10 Tips for Learning a Musical Instrument

We’ve all heard the saying that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. We know that learning something new takes time, but what keeps a beginner moving forward in their learning? Perhaps you have been thinking about picking up the drums so you can start a local band? Maybe you are hoping to encourage your child to learn the piano or support a spouse in mastering the guitar? We’ve compiled a list of considerations to get you started (or keep you moving) on the right path.

1. Consider your learning strengths.

Think of past learning experiences to understand moments when you were easily engaged or learned effortlessly? Define three characteristics from these experiences. Were these group learning experiences or individual? Was it a teacher who was especially motivating? Did you have a natural interest? Consider what helped you learn in the past and incorporate the factors that contributed to your success. 

2. Anticipate challenges

Consider times in the past when you have struggled to engage or participate in a new activity? If follow-through or boredom were factors, make a plan for how you will address these when they come up. There are additional ideas below to help learners move through the experience of being a beginner.

3. Decide what you are willing to give up

We fill the time that we have. In order to add something new to your schedule, you will need to remove something. It could be time spent watching television, playing with your kids or going out with friends. Make sure that your new pursuit is worth the sacrifice and consciously decide when you will find the time.

4. Consider what you will gain

Are you seeking creative expression? A new community? Or perhaps relaxation? Remembering the value behind your learning pursuit will keep you motivated on days when you don’t ‘feel’ like practicing. 

5. Find models

Find musicians who are more experienced and notice which ones motivate you. This might be a professional musician or a neighbor who plays songs to their dog or a musician on youtube. Through modeling, aspiring beginners find inspiration as well as confidence that they themselves can accomplish their goals. 

6. Build systems of accountability

Create an external system that will hold you accountable. This could mean making a check mark in a practice chart or using a phone app that tracks your habits. Set a specific number of practice minutes per week and track your completion. If you need more of a push, build in rewards for reaching certain practice milestones.

7. Create a contract

Decide how long you will pursue your goal without question. Sign a “contract” with a certain timeline (a year or two or five etc) and agree to practice no matter what until your timeline is up. Once you have fulfilled your contract, you can decide if you would like to continue working toward your goal. This strategy came to us from one of our music therapists and its brilliance lies in the commitment. The contract anticipates that humans won’t always feel motivated and encourages them to take action regardless of how they feel. 

8. Find the fun

Consider how your interests can overlap with your learning process. If you love nature, maybe you play your instrument in a park or forest. If you love a certain band or type of music, incorporate their sounds into your learning. If you are a writer, try writing a few of your own songs and working toward the accompanying music.

9. Teachers are gold

Experiment with finding the right teacher(s) for yourself. Set aside an hour to research music teachers and make a list. Your list may include web-based options or in-person options or a combination of both. Choose the top five options and begin exploring. Set up several initial meetings so that you can compare styles, prices and class structure. If you feel energized after a certain lesson or class, you have probably found your instructor.

10. Find a learning partner

Find someone in your community who is also learning something new. They don’t need to be learning the same thing as you, in fact it may be easier if they are learning something different. Make a point to check in with this person about their learning goals and obstacles and have them do the same for you. If you don’t find someone you know, look to an online community where mutual support is available. 

Finally, be patient with yourself and accept that learning is a process. Part of what keeps us learning is our drive toward betterment. If you can use this desire to improve as motivation rather than frustration, you will find yourself on an enjoyable musical journey.