It’s as simple as “do-re-mi”
Have you ever watched someone play an instrument on stage and thought to yourself, “I wish I could do that too?” Have you ever thought about joining a band? Or maybe you’d like to try picking up a hobby this summer to impress your friends?
If you’re low on cash but interested in learning how to play a new musical instrument (whether you’ve never played an instrument before or if you’re looking to branch out into a different style, consider some of these tips.
Set a goal for yourself
Think over what you would like to get out of this experience. Is it to form a rock band with your friends, play with an orchestra, write music, or to simply play for your own enjoyment? Be realistic about your goals when you’re just starting to learn how to play a new instrument. It can be time-consuming at first, but the results can be even more rewarding.
Research different instruments
Choosing an instrument takes more than just picking the one that looks the most impressive. You can choose between acoustic and electric, or classical and contemporary styles. There can be many variations in range such as alto, tenor, or baritone, as well as other factors that affect the sound like the number of strings on a guitar or bass. Some instruments will be more customizable, so make sure to take a look at all of your options before committing.
Try before you buy
Before you run to your nearest music store to instantly purchase the shiniest and most expensive guitar you can find, consider trying it out for a bit first. Ask a friend if you’re able to borrow their guitar or keyboard, or rent one from a store. You can usually also ask for a demo while you’re in store and test out different models to see which one you’re most comfortable with.
Start small
Don’t immediately splurge for a concert grand piano if you’ve never touched a keyboard before in your life. Work your way up from a keyboard before indulging in a higher-quality piano. Many music stores accept trade-ins so you can sell your used upright piano for the luxurious grand piano that you’ve been coveting.
Watch tutorials
There are plenty of books, training videos, and online resources available that teach you how to play most instruments and are completely free. Take your time while learning, but set aside some time at least every week so that you practice good habits and stay motivated.
Take lessons
Paying for lessons might seem like a counterintuitive tip, considering that the idea of this article is to learn how to play a musical instrument by yourself. However, it can be tricky to get the basics on your own and a professional will likely be able to provide you with the fundamental techniques that will help you play better. Once you’ve mastered rudimentary skills such as breath control, finger positioning, and simple music theory, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your chosen instrument.
Never stop learning
The biggest mistake you can make when learning how to play an instrument is deciding that, at a certain point, you’ve reached the height of your success. While it might be frustrating to make little progress or tiresome to keep up with practicing, remember that you had a goal that you wanted to achieve. Work hard at what you want to do and always keep improving.
Feature photo by Karen K. Tran.