Where should I start learning music?

Question

Hi there! I've loved music all my life, but have never really worked on learning how to write or play it myself, save for taking a few lessons when I was younger. I've tried doing a lot of different things, but I still don't really feel entirely complete without being able to play some sort of instrument. So I'm turning sixteen in a few months, and I want to get a fresh start with piano and guitar, with most of the focus on piano. I really want to just read books about music first (starting with theory and music itself then working towards books for both instruments) before I jump into learning. I kind of want to have a firm ground on music itself before I get ahead of myself by simply wanting to play something. However, I really don't know where to start with books. Are there any books I could get from the library that would give me a good start for understanding music and theory? And should I even read books on theory? I really just need some help on where to start for a self-taught musician! :)

Thanks so much! :D

Answer 1

Most 'musicians' will tell you not to read and just pick up an instrument, which is one way to learn, but starting with theory is a great foundation to have.  Sure you could pick up a guitar and learn a few of your favorite songs, but then what? You won't even know what you're playing, or how it all fits together.  Music theory has always been something that fascinated me. There are so many  patterns and it's structured much the way math is (don't let that discourage you if you don't like math).  

If you do take up the guitar, I recommend a CD-ROM called "CAGED Cracked" from Truefire.com.  It takes only 5 chords, and shows you how these chords 'merge' together up and down the entire neck.  

Answer 2

just learn the notes, the articulations, dynamics and scales and how to build them