In the symphony of life, it’s never too late to learn a new instrument or compose a fresh melody. This is the inspiring message from two remarkable individuals who prove that age is no barrier to pursuing a passion for music. We’re excited to share stories that resonate with our community, especially when they underscore the timeless adage that you’re never too old to embrace new challenges and dreams.
John Readshaw and Peggy Polias are two music enthusiasts who didn’t let the conventional timeline of education dictate their aspirations. Their journeys are testaments to the idea that with determination and a love for music, one can dive into the world of melodies and harmonies at any stage of life.
John Readshaw, a former corporate and finance professional, decided to change his tune at the age of 68. After managing a significant investment project for one of Australia’s big four banks, he found himself inspired by a friend who pursued a teaching degree in his 60s. With his project coming to an end, Readshaw chose to follow his lifelong passion for music by enrolling in a vocational diploma in sound production at Melbourne’s RMIT. Despite the challenge of not having prior musical training and facing a steep learning curve with new technology, Readshaw’s life experience equipped him with the resilience to build a support system and persevere.
On the other hand, Peggy Polias had always harboured the ambition to become a composer. After completing her undergraduate degree, life led her down various paths, including teaching piano and working in a warehouse. Polias kept her composition skills honed by assisting other composers, but it wasn’t until she was 36 and a mother that she decided to invest in her talent. The postgraduate program designed to elevate women composers at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music provided her with the mentorship and opportunities she needed to take her craft to the next level. Her music is now being performed by major symphony orchestras across Australia, a dream come true for Polias.
Both Readshaw and Polias highlight the importance of studying something you’re genuinely passionate about. This passion becomes the driving force when faced with challenges. They also emphasise the need for the right timing, a supportive network, and a clear understanding of the outcomes you wish to achieve from further studies.
For mature-aged students considering a return to study or a career change, their stories are incredibly motivating. Readshaw’s experience with intense coursework and technology was daunting, but his dedication and the support of his family and friends saw him through. Polias, with the help of a scholarship and the structure provided by her child’s school routine, was able to focus on her postgraduate degree and benefit from the Composing Women program’s mentorship and ensemble access.
Their experiences serve as a reminder that education and personal development are lifelong processes. Whether it’s a research degree or a vocational course, the key is to identify what you want to gain from the experience and to ensure you have the necessary support to succeed.
Have you ever considered going back to study or changing careers later in life? What’s holding you back, and what could inspire you to take that leap? Share your thoughts and stories with us – your journey could be the next inspiring tale for someone else contemplating a late-life renaissance.
Also read: Taking adult education classes may lower risk of dementia, study suggests
