Music has always been a constant companion in everyone’s lives ever since birth. From the magical nursery rhymes that delighted our new senses up until now, where a catchy tune can get stuck in our head for days on end, it’s something we grow up enjoying. While listening to such bangers is certainly fun in and of itself, everyone at some point in their lives surely has played with the idea of picking up an instrument themselves and trying their hand at it.
But before they could commit, the irrational fear of not having enough talent to pursue such musical endeavours promptly discourages them from going any further. If you can relate to this sentiment, let us share with you why talent alone does not dictate if you have what it takes to learn a musical instrument.
Talent Vs Skill
First off, let us define talent and skill. Talent means a natural aptitude for something. When it comes to musicians, this talent could mean having a sense of hearing so keen that they can pick up on even the slightest sour note or possess an innate ‘feel’ or ‘rhythm’ in manipulating certain instruments.
On the other hand, skill simply means a learned ability. In other definitions, it means a developed aptitude. For those who continued their pursuit of learning an instrument, it can be disheartening to see their peers play better despite being in the same beginner class.
The truth is that having these natural abilities does not automatically mean you will be good at something, whether it is in music or any other skill. One simply needs to focus on practising and developing that skill they wish to learn. Moreover, having this natural talent can often prove to be more of a hindrance than an advantage. This is because one tends to be misled that what nature has blessed them with is enough to carry them to greatness, leading them to think that they do not need to put in much effort to develop their skills and further improve their natural abilities.
What It Means To Develop A Skill
Learning to play is not all that different from learning how to ride a bike, sewing your clothes, or cooking your own meals. Even something as simple as learning how to walk classifies as a skill, which is something you did not get the hang of overnight as a child.
Most humans have the innate ability to walk on their own two legs, but it involves skill to develop that ability further and make it second-nature, and even improve it further like running! Just remember that the more you practice, the less effort your brain has to put in to accomplish it and the more connections it will make. And in the context of learning a musical instrument, students get to also enjoy many enriching benefits of music from their efforts.
Is It Ever Too Late To Pick Up An Instrument?
Although many musicians began their musical journey at a young age, no rule states it is ever too late for you to start yours much later in life. There will always be the possibility of exploiting an innate musical talent or perhaps developing one that you never believed to have had at all.
Contrary to popular belief, people’s brains retain their ability to change even after puberty. While it is true that learning instruments by taking music courses is not as easy when you are 65 years compared to when you were still 5, it can still be done with consistency and diligence. And although achieving fame from being adept at playing music may be a bit of a stretch for most of us, becoming skilled enough in playing your preferred instruments is undoubtedly well within your reach.
Conclusion
If you are ready to begin your musical journey, start on the right foot with Studio72’s music courses. At Studio72, you’ll be guided by our qualified instructors with whichever instrument you wish to try, whether you want to learn the drums, ukeleles, keyboards, or even mastery over your own voice! We’ll get you started on your dreams today.
