Tips for Learning an Instrument

4 Tips for Learning an Instrument

Learning to play an instrument is one of the most rewarding journeys you can have because it’s not only beneficial for your cognitive development but also your creative expression!

Whether you decide to play the piano, the guitar, or a violin, remember, it’s a process— not something to dive straight into.

With the right mindset and approach you can make steady progress and ultimately enjoy the journey. If you’re looking to master an instrument, here are some tips to get you started.

Start With The Basics

The best place to get started is with the basics. Learn the fundamentals like proper posture how to position your hands, and if it’s a wind instrument the correct mouth position. Start with basic chords and scales as opposed to directly jumping into playing full songs.

Resist the temptation of rush, even though you might be in a hurry to get better.  Embrace a slow and steady approach to avoid bad habits and also to avoid giving up too early.

Practice Regularly

The more you practice the more you’ll advance. Get comfortable with your instrument and use it as much as possible. Remember, short and consistent practice sessions as opposed to long more spaced-out ones are much more beneficial.

Even something as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day is sufficient daily practice and will help you get better at your instrument. As you improve, slowly increase your practice time and skills during each session. It will take a little bit of self-discipline at first, however, the more diligent you are with your practice, the better you’ll get.

Take Lessons

It’s a good idea to take lessons from a professional teacher if you’re truly dedicated to getting better.  A teacher will help give you the right tips to master your technique and steer you away from any bad habits.

While self-teaching can work for many people, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you. Using a teacher can significantly accelerate your learning process. If you’re excited to learn quickly, then a teacher is really the best way to go.

Otherwise, you should minimally consider taking online tutorials or lessons which are available often free of charge on places like YouTube or even TikTok.

Break Down Songs into Sections

Learning a new piece of music can seem overwhelming if you look at it in one big piece. After all, as a beginner, playing an entire song can feel downright impossible at first.

So, instead of trying to learn the song all at once, break up the song into small manageable sections. Focus on perfecting one section at a time and gradually piecing everything together. This won’t just make it feel less overwhelming but it will also improve your overall accuracy.

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