How To Learn A New Instrument
Learning a new instrument is a very rewarding process, as not only will you have acquired a new skill, but you’ll also have the ability to play songs you love.
Whether you already know how to play an instrument and are learning a new one or have never learned one before, there’s always time to invest in a new skill.
There are many good reasons to learn to play an instrument, including that music can help with memory and do other good things for your brain. If you want to pick up a new musical skill, here are some tips to help you along.
Before you know it, you’ll impress yourself and everyone around you with the melodious sounds you can play.
Advice On Choosing The Right Instrument
When deciding which instrument you want to learn, there is no single correct answer. Probably the wisest move is to choose the instrument you are most drawn to or that you’ve always wanted to play the most. But, you can also consider the pros and cons of different choices.
Some instruments, like the piano, are better for playing a wide variety of songs. Others, like the drums, are not as harmonious but can be better for specific genres. And, even others, like a flute, are much more portable than others so that you could play them anywhere.
If you are choosing between a couple of options, you can always look online at some introductory instructional videos to see how hard each option will be. The truth is that some people pick up certain instruments easier than others, so you might need to play around a bit to find the right fit for you.
Tips For Learning A New Instrument
It will take time and dedication to learn unless you’re a real musical talent. Even people who know the basics of specific instruments have ways they could improve, so don’t feel bad if you don’t pick it up as quickly as you expected. The following tips can help you along the way:
- Take lessons: The quickest way to truly learn an instrument is to work with someone who knows what they’re doing. But, while this is the easiest way to learn for most people, it can be expensive. If taking lessons isn’t an option, there are many online courses that are cheaper or even free. You can even check out YouTube videos.
- Consider renting your instrument: Depending on which one you choose, it can cost hundreds of dollars or more to buy an instrument. This isn’t doable for most people, especially beginners. There are many instrument rental options, however, that are a lot less expensive.
- Practice: While this tip goes without saying, there are some factors to remember. Practicing is essential, but you don’t want to burn yourself out too quickly. For most people, the best approach is to practice consistently. Set aside time every day, or just every weekday, to practice.
- Learn with others: There might be group classes in your area, but you could also see if any family or friends are interested in picking up an instrument. This is a great way to motivate yourself, as you can hold each other accountable for practicing.
While as a kid, you may have been forced to take music lessons you didn’t want to take, as an adult, you’re in control. As you learn, remember to have fun. If you’re not feeling like the instrument you picked is enjoyable, there’s nothing wrong with switching to a new one. There’s also no pressure to attain a certain skill level; you can just do what makes you happiest.