How to Play an Instrument
Learning to play an instrument is a healthy form of expression for people of all ages. It is never too late to learn how to play an instrument. Most people who learn to play an instrument do not end up becoming rich and famous musicians; instead, they develop a hobby or passion that is both entertaining and therapeutic. If the hobby turns into something more serious, then there are plenty of music schools and programs to help you develop your craft an pursue a career. But first, you must learn how to play an instrument.
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Instructions
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Choose your instrument. Most people who want to learn to play an instrument already have an instrument in mind. If you want to learn to play an instrument but do not know which instrument to learn, visit your local music store and try out a few different instruments until you find one you are attracted to. If you still do not know after playing several different instruments, choose the piano, because it is the most common instrument used to write and compose music, and because of the physical layout of the keyboard, it makes learning notes and scales easier, which can be transferred to other instruments. The guitar is another popular choice.
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Purchase or rent the instrument. It is important that you have the instrument near you to practice and work on technique. If you cannot afford to buy or rent the instrument, ask a friend if you can borrow his. If you are a student or teacher, speak to the music department at your school to see if you are allowed to practice on the school's equipment when it is not being used.
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Take a lesson. Ask a friend to recommend a teacher, or visit your local music store to see what options you have available. Sign up for one or two lessons initially. In the initial lessons, you should determine that you have a passion for the instrument and that the teacher is a good choice for you and your goals. You should also learn a few basics from the initial lesson: how to tune your instrument, basic technique for playing and a handful of notes and chords (or rhythms if you are learning the drums).
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Practice as much as you can, or as much as you want to, depending on your goals. If you are just casually learning to play an instrument, play it for 30 minutes or more, at least three or four times a week. If you are more serious about a career in music, you must practice for several hours a day. Practice the techniques you learned in your first few lessons. Try to figure out how to play your favorite songs on your instrument. It will not come easily, but just keep working at it.Be sure you are playing with the proper technique you learned in the initial lessons.
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Continue taking lessons regularly, at least once a week, or buy a book to continue learning how to play your instrument. Learn where the notes are on your instrument, and learn the basic patterns of a major and minor scale. Music notes go alphabetically from A yhrough G, with sharps and flats in the middle, consisting of 12 total notes before starting the pattern over again. The entire list is: A, A sharp/B flat, B, C, C sharp/D Flat, D, D sharp/E flat, E, F, F sharp/G flat, G, G sharp/A flat. The interval between each note is called a "half step." The interval between two notes (for example, A to B), is called a "whole step."
The pattern for a major scale is the root (starting note), whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.
The pattern for a minor scale is: root (starting note), whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step.
Practice playing your instrument with all of your fingers (or all of your limbs if you are playing drums). This will develop confidence in all of your fingers and limbs, not just the dominant ones. As your playing improves, you will utilize all of your fingers or limbs.
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Tips & Warnings
Play music with other people after you have had a chance to learn the basics of your instrument. Seek out other players who are at or near the same skill level, and form a band for fun, or just write songs together. The more fun you make the experience, the more desire you will have to continue learning.
Learn basic music theory and harmony after you reach the intermediate level, if you are serious about playing music as a career or passion. Music theory will help you understand harmony and improve your songwriting skills. You can learn basic music theory from a book or by taking a class at your local college or music institute program.
Improper technique can cause health hazards like carpel tunnel syndrome. Learn proper technique early and practice it to ensure you are playing your instrument correctly.
Learning the instrument can be painful or sore at first. For example, when beginning the guitar, your finger tips may feel irritated or painful. With continued playing over time, the finger tips will form calluses and there will no longer be discomfort.
References
- Photo Credit guitar guitarist music musical instrument image by david hughes from Fotolia.com
