You Don’t Need Lessons to Play Music
Why study music?
Music makes you smarter! That is why I believe everyone should study music, but you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money to do it. In this post I’ll explore why you should study music and how to learn to sing (or play an instrument) for minimal money.The study of a musical instrument increases IQ and emotional intelligence, helps with problem-solving and fosters effective decision-making. By mastering a musical instrument you can improve in academic areas, develop basic life skills, and grow social relationships. Learning an instrument also helps improve motivational skills and intellectual abilities. Music is also food for the soul. In our ever-disconnected and tech-dominated world, the ability to sing or play an acoustic instrument can be a healthy and valuable spiritual and psychological pursuit. Instead of watching other people perform on social media, learn how to perform yourself in the privacy of your home.
Where to begin? The first step towards mastering the art of singing and playing an instrument lies in committing to an instrument that one is passionate about. Do you love singing? Does the sound of the piano make you dream of playing virtuosically? Choose one instrument and devote yourself to mastering it. Once you decide on an instrument, find accomplished artists that perform on that instrument and study them. Don’t be afraid to explore different genres. If you love guitar listen to classical guitar, flamenco, blues, and rock and roll. Expand your horizons for what is possible, open your mind to all styles of music and find the genres that speak to your soul. Listen to as much music as possible; it will keep you inspired and help you understand the nuances of style and genre.
Start with the basics
Although we would all love to be on stage performing within a few months of picking up an instrument, it is important to understand that all professional musicians start with the basics. Music theory, ear training, and scales are the elemental foundation of musicianship and should be studied from the very beginning. There are many apps that provide beginner musical training. Recommended apps include Yousician, Earmaster, and Music Tutor. Explore various recommended music theory apps. Many are inexpensive or offer a free trial period so you can investigate the contents.
Take the time to research and learn the proper posture and technique for your instrument. Incorrect posture and bad technical habits can lead to stress injuries that build up over time. Understand that your body is your instrument, and the way you take care of your body affects the health of your musicianship. If you play guitar, learn the proper way to hold the instrument so you do not feel pain when you play. To start off research elemental techniques online, but understand that not all resources are written well. In general, if multiple resources are stating the same information then you can be assured that they are probably teaching the right techniques.
It is important to note that most if not all professional musicians have paid for their musical training. While you will eventually want to study with a qualified master teacher (which is often expensive), it is great to begin your musical journey studying online. There are numerous courses online that one can pay for and learn the basics. While it is ideal to study with a teacher, lessons can be expensive, so investigate online vocal courses and find one that feels right for you. There are also a myriad of books available as supplementary resources. You can find books on your instrument, music theory, scales, jazz, etc. to bring extra knowledge into your studies. Check out your local library and see what music books they have on the shelves.
Commit to practicing
All professional musicians have spent a lifetime practicing. Researcher Malcolm Gladwell states that it takes about 10,000 hours to master any skill. If you practice every day for 2 hours, it will take you 13 1/2 years to master a skill according to this philosophy. Of course, many great musicians master their instrument in less than 10,000 hours, but it is a good thought to encourage and motivate you. Understand that mastering an instrument takes years, so don’t get discouraged and give up too easily! If you grow frustrated, take a couple of days off to rest and recharge, and then get back to the music studio and pick up where you left off.
Practice as often as possible, starting with a minimum commitment of at least 20 minutes per day. You can then work up to practicing an hour a day, and then increase the time you devote to your instrument. Be aware that beginning singers should not sing more than an hour or so a day, while guitarists and other instrumentalists can generally play for longer (as long as they are using the proper technique). It is advisable to get a technical book in your instrument and practice the same scales or musical passages repeatedly until you have mastered the technique, and then move on to new exercises. Memorization will help you ensure that the musical passage you are working on has been practiced to perfection!
Perform locally. While solo practicing is elemental for learning an instrument, performing in groups is an immensely beneficial experience that can help you master your instrument. When you feel ready look for places to perform such as open-mic nights. You can also find an ensemble to practice with such as a choir or community orchestra. If you want to play rock and roll or jazz start a band with your friends and practice weekly. In order to prepare yourself for performing with others, record yourself on your phone to evaluate your musical skills. Watching a video of yourself can help you see flaws in your technique such as poor posture or strange-looking facial gestures. Try to record yourself once a week to see improvements in your performing skills.
Find a master teacher
Eventually, you will want to commit the time and money and study with a skilled teacher. Taking one-on-one lessons is the most beneficial way to improve to an advanced level on your instrument. Look for a teacher that has an excellent reputation, and one that you connect with on an emotional level. A good teacher will help you to feel confident in your instrument, assign beneficial homework assignments, and offer positive constructive criticism.
Above all, if you love music, do music! Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from following your heart and doing what you love.
