Hi buidienk54i,

I am 56, started in Jan. It sounds as though you run the risk of getting in a rut. Personally I can only put so much time/attention into learning something new before boredom begins to step in. Here is what I do and since you asked here is what I would suggest:

1) When learning a song I only look to learn the chord structure. This can take quite some time. Once I have the chords down and can play through them - without using my notes – and at whatever tempo I need btw – I then move into the tempo. Eventually I will be able to play the song at tempo. It is by no means perfect. Recognizable – yes, perfect, no. I then put that song in my repertoire. I keep a notation of the last time I practiced the song, and for those songs I really need continued practice on, I continue to make part of my daily practice.

Play something for your kids, they won’t know the difference and they will be a very accepting audience.