10 Ideas: Learning To Play Music

1. Buy an Instrument: You need to pick something you think you’ll like. Just do it. Get anything you like, don’t fret it, pick the accordion if that is up your alley or guitar or drums. Just pick something since they will all be equally hard starting from stretch. Might as well pick one you like.
2. Get Lessons: It is hard to start from zero and to figure out what to do. Go for the quick hit of success you will get from playing your first song (badly maybe but still you will be playing) and hire an instructor to teach you the basics so you know that it is possible.
3. Listen to Music of that Instrument: You need to know what the instrument can do solo. Find soloists, you tubers, etc and listen to them playing. Learn what the instrument can sound like solo so you know what to expect. You won’t be playing with a band for a long time, so figure out what you will sound liken solo.
4. Get a Jam Partner: Like many things, being held accountable by someone else is a great way to stay focused. With a jam/practice partner you will have more motivation to practice your songs each week so you both can progress together. You can also learn from each other, especially if you have different instructors.
5. Learn to Read Music: Be it guitar tab or true music notation. Being able to read music will be helpful to learning as you progres.
6. Learn to Keep Time: Get a metronome and practice with it. Practice with it often. Also, get a drum track with a steady rhythm and play with that to get used to playing in time.
7. Read About Music: How do other musicians play? What were their influences? Then go read about and listen to the artists that influenced the artists you enjoy and want to emulate.
8. Start A Band: Get some friends and start a band. Each pick an instrument, better if you all start from scratch, and just start learning songs. You’ll suck but who cares, you’ll also have a ton of fun.
9. Perform a Set: Practice 2-3 songs. Then perform them for friends or family. You might not be great but you are learning and this is a great way to keep you focused on learning some songs by heart.
10. Learn Another Instrument: Playing acoustic guitar? Try a banjo. Learn Harmonic. Learn drums. Or go crazy and learn something you think is impossible. Remember, whatever you started on was impossible before you started it. Just learn something else to help you expand your skill and learn more about how much works.

Most of all, enjoy it. Music is a joy to listen to and to play.

Have fun.