| Learning to play a musical instrument can be both | | | | and relax as you won't have to think about how |
| exciting and daunting (and on top of that there | | | | to play but you will begin to instinctively know |
| seems to be as many different methods of | | | | where to put your fingers to get the notes you |
| learning as there are instruments to play with). | | | | need. |
| Whatever your choice of guitar, keyboard, violin | | | | Develop an ear for style and professionalism: |
| or other music making device, below are some | | | | Listen to music featuring the instrument you are |
| helpful hints that will help you in learning your | | | | learning. Try to work out how they fit in the |
| musical instrument . | | | | music and even the notes they might be playing |
| Find a quiet place: | | | | and see if you can learn some of their technique. |
| Set yourself up in a spot away from distractions. | | | | Listening to well recorded material, both in the |
| Close the door and put your phone on answering | | | | studio and at live events will also give you a good |
| machine and let your friends and family know you | | | | idea how to play in a band situation, the |
| need some space. If you have an electrical | | | | importance of being "tight' (in time, in tune and in |
| instrument such as keyboard or electric guitar | | | | sync with other musicians you could be playing |
| plug in a set of headphones - they will help block | | | | with in the future). |
| out noise from outside and stop your noise from | | | | Find some accompaniment: |
| bothering the neighbors. | | | | Get some backing tracks to play along with. This |
| Taking your time: | | | | will not only introduce you to improvisation and |
| As it has been said "Rome wasn't built in a day". | | | | how to accompany other musicians (it's also a |
| The same principle applies to learning a musical | | | | great way to warm up). If you have an |
| instrument. Begin by just doing a few minutes a | | | | understanding friend who has some musical skills |
| day (every day) and progress from there. I found | | | | perhaps you can get together and work on some |
| this far more effective than having a longer | | | | simple tunes. If you struggle with learning music |
| sessions less often because it helps you to stay in | | | | notation don't let that discourage or limit you, |
| the habit and mindset of being a musician. | | | | there are other ways to get started with playing |
| Make your lessons regular: | | | | without knowing a single page of musical notation |
| Shorter sessions more frequently (every day) | | | | (that can come later as you develop your playing |
| when you first start out will also help your fingers | | | | skills). |
| get used to new positions (such as holding down | | | | Use an audio recorder: |
| the strings of a guitar) and will allow them to | | | | This is a very helpful tool - a portable MP3 |
| recover quickly and build up a memory of how to | | | | recorder (with a microphone) or even an old |
| create the notes as you play. You might even | | | | cassette recorder will do as long as it has a |
| want to have a short experimental moment both | | | | microphone of some description. I use currently |
| in the morning or evening. | | | | use an old minidisc recorder (but you can also |
| Add variety to your music routine: | | | | utilize the sound recorder on your mobile phone or |
| If one lesson becomes boring then don't torture | | | | handheld palm device). The idea is to set this up |
| yourself. Pick out something that really interests | | | | to capture your special moments when you learn |
| you. Is it a bass line from a song? A melody? or | | | | a song or create a new lick. turn it on to jog your |
| perhaps a certain style? Then mix it in what you | | | | memory when you forget that tune you made |
| are learning. Rather than continually practice what | | | | while experimenting. Play back your session to |
| you do know, try to add something that you | | | | see where you went wrong or proudly play back |
| don't know but would really like to develop. | | | | your good stuff to your grandmother. Take it |
| Get to know your instrument: | | | | with you when you go out so if you have a |
| Spend time studying and experimenting with your | | | | moment of inspiration you can quickly hum or sing |
| instrument and how you can create different | | | | a tune and record it before it's forgotten. |
| sounds, where the notes are, what is most | | | | By applying these tips along with some good |
| comfortable and so on. The better you | | | | lessons your learning experience will be more |
| understand your instrument the easier it is play | | | | enjoyable and effective. To your musical success. |