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If you’ve always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument, then why not make this the year for your dreams to come true? It doesn’t matter what age you are, or how much time and money you have. There are ways around most problems and obstacles if you have the right ingredients for learning. Here are the essential ingredients for learning a musical instrument:

Time – Time is something most adults have very little of. But practice only takes a few minutes each day. It is the quality of the practice that is important. Adults have a lifetime of experience to draw on. This means they have the skills to understand and the resources to find out more. And music lessons are usually only thirty minutes a week. Some teachers can help you progress and learn with even fewer sessions. Request a teacher here.

Money – There are many online and app tutors that can help you cover the basics. Some will even help you play popular songs of your choice. Formal lessons with a good teacher will offer you a more rounded education. You’ll receive instruction on the instrument, and a wealth of technique tuition. There is plenty of sheet music available online for free, and digital copies of publications are often cheaper than full books. You can learn on a budget.

Instrument – The instrument you choose might depend on your budget. Second-hand instruments can be hit and miss. Unless you know what a good quality instrument looks like, you may be better buying new. Many instrument dealers offer you a few days to try an instrument out. You can then take it to your teacher for advice. As you progress, you may want a high-quality instrument so you can further your technique and improve your sound. It’s not advisable to start with a professional level instrument, though. The basic skills are easier to learn on a student instrument.





Tenacity – Yes, practice can be challenging. Your teacher will push you to help you progress rapidly. To improve and master a skill, technique or piece of music, patience and repetition are required. Repeating the same actions several times helps you to remember the movements required, and refine the sound you create. Rarely will you get it the first time. You need the tenacity to try, try, and try again.

Support – A musician’s life is a lonely one isolated in practicing alone. Instead, why not find local groups, bands, and orchestras to join? Small consorts and ensembles provide you with sight reading opportunities. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on repertoire and recital pieces. For well-rounded musicianship, it’s important to play with other musicians. Duets are a great place to start. Your family may also be able to support you by offering you some peace and quiet to practice for a few minutes each day!

Learning to play a musical instrument is a great way to spend your spare time. We all seek self-improvement in life. This could be a project for the New Year or something you intend to spend the rest of your life doing. Sometimes the most essential ingredient for learning is desire. Enjoy making music.



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