Playing a musical instrument can be a beautiful pastime that can enrich your life in many ways other activities can’t. Music has a relaxing effect like no other art; it makes you a good listener and a good performer at the same time; it teaches you the importance of perfect timing; it develops your brain cells in the way no other art can. Yet, it can be tricky if you decide to start playing a musical instrument in adulthood since it is recommended to take up playing it at the ages of 5-10. Here are some useful directions if you do not have a musical tutor, yet you are willing to self-learn.
Choosing the right goal
This refers to your choice whether you want to play an instrument for fun or as a professional. You must keep in mind that there is no skill that you can master professionally without help from a recognized tutor. In other words, if you choose the ‘professional’ path, you can master playing an instrument on your own to some point and to some intermediate level, yet from then on, you will definitely need personal instruction from a more skillful tutor. If you decide to play an instrument for fun, it would be easier for you to find the lessons and instructions and to follow them on your own.
Choosing the instrument
As a matter of fact, the thing you should know is that some instruments are harder and some are easier to master. If your choice is the violin, it may appear the toughest choice since it requires most practice and absolute hearing. Saxophone and other wind instruments also require a more guided approach. Guitar and piano may appear easier if you are a beginner, but for some more complicated pieces, you will definitely need help in a form of teaching. Drums focus mainly on rhythm, so you may have the least problems if you try to learn on your own how to play them.
Online Resources
There are a bunch of online resources which can instruct you on how to read music, how to train your ear, how to understand music theory, and such. For a start, you can try the guide called Choosing the Right Instrument which will pick the perfect instrument for you. Theta Music Trainer can show you how to recognize chords, scales, and different sounds by ear. Read Music Free teaches you how to read notes and to play by them. Teoria is there to provide you with exercises for the musical basics.
Routine
Playing an instrument requires 5% talent and 95% everyday routine. If you happen to have a good hearing, you have to work on it every day. Be patient and thorough, and do not give up.
