It’s Never too Late to Learn a New Instrument: Here’s How to Get Started
Music is the language of our emotions. It speaks to us across cultures, across time, and across language barriers. It is truly the only universal language that exists, and it has developed and been built up by every culture in the world.
There’s no time like the present to learn any new skill – including learning how to play a new instrument. Whether you learn how to play the guitar, the piano, or even the flute, you are sure to benefit from it. Becoming proficient is a great way to exercise your mind, and take time for your own wellness, and is an excellent form of creativity.
Even the mere act of learning how to play an instrument is a great workout for the brain, helping you keep your mind sharp and memory sharper.
There’s nothing to lose, but if you want to play songs you recognize instead of fumbling around pressing keys, you’ll need to follow these steps to get started:
Take Taster Sessions
Unless you’ve been married to the idea of playing one single instrument, you’ll want to go to a music school and take a few taster sessions. Playing is fun, and it should be fun. Musicians feel a deep connection to the instruments they play, even if they inevitably learn how to play more than one. As a beginner, you need to find the one that speaks most to you, and learning to master that is a fantastic way to exercise your mind.
Getting the Basics
Unfortunately, buying instruments is going to be an investment. You can save, however, even on higher-quality pieces by actively shopping second-hand. A lot of people try to pick up learning an instrument and then give up. You can benefit from that. Just remember to do your research before you buy.
Take flutes, for example. There are genuine differences between a student and a professional flute. Student flutes are easier to learn to play with, so trying to buy a professional model (even for a great deal) too early on can hinder your ability to play and learn.
Don’t Stick to Classical
There is a lot of focus on learning how to play the instrument with classical music. This is a lie. It’s how students get trapped in a limbo where they don’t end up actually liking how to play songs. Sure, you may like a lot of classical music, but variety is the spice of life. You can get sheet music for every instrument that teaches you how to play modern hits as well, such as bass tabs or piano sheet music.
Learning how to play your favorite songs is how you can make practice fun. It’s also a tangible goal since you can play along to your top tunes, play for your friends and family, and even just for yourself.
Get Social
Another easy way to pick up a new instrument is to get social with it. Joining even a garage band is a great way to practice if you want to learn how to play the guitar, bass, or keyboard.
There are church music groups, private groups, and even student groups. By making friends and giving yourself a new outlet to use your skills (rather than locking it away in your bedroom) you practice, socialize, and get all the amazing benefits of being part of a community and learning to play.
