I want to get into playing music, tips for a complete beginner?

Question

Short overview, I tried playing saxophone in 3rd grade and just didn't take to it at all. I've just finished my freshman year at college, and I've just started to appreciate music. I didn't listen at all through high school, but now I'm fascinated by it.

Now, I really want to learn to play and make my own, so I'm looking at the Piano/Keyboard, Clarinet, Flute, Violin, and Guitar, as well as my voice, as things I would like to work on. Voice, Keyboard, and Flute, are the three that it's easiest for me to get my hands on. (Voice is obviously the easiest)

So I'm looking for tips on how to start out, common pitfalls to avoid, ways to maintain motivation, etc. Part of the problem is that I will be living with a roommate and thin walls for the next 3 years, minimum, so practicing could be an issue with bothering other people.

Share your experiences, tips, and so on, I'd love to hear all of your stories.

Answer 1

Hmm....I'd start with keyboards, since most everyone starts with that when getting into playing musical instruments. Go down to your local music store and rent one-if you're low on cash. Buy a beginner piano book and headphones (so you won't disturb people while practicing). If you have a lot of money and it's no issue, I suggest taking lessons as well, but be warned that it's hard finding a competent music teacher. And they're not cheap. But it's the greatest investment you can make when learning an instrument.

Take each instrument one at a time: get decent on one or learn a lot with one before moving on to the next. If you take all three instruments and try to learn them all at once, it's not going to work. Pace yourself and that's key.

If you're like me you may find that one instrument is better than the rest and just focus on that. Or you may go through them and finally find the one instrument that you love. I played flute for...5 years in school bands, then moved on to ukulele, and now I'm at guitar, which is my main instrument. It was all about trying different things when it came to me learning an instrument.

Being inspired by someone to play an instrument is the main reason why people pick them up, because when they get frustrated they can put on an artist who plays the instrument they're learning (and are a big fan of), and get that fire in them all over again when they're just feeling down in their playing. If you don't have anyone you admire, maybe you'll find someone while you're in the midst of learning. For example, when you learn voice, somewhere down the road you may stumble upon that one artist who you want to sing like. There, you just got your inspiration.

With that said, you have to have goals when learning how to play instruments: Why do you want to play? Do you wanna impress people or express yourself? Goals make sure that you're not wasting your time-and money, if you take lessons-on learning an instrument. Plus, they're the motivating force to practice and progress.

Just remember that learning any instrument (and wanting to be good) takes a LOT of time. People do say that how long you practice determines how fast you'll get good, but that's not always the case. You can practice for 5 hours everyday and still not make progress. Why? Because your practice sessions have to be used correctly and wisely.

How to Practice

-Make each practice goal oriented (ie. by the end of this session I want to be able to change from a G to a C chord smoothly, for guitar)

-Start with warming up the fingers (scales, finger exercises)

-Move on to the tough thing you need to work on (keeping your goal in mind)

-When learning something new, take it slow

-When you get frustrated, take a 5 min break to clear your head then go back to the trouble spot. When you get frustrated again, repeat the same process

-Try and practice everyday

-Try and practice everyday at the same time

Oh, just out of the blue here, I suggest you buy a metronome (which is a device you use to practice and keep time with) because it will really help you with speed and keeping rhythm. Your local music store will have a TON of these with varying prices.

One last thing: Don't give up! And have fun, even though you may hit a roadblock or two along the way. :-)

Answer 2

I would stick to fundamentals since you're a beginner... major chords, theory, scales, etc. It may seem boring at first but will build a good foundation. Also, work on your rhythm by using a metronome or playing along with recordings of songs you know. Start out with easy material, songs with just one or two chords. Just because you like a song doesn't mean it will be easy to play. If you start burning out, it's okay to take a break until you feel inspired again but just not so long that you

forget what you've learned. You can get headphones for a keyboard and mute for violins.  You can finger pick or lightly strum a guitar so it's not very loud. It is best to have lessons because although you can learn chords and theory from books & the internet, it's best to learn technique and get feed back from a knowledgeable person. Of course, a substantial amount of practice is essential.

Answer 3

The best way to get into playing music by learning musical instruments from the beginning. I went to piano classes and guitar classes as these two attracted me a lot.

Then started playing them in shcool functions and also in college. People appreciated me a lot and I also listen to lot of music and practise those songs in my piano or guitar. Sometimes try my own tunes and try them first with my friends. If they like it then I would go upto my teacher or my music teacher. To learn more about this click here...http://www.ongoingprofit.com/idevaffilia...

Answer 4

I recommend going to a music store and trying out as many instruments as you want. Pick the one that you feel the most comfortable with. Then, get lessons. They will really boost your performance level up, and will help eliminate anything you do wrong. Since you're a beginner, it's crucial that you have lessons, so you don't practice wrong...it's very hard to fix things after you've practiced them for so long.

About the roomate situation; I'm sure you could make an agreement with you're dorm mates about practice time. If not, go to your college's Music Conservatory. They will most likely have practice rooms.

And, most of all; PRACTCE!!!!! If you're really serious about learning an instrument, then you must practice. It's all worth it in the end.