There is absolutely no doubt that learning to play a musical instrument is probably one of the most rewarding things that you can do in this life. It allows you to express yourself in so many ways and it gives you the confidence that you need to get on with life and grab everything by the horns. It takes a certain amount of discipline to learn to play a musical instrument and the only difficulty getting started is finding one that fits your individual personality, your lifestyle and of course, your interests.
If it is your wish to learn to play the guitar, play the saxophone or to take some beginner drum lessons then there are a number of factors that you need to consider so that you can find the right instrument for you from the very beginning. Here is a short list of some of the top things that you might want to consider when deciding on the instrument that you want to learn to play here in the USA.
Figure out your musical interests
Think about when you last listened to the radio and what kind of music it was that got you moving and put a smile on your face. It might be the case that you love classical music or maybe you like some hard rock. It’s important to try to narrow down your particular interests because this will help you to choose the instrument that is best for you. Certain instruments are suited to particular styles of music and so make sure that you choose wisely. Don’t forget that your tastes change over time and so if you are a young teenager trying to choose a new instrument, remember that you will be an adult someday and maybe the instrument that you choose today might not be the one that you want to play when you are older.
Ascertain your physical abilities
Many people overlook this aspect when choosing an instrument to learn to play and just to give you an idea of how your physicality can dictate your choice of instrument, think about people who would like to play the piano and then find that their hands are too small to reach the keys. This is the case also with other instruments like playing acoustic or electric guitars. Think about your cardiovascular health and if you find yourself out of breath due to allergies or maybe even asthma then opting for an instrument that you have to blow into might not be an option.
Think about the time that you have
It takes a certain time commitment to learn how to play any particular instrument and some are easier than others. It’s going to take some real effort on your part to get good at your craft and some particular instruments don’t require as much practice as others do. If you are the kind of person who has lots of time on our hands then maybe look into an instrument that is a little bit more challenging to learn to play. If you have less time to spend learning to play a particular instrument then choosing something a little simpler might be the wiser choice here.
How much money will you spend
Many different instruments cost a different amount of money and if you want to play the mouth organ for example, then this is something that is very affordable. If you want to play the drums for example then you need to look at the price of doing so and the cost of having every piece of equipment that you need to sound good. There are different qualities of instruments as well and so this can make a big difference to the sound that you can get from them. Clearly, the more money that you spend then the better quality instrument that you will get. Certain instruments also need additional accessories such as having to buy new strings for your guitar or maybe a new reed for wood instruments. Make sure that you do your due diligence first and set yourself a budget and try to stick to it.
Do you have somewhere to practice
This has a big influence on your choice of musical instrument because if you are a detached property that is out in the middle of the countryside all by itself then putting in the time to learn to play drums is something that you can do quite easily. You have no worries about annoying your neighbours due to the noise that you’re going to make. If you live in a built-up area however, then you need to take your neighbour’s feelings into consideration because you don’t want them calling out the police because you have your speaker too loud for your electric guitar.
Have you talked to friends & family
You probably don’t know it right now but there may be someone in your extended family that already plays a musical instrument and so it would be worth getting to spend time with them to figure out what instrument that they chose and why they made that particular choice. They can give you lots of information that you can’t find elsewhere and they might bring up some issues that you haven’t even thought about yet. It’s also a good idea to get yourself online because there are various websites where people play different kinds of instruments and they talk about the issues and problems that they have had.
Play alone or in a band
If you’re thinking of starting to play an instrument as a long-term thing and you want to play in a band someday then this might dictate your choice of musical instrument. Most bands consist of a drummer, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, keyboards and maybe some saxophone. Choosing to play one of these instruments provides you with a higher probability of being able to play in your own band and to be successful in the future playing large venues and making lots of money.
As you can appreciate, there are so many different things that you need to think about before you finally decide on what instrument that you want to play. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the amount of money that you have to spend and the amount of time that you want to dedicate to learning to play a new instrument. The good news is that it will be a lot of fun going around the local music stores trying to figure out which one is best for you and it can only happen by trial and error. Eventually, you will come across an instrument that seems to be perfect for you from the very beginning and that can be the start of a beautiful relationship. Take your time and choose wisely from this point onwards.
FAQs:
- What is the best instrument for a beginner to learn?
The best instrument for a beginner depends on their musical interests, physical abilities, and available time. Popular choices include the guitar, piano, and ukulele for their accessibility and versatility. - How much time does it take to learn an instrument?
The time required varies by instrument and dedication. Simple instruments like the ukulele can take a few months to learn, while more complex ones like the violin may take years to master. - How do I choose an instrument that suits my personality?
Think about the kind of music you enjoy and how you want to express yourself. For example, if you love energetic performances, drums or electric guitar might suit you; for a more soothing vibe, consider the piano or flute. - What should I consider when buying my first instrument?
Consider your budget, the quality of the instrument, additional accessories required, and whether you have a suitable space for practice. - Can I learn an instrument without a teacher?
Yes, you can learn an instrument through online tutorials, books, and practice. However, having a teacher can accelerate your progress and help you avoid bad habits.
