Music Instruments
A whole lot of people dream about being a rock star – recording a hit album, being on stage – all that fame and fortune and glamour. The dream will necessarily involve the playing of music in some form or another. This generally means that the dreamer is going to have to know how to play an instrument, and most of us are not born with that ability. Therefore, here are a few things to keep in mind if you intend to “make your own kind of music”.
First you will need to decide what sounds appeal to you and which instruments make them. If you love listening to concert pianists, perhaps piano lessons will be your choice of further education. If the sound of guitar or banjo enchants you, probably your best choice of instrument to learn will be one or both of those. Does your sprit thrill to the sound of a harp, or march to the beat of the drums? The music you love will most likely be the easiest for you to learn how to make.
Another factor to take into account is cost, both in dollars and in time invested. A guitar is quite a bit cheaper to obtain and maintain than a piano. A trumpet is even less expensive, and no harder to carry around than a fiddle. You will need to do some research on price, and on the cost and amount of time involved in taking the lessons you will need to become proficient.
You may be fortunate enough to have a live, hands-on music teacher to show you the notes and how to produce them, but more likely you will go to the computer or CD’s to get your instructions. Whatever the source of your training, you will need to listen closely, and you will need to practice. The old adage about “practice makes perfect” is still good enough. Though most of us will not achieve perfection, it is certain that the more you practice the closer you’re likely to get.
As a sort of corollary to the above, you should be aware of any physical limitations that might inhibit your ability to master a particular instrument. If you were born with short, stubby fingers, you’ll have a harder time with the piano. If you are perhaps asthmatic or
have other breathing difficulty, try a banjo rather than a bassoon.
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Music – if you love it and want to make it, you’ll almost certainly have to know the notes and be able to play them. The kind of instrument you choose to learn should be the one you enjoy hearing the most, but make sure it is feasible in your particular circumstances.