quick response—perfect for that crisp, choppy mandolin attack—and a warm, rounded tone that doesn’t muddy up. The wood’s low density gives it a high admittance (fancy term for “it vibrates easily”), meaning it can handle everything from bluegrass breakdowns to delicate classical runs without breaking a sweat. Compared to spruce, it’s got fewer growth rings per inch (3-4 vs. 8-11), but that seems to add to its lively, open voice.

Building with it was a breeze too. Paulownia’s light weight makes it easy to shape into those tight mandolin curves, and it pairs beautifully with a maple neck or rosewood fingerboard. I whipped up a prototype—a little A-style mando—and strung it up with some D’Addario lights. The sustain was solid, the projection was bright, and it felt like the soundboard was just itching to sing. Sure, it’s not as stiff as Adirondack spruce, so it might need some tweaking in the bracing department, but that’s half the fun of experimenting.

Here’s the kicker: sustainability. At Sweet Music USA, we’re all about keeping music alive for the next generation. Paulownia’s renewability means we’re not raiding old-growth forests to make killer mandolins. It’s a win for tone and a win for the future. I’m still testing—damping and long-term stability need more time—but the early vibes are promising.

What do you think? Would you play a paulownia mandolin? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And swing by https://sweetmusicusa.blogspot.com for more on this and other tonewood adventures. Let’s keep the music sweet and the planet greener!

 

🎶 March Madness Mandolin Deals – Save Big This Month! 🎶

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to pick up the mandolin! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to improve, our March Madness Mandolin Deal makes it easier (and more affordable) than ever to learn.

For the rest of March, we're offering exclusive discounts on private lessons and a special deal on one of our finest mandolins.

🔥 March Madness Special Offers

✅ Mandolin Lessons – Only $50 Each! (Regularly $75)
✅ Buy a Mandolin, Get 2 Free Lessons! ($150 Value!)
📅 Limited Time – Offer Ends March 31st!

🎸 About the Mando Mo F5 Mandolin

This March, we’re offering a premium Mando Mo F5 Mandolin with an incredible bonus: two free private lessons!

Handcrafted by Afanti, this mandolin is made from air-dried tonewood, ensuring a rich, resonant tone that only improves with age. The classic F5 design provides outstanding volume and projection, perfect for bluegrass, folk, and classical music alike.

🔹 Strings: German hand-wound Optima strings for superior clarity and sustain.
🔹 Bridge: Bridger Brekke Adjustable Bridge, handcrafted in Montana, for precise intonation and easy customization.
🔹 Finish: A beautifully hand-carved top, delivering both visual and tonal excellence.

If you’ve been thinking about picking up the mandolin, this is the perfect opportunity to get started with a high-quality instrument and expert lessons!

🎶 Why Learn the Mandolin?

The mandolin is a versatile and rewarding instrument with a unique sound that fits into many genres, from bluegrass to jazz. Learning to play opens up endless musical possibilities, and with private one-on-one instruction, you’ll be making music in no time.

📅 Don’t Miss Out – Offer Ends March 31st!

These deals won’t last long! Take advantage of this limited-time offer before it’s gone.

👉 Book your lesson or grab your Mando Mo F5 Mandolin today!