We are often amazed when we see musicians do their thing on stage and in music videos. The way they create music seem almost magical, and we wish it was us that could make the same melodies they do. While some of us might have that hidden musical talent, the rest of us might have to settle with picking up a new instrument from scratch.
But then here comes the age-old question: is it really still possible for adults to learn a new instrument and play it well? Isn’t it just something for young kids and their malleable minds? We have heard people giving both spectrums of the answer, and while we do understand both sides of the argument, we have to say a resounding yes.
No, we’re not too old to absorb new knowledge and skills. And so, we share some key reasons how our students and friends have picked up the instrument for themselves. While we understand that it might seem challenging to begin this journey, we can use many tips and tricks to make this journey easier for us!
Finding an instrument that you really enjoy
Some people start by finding an instrument they fall in love with from the get-go, but it may be a different journey for many others as they go through various instruments until they find one that fits with them. A drummer and guitarist might always seem like the coolest of the band, and many people might want to play those instruments only to find out that it isn’t the right one for them.
Keep an open mind as you explore the different instruments available – you never know when one would surprise you and feel like they’re the perfect instrument that was waiting to be found!
Creating small goals to accomplish over time
Our goal is to play that favourite song from our favourite artist or band, but it can often feel discouraging when you aim for something so out of reach. Break down your musical journey into tiny, actionable steps.
Rather than playing that complicated piece, why not start off by learning to play simple songs on your guitar? We all know that famous piano piece River Flows In You by Yiruma, but instead of playing the whole piece, why not break it down into smaller sections to learn one step at a time? Celebrate the milestones and see your small progressions that add up significantly over time, knowing that every milestone is one step closer to your final goal as a seasoned and experienced musician.
Setting aside time every day to practice your instrument
And with the setting of milestones, the next step is to set aside time for practice. No one picks up an instrument overnight, not even those with talent. Just as how you won’t develop muscles overnight after going to a gym once, learning to play an instrument well is an accumulation of the hours of practice done over weeks, months and even years that help us improve.
Be it a short moment after work, a dedicated session over the weekends or just tiny gaps of destressing every now and then, the more time we find in our schedule to practice, the better we get at the craft in time. Turn it into a consistent routine and you’re bound to see measured improvements in no time!
Community
And one of the last but most important points, finding people who have the same interest and passion as you. Whether it is to learn the piano together with other beginners or going for guitar learning classes to get mentored by professionals, having someone to accompany or guide you in your journey can make all the difference. Many people don’t have friends who might want to learn the same instruments, so music courses in Singapore can be a good way of finding a like-minded community of passionate music lovers. Celebrate each other’s milestones, sharing tips, tricks and learning lessons to speed up your growth. Indeed, music is hardly a solo journey, especially when you have amazing people to encourage you when you feel like giving up.
Conclusion
Learning a new instrument isn’t a walk in the park, and anything we can do to speed up and ease the process is a welcome addition to our musical journey. If you are looking for a like-minded group of music lovers, register for classes at Studio72 where you’ll be grouped with interested individuals at your level and learn from seasoned teachers who can guide you to make you into that confident musician you’ve always dreamed of being!
