So you're finally seriously considering learning to play a musical
instrument! Congratulations! Maybe you have an old piano that you want
to start playing or you like the sound of a guitar. To be able to play
and share music is a beautiful thing to be able to do plus it's just
fun! Here are 5 tips to put you on your way to learning to play a
musical instrument. Well, technically it's only 5 tips, but there are
tips within tips!
1. Have fun!
Learning to play an
instrument is a great experience as well as, often, a challenge. Don't
be scared! It's fun! It's really cool when you learn how to play your
first song or you figure out how to play something on your own. Don't
worry about starting an instrument for the first time! Be patient -
learning to play an instrument or sing takes time. And, just think,
you've (mostly likely) been listening to or at least hearing music all
your life. Why not give it a shot? You don't have to have perfect pitch
(that's when a person can hear a pitch and can tell you the name of the
pitch) to be able to pick an instrument or sing (I certainly don't have
it, but I know people who do - it seems to have it has its pros and
cons; relative pitch is definitely valuable though). And don't worry
about learning how to read music. I have a degree in music and have
taught piano and bass and I think that learning how to read music is
very valuable but not necessarily for everyone. Do what works for you!
Don't let not knowing how to read music stop you from giving music a
try!
2. How to Choose a Musical Instrument
There's a
chance that you've thought about playing music, but don't know what
instrument to play. Instrument choice can have some factors that you may
want to consider but you should, of course, pick something that you
like or find interesting. Maybe there's an instrument that you've always
wanted to learn to play. Maybe you just want something to take along on
camping trips. Or, best of all is if there is a type of music that you
dig some much that you want to participate! Whatever the case, here a
couple of thoughts to consider before you make your investment: And
while we're on what's comfortable for you, the size of the instrument,
your body size, the weight of the instrument and so on are things to
consider.
Some instruments may be bigger, heavier, smaller or
more fragile than you might think. Again a trip to your local music
store for a closer look will do you good. - Do you want a portable
instrument that can be easily transported? Do you mind if it requires
electricity and/or batteries? What's your living space like? Can it
accommodate the instrument of your choice - for example, it probably
wouldn't go over well if you live in an apartment building and decide
that you want to play drums.
Of course I don't want to leave out
my technology friends! I know a lot of you just want to learn how to
make a music track and record your beats. Others of you may want to get
more into the sound design side of things. I suggest doing your
research. My budget is usually pretty tight so, a lot of the time, I
start off with less expensive software and work my way up. I find it
helps my focus and learning curve to learn the basics first before
diving into all the bells and whistles the more sophisticated software
has.
Hardware. When it comes time to buy hardware, I spend the
money if necessary. I prefer well make instruments that feel comfortable
in my hands.
3. How much money should you spend on a new instrument?
Check
at instrument retailers online to get a feel for the price of the
instrument that you want. If this is your first time playing an
instrument, you may not want to invest big in your first instrument for
various reasons - you may find a different that you like better, you
could decide that you don't like that instrument - you get the idea. On
the other hand, you probably don't want to get something that's so cheap
and poorly crafted that it falls apart. Whatever the case, you do not
need to spend a lot of money on your first instrument. Don't do a real
investment until you know you're going to be playing the instrument. If
you have any friends who are musicians, give them a shout and ask what
their thoughts are on price. Check out some of your local independent
instrument stores and strike up a conversation with some one there.
While you're at the shop, hold or play some of the instruments, if you
can.
This may help to give you a feel for what's comfortable for
you. If you have any friends who are musicians, see if you can get one
of them to tag along (you usually won't have to twist any arms to get a
musician to go to a music store!). Even if you're instrument is not
their instrument, they may think of questions to ask that you may not
think of or helpful in other ways. It's not a bad idea to get a report
going with folks at the local music shop if you really get into playing.
You can often find some really great stuff on Craig's List if you
decide to get a used instrument route. If you can, take a friend with
you so you have another set of eyes to look at the instrument that you
may buy.
4. Get a teacher
Even if you just plan on
noodling around, it wouldn't hurt to take a least a couple of lessons -
you'll probably find them to be very helpful. Again, places like
Craigslist have all kinds of postings of music instructors. If you ask,
you may probably get a break on lessons if you pay for several up front.
You can also start out with software that teach you to learn to sing or
play piano/keyboards, bass, drums and guitar most commonly, but you can
also find this kind of software for violin, cello, sax, etc. you'll
just have to dig a little deeper to find it. These might be a good
introduction to the instrument and at roughly $20 - $60 per course it's
not so bad (depending on the instrument and the instructor, lessons
range from $30 - $125 per lesson, give or take) plus you have the
reference material. That said, nothing ever replaces a real live
teacher.
5. Lastly, there is one piece of equipment that you will
need to get regardless of the instrument you choose: a metronome. It'll
be annoying and drive you crazy at first, but it is a must-have. You
may have seen or heard one - usually a little box that makes a clicking
or beeping sound. A metronome will help you develop got time - keeping.
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