We may be winding down to the end of 2020, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until you make your New Years’ resolution list to start picking up a new skill! Has there ever been an instrument you wish you could just pick up and start playing? Starting out may seem daunting, but everyone begins somewhere. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Purchase a cheaper instrument to start.
A lot of musical instruments will have a wide range of prices and qualities. If you’re starting to learn one from scratch, it might be a good idea to choose one on the cheaper side just in case you change your mind! It often helps to talk to someone in a music store— they know exactly which ones are the best for beginners.
YouTube tutorials are a great guide!
If you can’t afford/aren’t interested in taking formal lessons, have no fear! The Internet is at your disposal. Whatever instrument you’re picking up, there are probably dozens of channels dedicated to teaching beginners everything they need to know, from basic chords to playing full songs. And the best part about a Youtube video is that you can rewind and watch again and again until you’re a pro.
Reserve some jam time at least twice a week.
Practice makes perfect— the more you carve out time to play your instrument, the more comfortable you’ll be with it. Even if you’re not super confident with playing, it’s still fun to just jam out and try different chords! Soon enough, you’ll be able to write your own music or jam with friends!
Learn to play an easy song that you love!
When I’m practicing the instruments I play, I typically like to warm-up by playing the songs I enjoy listening to. When you’re confident enough with a song, the perfect way to get better is by forcing yourself to perform for friends/family!
Knowing how to play a musical instrument is an incredibly valuable skill that you can take with you for the rest of your life. I didn’t play any instruments until I started college, and now I’m in a band! Especially now, it’s so important to keep music in your life— whether you’re playing or just listening.