There are many reasons why you may be toying with the idea of learning to play an instrument in the new year. For example, this is a hobby that can allow you to develop a host of new and transferable skills while also having a positive impact on your mental health. Beyond this, it may be something that you’ve always wanted to do but have never made the time for before.
While learning to play an instrument can be fun, there’s no denying that it is also challenging. As such, you should ensure that you’re suitably prepared for this ahead of time so that you do not lose focus or enthusiasm along the way.
With that in mind, here are some tips that you may find useful when it comes to learning to play an instrument.
Do your research. For the most part, learning to play an instrument requires you to buy an instrument. This way, you can practice as often as you’d like, as opposed to playing only when attending a class. While this is a worthwhile investment in more ways than one, you should be sure to carry out plenty of research ahead of time. For example, if you’re going to buy a keyboard, you should research leading brands such as Roland’s Fantom so that you’re spending your money wisely.
Set aside time in your schedule. It is generally believed that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill. This alone proves that practice does make perfect (or close to it, at least). As such, you should be sure to set aside time in your schedule each week to dedicate to your new hobby. While this can be difficult, remember that you don’t necessarily have to practice for hours on end each time – and fifteen minutes a day can make a real difference toward your progression as a musician.
Set aside a designated practice area. Setting up a designated practice area in your home can also make learning an instrument a little easier, as you’ll feel much more comfortable in a private space than in a room where others can see and hear you, especially if you’re just starting out.
Find the right teacher. While there are ways to learn an instrument without direct instruction, finding the right teacher is also instrumental to your growth. This is because they will be able to provide you with guidance and support in real time, bringing forth better results than when following a tutorial online.
If you don’t have the money for regular classes, don’t worry; you have plenty of options. For example, you may want to reach out to local music schools or universities, as many students offer tuition for far lower prices than registered teachers, even if their skill levels are comparable.
Refine your skills through online tutorials. While you should not underestimate the benefits of personalized tuition, whether that’s in-person or online, there are plenty of online tutorials on sites such as YouTube that can help you to develop a range of skills. For example, you may want to use these resources to further your knowledge and understanding of music theory by reading music notes or learning how to play your favorite song. Either way, this should become part of your routine when learning an instrument.
Remember that it takes time. One of the biggest reasons why people give up when learning to play an instrument is because they aren’t seeing the results they want right away. However, the truth is it takes time to become a good musician, especially if you are starting from scratch. This means that you aren’t going to be able to play perfectly during the first few months. But if you stick with it, you’ll find that you get a little better each and every time you play!
Final thoughts. If you’re preparing to learn a new instrument in the new year, congratulations. This is a skill that can open many doors in your life, and it’s a great way to invest your time and energy moving forward. Furthermore, there are plenty of steps that you can take to make the process as stress-free and smooth as possible, including:
- Doing your research before purchasing an instrument and finding the right fit for you
- Setting aside time in your schedule to practice each week
- Setting up a dedicated practice area
- Finding the right teacher
- Following online tutorials to further refine your skills
- Being patient and remembering that it takes time to become great
