5 Tips for Beginner Musicians

Submitted by ArtistWorks on Fri, 03/22/2019 - 1:25pm

So you’re interested in picking up an instrument for the very first time, but where to begin?

We’re sharing some of our insights that will help you prepare for success, like setting the stage, the importance of fundamentals and technique building and the elusive “X-factor” that will give you the right tools to help you get started. In part 1 of our “Becoming a Musician” video series, we delve into basic concepts and tips that will help you get started on the right foot and set the stage for musical success. Lets begin!

Set Aside Time to Help Set Expectations

If you’ve decided to learn to play an instrument, you will want to invest in the essential stepping stones to help you seamlessly achieve your goals. One of the most important elements in the beginning stages of your journey is to evaluate your schedule and set aside time and space in your life for your playing. This element comes in part by being honest with yourself, which will allow you to set realistic expectations going forward. Examine your personal life, professional life, commitments, and obligations as a whole, so that you can begin to prioritize your time. The objective is to set reasonable goals that fit around your schedule.

Set Aside Space to Help Set Your Environment

Space is such an important cornerstone to the beginning stages of your musical career, but is oftentimes overlooked or ignored. Establishing a space in which you can play music is imperative to musical growth. Find a place in your home, whether you transform your garage into a studio or utilize a small corner in your living room, having a place to create and learn will get your journey started off successfully.

No Space? No Problem!

For those who live in small apartments or in a busy home, there are alternative options for you to create space to play. Another philosophy that parallels that of creating space is the simple act of having your instrument out, in a safe but accessible place so it’s readily available to pick up at any time. Be sure that the instrument itself is in a protected space, away from small children, pets, or high foot traffic, but place it in view to ignite inspiration to pick it up and jam. There are some players out there who find the immediate accessibility of an instrument, out in the open, is more in line with their lifestyle. Whether your guitar is resting on a stand or just laying in its case, some people find themselves picking up their instrument ore and playing more often when it is in plain sight.

Adjust Your Instrument

So you set aside time and found space in your life and home to play, now what? The next element to getting started is to inspect and adjust your instrument for ease of play. You can’t play well on an instrument in poor condition, so don’t be afraid to ask what needs to be done to make the instrument easier for you as a beginner. There is no greater impedance to progress, developing proper technique, and the enjoyment of playing than an instrument that has not been set up and adjusted properly to suit the players needs.

Make Practice Musical

It really is as simple as it sounds! Practicing will be fun and enjoyable if you plan ahead a bit and you make even the most basic skills musical. Even if you’re just messing around on your instrument, scales or arpeggios can be played musically to evoke a sense of light heartedness into the learning process. Even as a beginner, playing simple songs and putting musicality into your practice routine will optimize your playing. Be sure to listen to recordings of accomplished musicians so you can hear how they phrase even the simplest of lines.

Another consideration when structuring your practice routine is to establish the key practice points that you’d like to cover prior to picking up your instrument. It was jazz improv guitarist, Chuck Loeb, who emphasized the importance of formatting a system prior to practicing. Knowing the key elements that he had to touch on within his practice time helped establish a rhythm which made the process more enjoyable, no matter how much time he had to play. Chuck also referred to his practice routine as being, “zen like,” which was due to practicing the same key elements every time. It is highly important to your musical success to make practicing comfortable, both physically and mentally, to help optimize the learning curve.

Final Thoughts

Using these key elements to set the stage for your playing will ensure meaningful progress and overall musical success, no matter how long you’ve been playing. It is most helpful if you candidly evaluate your schedule and set aside time for your playing, set realistic expectations, establish a space for learning, adjust your instrument for ease of play, and make practice musical and enjoyable! Putting these philosophies into action will ensure a strong beginning foundation to take those first steps of becoming the player you’ve always wanted to be.

Looking for further beginner guidance? Look no more! Get access to “Becoming a Musician” video series by clicking HERE and see if we can help you become a well rounded player! Ready to jump right in to some ArtistWorks lessons? Dive into some FREE SAMPLE LESSONS and see if we can help you get started on the right foot.