Tom Foster
There are 15 mistakes people make when learning a musical instrument, and most of them are habits you can break. A lot of learning starts with the desire, if you have it.
Thinking you’re too old to learn
You’re never too old to try learning something new. A musical instrument doesn’t have an age limit on it, though it does help to be old enough to learn how to properly play.
Buying cheap instruments
Cheap doesn’t mean good when it comes to a musical instrument. It might help your pocketbook, but only in the short term, especially if the thing breaks before you get that much use out of it.
Assuming the quality of an instrument
Don’t assume that expensive means better, or that the instrument is better because of where it comes from. Do your research and go by the reputation of the maker.
Getting the wrong size instrument
Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you need an adult-sized instrument. Depending on your size and needs you can find the right size.
Purchasing an instrument that is not adjusted properly
This is kind of hard to avoid at times if you have your instrument delivered. But if it’s bought in the shop you need to have them adjust the settings for you.
Not learning how to properly care for your instrument
Much like anything, a musical instrument that’s not taken care of won’t work as you want it to. This is why proper maintenance is a must to learn.
Not learning how to prep your instrument before playing, or before putting it away
An instrument does require the proper handling and prep before you play it. There’s also a proper way to put things away as well.
Thinking you can learn an instrument on your own
Some people can do this, but they’re few and far between. Lessons from a skilled individual is the best way to learn.
Not taking enough time to learn how to use the instrument
A few minutes or more out of your day will help to pick up the needed habits it takes to play an instrument. Otherwise, you’re cheating yourself when it comes to learning that needed set of skills.
Becoming impatient with the lack of progress
You won’t become a master of the instrument overnight, no one does. Even the greats had to take the time and put in the effort needed to get noticed.
Storing the instrument in the wrong place
Some instruments are very temperamental due to the materials they’re made with. Learning how and where to store an instrument is important.
Not learning how to breathe correctly
For wind instruments, this is insanely important since otherwise, your efforts might yield nothing but frustration. With other instruments, this is still important since proper breathing can lead to the next point.
Rhythm is important
Some folks have no sense of rhythm, this is true. But you can learn, and it’s necessary to learn when playing an instrument since music does follow a pattern.
YouTube lessons are not quite the same
Some people can learn this way, but it’s not as common as you think. Those who say it’s easy are trying to get paid and want as many people to sign up as possible.
Not everyone is skilled enough to play an instrument
Unfortunately, this is true. There is a certain amount of dexterity, patience, and skill needed to really play an instrument. If you don’t have the basic skills, then you might need to find something else to do.
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