Myriad self-teaching videos, DVDs, and computer programs abound, so feel free to shop around in the privacy of your own computer first. But don't be afraid to take a bigger plunge and get out there with your fellow musical elders. Here's how to get playing.

1. Sign up for lessons. For individual or group classes, the best place to begin is with a community-based school for the arts, where you'll have access to high-level professional instruction and usually a broad variety of instruments. Check with the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts [1] for what might be in your area. If you have a university, college, or community college nearby, ask about extension or outreach programs offered to the community. Senior and community centers also provide lessons, so call your local organizations.

Another avenue is your local music store—sometimes lessons are hosted there, or it can be a good resource for finding teachers in the area. The International Music Products Association [NAMM] promotes music instruction at participating dealers. Go to namm.org and click on "Wanna Play" for more. Finally, Yamaha dealers offer a novel, fun group keyboard program called the Clavinova Connection [2].

2. Join a group. There are more than 145 New Horizons programs nationwide. Check out newhorizonsmusic.org [3] for links to groups in your area. And ask about about New Horizons band camps, which are extremely popular vacations. On the choral side, Elderhostel Choral Music workshops [4] can be a great way to get started. Chorusamerica.org also has an excellent chorus database. For hooking up with a local drum circle, go to drumsontheweb.com [5] for state-by-state listings.

3. Get inspired. Visit the National Center for Creative Aging [6] for excellent information and inspiration on arts programs of all kinds for elders. Making Music magazine [7] is another great resource.

4. Read up. For a clear, thorough, and remarkably readable summary of music and the brain, don't miss neuroscientist and former rock musician Daniel J. Levitin's This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession (Dutton, 2006). For Oliver Sacks' both personal and professional journey through the fascinating and bizarre ways music can influence the brain and vice versa, pick up his Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain (Knopf, 2007). Then get back to practicing your scales!