I bought my first bass guitar at age 48, only two months before I turned 49. I had never played any musical instrument. I couldn't read music. Didn't even know what "music theory" was having never heard of it.
I was the oldest student at the music school I enrolled in, being older than any of the teachers and even the owner!
What I discovered is that many of the younger students in their teens started off full of enthusiasm, but gave up very easily. They could learn a lot faster than I did, but many of them never stuck around long enough to really learn much of anything.
I think what being older gives you is a definiteness of purpose and fewer distractions. I mean, you make sure you have fewer distractions. The youngsters have so many interests and few settle into just one thing. I say, few, but of course there are some outstanding youngsters who do stick with it and really shine. I envy them that fantastic head start.
Anyhoo, at 33, you have a 13-year head start on what I had. So are you too old? Heck no.
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