I want to become a better musician. Any tips?

Question

First off, Im 18 years old. I have been playing piano off and on for five years, and would classify myself as an intermediate. I don't read sheet music anymore, I pick everything up by ear and find it really simple to arrange any song on the piano.

I have been playing guitar for two years, I'm definitely a beginner. I read tabs sometimes, but I mostly figure things out by ear. I haven't had training in guitar so I am no good at picking out chords, only the "vocals" which I play along with my piano recordings.

I have just bought a violin, and within playing it for ten minutes I figured out how to play puff the magic dragon. I don't plan on getting formal lessons because I have a friend who plays and will teach me a bit. What else should I make sure to do/practice to become a good violin player?

How far off am I having a dream to be a muscisian? What steps must I take to do such? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

practice practice practice!

Answer 2

practice makes perfect!

Answer 3

I gotta answer now that I read Garrisons reply...good god man.

Anyways, many of the greats didn't read sheet music. Johnny Cash is one of my favorite examples.

I would definitly know my music theory, work on composing your own material, practice and practice, and once you feel confident, get out there and show people what you have. Whether its busking (performing on the street) or auditioning, or playing at the local fair or talent show.

I think its a matter of practicing, having the material you love, and having the confidence and drive to do it. If it was about reading sheet music, a lot of great players would be out.

I'm definitly not against getting lessons. But even then, an untrained musician can still be an amazing musician.

However, with that being said...if you're meaning you want to play in an orchestra or something like that...then yeah, learn your sheet music thoroughly haha. Thats kind of a different story.

But good luck, I'm sure you'll do great if you want it bad enough.

Answer 4

Simply, listen to tons of music in every genre.

And listen to songs over and over concentrating on all the different instruments and sounds going on.

That separates musicians from artists.

PS

Tabs are god :D

Answer 5

I'm 15 and I've been playing the violin for 5 years. One of my very wise teachers once told me that the only way to become  a succesful musician is to practice - not just casual, here and there practice but slow, steady, regular practice. Your muscles will never remember proper technique if practice consists of quickly glazing over difficult sections. Never be afraid to reprimand yourself during practice. I know you've probably heard this before, but I never really put the pedal to the metal until recently with my practice, and my playing went into a new gear.

Scales are very important when it comes to mastering quick ups and downs in difficult keys. I recommend Scales for Advanced Violinists by Barbara Barber, no matter what your experience level is. Good Luck.

Answer 6

A lot of greats were like you, they didn't have much professional help, they just picked it up theirselves, but your going to have to do a lot of practicing.

Answer 7

Well in my opinion not only do you need to learn how to read music, but also music theory. If you dont, you will hit a brick wall eventually. Having a great ear will take you far, but only so far.

Answer 8

I would read music as much as possible. This will help you with your playing any instrument. Playing by ear is awesome, but you should at least pick up reading again to help out later. And practice as much as you can stand. If you make practicing a habit, you'll fall into place.

Gig as much as you can. The more experience, the better. Also, jam with your friends, especially those that play better than you. You'll only learn more from them.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Ive been playing piano for 10 years . u have to practice and not just technically, read about the composer so u can feel the music and play with feeling not just what's on the page.

Answer 10

To be a musician you will need a few degrees from TOP music colleges! , the best teachers that money can buy, Hours and hours of practice, and a few decades to go by! AT LEAST!!

Pick one instrument and immerse yourself in it! College wont want to know how many instruments you play! They want to know how skilled you are in your specialized instrument! Get lessons from the best teachers you can! The music business is cutthroat! Be prepared for the long haul! Decades of long hours of practice, being poor for most of your life! are just SOME of the lovely advantages of being a professional musician. Its not all passion and love! Its TOUGH

Answer 11

I can't understand WHY if you really DID play piano for 5 years, that you are so proud of not being able to read music.  Just your admission that you play TABs tells me you can't read music or you would avoid using TABS if you could

If you REALLY want to be a professional, you need to learn how to read music... which I would guess you couldn't do for the Piano.  WHAT IS IT with you people who are so adverse to TAKING LESSONS and actually LEARNING THE RIGHT WAY to do something?  

You don't teach yourself to drive a car, you don't teach yourself how to fly a plane; you don't teach yourself how to run some piece of machinery... but you think you can teach yourself how to play an instrument at the professional level WITHOUT A TEACHER to help you along to GET IT RIGHT.

I just don't understand what it is with you people who are so adverse to having a TEACHER so you can learn PROPER TECHNIQUE... and then complain that you aren't advancing in your ability to play... DUH.!

Answer 12

Darn, I would say try to get a major in music, like as a music teacher, because they have to learn to play alot of instruments, but if you didn't take band (and pass) for 3 years in middle school or four years in high school your kinda screwed there....though some schools will let you in because of talent, so I say use your piano talent.