I started playing fiddle 4 yrs ago (age 42) w/o benefit of lessons or any prior musical experience. I play in a band for contra dances now. It certainly can be done and you should go for it! I recommend Brad Leftwich's Homespun Tape "How to Play Oldtime Fiddle." I also recommend playing at least a little every day. Don't leave it in the case for days or weeks at a time. Many times I only had 10 mins./day to play and it made a big difference to pick it up every day. It is important to play with others. You'll learn a ton from other people and you'll develop better rhythm (unless you enjoy playing with a metronome more than people). I played with other beginners at first and then started playing with musicians who were better than me but not light-years ahead. This is a good way to push yourself to get better. Also, you should subscribe to the Fiddle-L listserv at http://www-openmap.bbn.com/users/gkeith/fiddles/fiddle-l.html You'll get a huge amount of info from those listers. I don't check mudcat too often, so if you want moral support and to chat, email me at vbunsen@sprynet.com.