Learning musical instruments
Discussion
I cannot help but think I have missed out on one of the great pleasures in life.
I adore music. Music is always a part of my life, and I like all sorts from practically every genre.
I can play a bit of guitar, but in truth I never really focused on it.
Rather than watch TV or other stuff to waste time, I fancy spending some serious time learning an instrument.
Maybe I'll work harder on the guitar. Maybe I will try something completely different like the Cello.
Any suggestions or ideas people?
Can anyone here play the Cello? The clarinet? The drums?
Whether its jazz or classical, rock or ska, I'm all ears !!
I adore music. Music is always a part of my life, and I like all sorts from practically every genre.
I can play a bit of guitar, but in truth I never really focused on it.
Rather than watch TV or other stuff to waste time, I fancy spending some serious time learning an instrument.
Maybe I'll work harder on the guitar. Maybe I will try something completely different like the Cello.
Any suggestions or ideas people?
Can anyone here play the Cello? The clarinet? The drums?
Whether its jazz or classical, rock or ska, I'm all ears !!
Music is great and a great way to chill out or express yourself.
I was clasically trained on the piano when I was younger, but since then I think I've learnt and progressed more by myself, playing what I want to play.
Pick an instrument that you feel you could explore with and not get bored. Also consider your dexterity and coordination as it could have a big impact on your progression and dishearten you.
Invest in some good lessons with someone you get along with and be prepared to put hard work in if you really want to see results.
I was clasically trained on the piano when I was younger, but since then I think I've learnt and progressed more by myself, playing what I want to play.
Pick an instrument that you feel you could explore with and not get bored. Also consider your dexterity and coordination as it could have a big impact on your progression and dishearten you.
Invest in some good lessons with someone you get along with and be prepared to put hard work in if you really want to see results.
Clarinet player here! Got to County Band level as a teenager and carried on until a few years ago. It's gathering dust in the loft at the moment!
Piano..self taught, not that good, but good enough to whack out a tune.
Learn to read music and you can teach yourself!
Or, get some lessons. I had some singing lessons a few years back and then did some backing stuff for a colleague in a studio!
Music is expressive, therapeutic and fun!
Piano..self taught, not that good, but good enough to whack out a tune.
Learn to read music and you can teach yourself!
Or, get some lessons. I had some singing lessons a few years back and then did some backing stuff for a colleague in a studio!
Music is expressive, therapeutic and fun!
I've always wanted to learn to play the Guitar. I have 2 uncles that play very well, and I am a huge fan of guitar music. Cant beat a Good Guitar Solo IMO.
My dad kept dropping hints about me learning an instrument. Never told him I wanted to play the guitar until I was about 10, when he turned round and told me that he wasn't going to pay for a guitar and lessons when my step sister has a perfectly good keyboard sitting that I can learn
Never approached the subject again.
Always wonder What if though.
My dad kept dropping hints about me learning an instrument. Never told him I wanted to play the guitar until I was about 10, when he turned round and told me that he wasn't going to pay for a guitar and lessons when my step sister has a perfectly good keyboard sitting that I can learn
Never approached the subject again.
Always wonder What if though.
I've played the piano since I was 7 when I started classical lessons. Been playing jazz since 16 with lessons from a session player from New Jersey. I've adapted the rules to my own ends and have developed my own sound.
In my opinion, whilst it may stifle creativity (man), lessons are invaluable in teaching you the fingering (Tried running with untied laces anyone?) and other skills necessary to rip it up. You have to go through the ritualistic crap of scales and other stunts to get GOOD. A good teacher will make this quick and easy. A bad teacher will put you off for life. You should go back periodically to an "expert" to tell you of any bad habits. My fingering has it's moments!
Otherwise, learn, practice, etc, etc and practice, practice. If your heart's not in it, you'll never get anywhere. I admit, I have only played many hours aday in the last few years and my playing reflects it. If you stop, it all falls to bits. I reckon a month off takes about a year off your progress.
Anyway, learn harmony (5 note if you want to play jazz) even if the instrument is monophonic. If you're improvising never play what you can't sing.
I personally don't listen to much music, I just play. If you ditch the telly and other crap, you will just find yourself practicing. My piano is in the dining room of our house, I just walk past and think "I'll just sit down and have a quick play".
Learn to play in all keys (even though it is DIFFICULT and transpose), this ties in to scales/stunts and stuff.
Anyway, that's my bent on it.
Stu
In my opinion, whilst it may stifle creativity (man), lessons are invaluable in teaching you the fingering (Tried running with untied laces anyone?) and other skills necessary to rip it up. You have to go through the ritualistic crap of scales and other stunts to get GOOD. A good teacher will make this quick and easy. A bad teacher will put you off for life. You should go back periodically to an "expert" to tell you of any bad habits. My fingering has it's moments!
Otherwise, learn, practice, etc, etc and practice, practice. If your heart's not in it, you'll never get anywhere. I admit, I have only played many hours aday in the last few years and my playing reflects it. If you stop, it all falls to bits. I reckon a month off takes about a year off your progress.
Anyway, learn harmony (5 note if you want to play jazz) even if the instrument is monophonic. If you're improvising never play what you can't sing.
I personally don't listen to much music, I just play. If you ditch the telly and other crap, you will just find yourself practicing. My piano is in the dining room of our house, I just walk past and think "I'll just sit down and have a quick play".
Learn to play in all keys (even though it is DIFFICULT and transpose), this ties in to scales/stunts and stuff.
Anyway, that's my bent on it.
Stu
I'm grade6 saxophone, about grade4 guitar, grade4ish piano and grade3 violin... haven't played the latter 2 for a few years though...
Amazed myself over Xmas by picking up the saxophone i hadn't played for months and after a bit of a warm up was playing grade6 pieces as good as i had ever played.
It's a fabulous feeling being able to do that.
Amazed myself over Xmas by picking up the saxophone i hadn't played for months and after a bit of a warm up was playing grade6 pieces as good as i had ever played.
It's a fabulous feeling being able to do that.
Used to play violin, keyboard (got grade 1 then decided to give up for 1 reason or another) and guitar, really enjoyed it but they only taught us basic notes, (and how to play behind your head)but not chords etc, the the teacher disappeared 
Kinda wish I had carried on playing at least one of them - except violin, which I only took up to p
my mum off cos she hates the sound of the things 
Actually still have my 3/4 sized guitar and keyboard in the attic somewhere
Kinda wish I had carried on playing at least one of them - except violin, which I only took up to p
my mum off cos she hates the sound of the things Actually still have my 3/4 sized guitar and keyboard in the attic somewhere
tvradict said:
I've always wanted to learn to play the Guitar. I have 2 uncles that play very well, and I am a huge fan of guitar music. Cant beat a Good Guitar Solo IMO.
My dad kept dropping hints about me learning an instrument. Never told him I wanted to play the guitar until I was about 10, when he turned round and told me that he wasn't going to pay for a guitar and lessons when my step sister has a perfectly good keyboard sitting that I can learn
Never approached the subject again.
Always wonder What if though.
God I hope I never do something like that to my kids.
Still its not too late, and I guess if you'd really wanted it then, you could have made it happen?
What you want is an inexpensive instrument, that doesn't take up a lot of space and is easy to carry about.
Get yourself a harmonica.
You can even whip it out and practise while you're in standing traffic!
£25 will get you a brand new instrument and an instruction book .
A motorist driving 12000 miles a year will spend over 200 hours at the wheel. Another few quid will by you a harmonica 'neck brace' the ideal hands free kit. Imagine all the practice you can get in without ever annoying the neighbours!
Check This site out
>> Edited by sparkythecat on Sunday 30th January 22:09
Get yourself a harmonica.
You can even whip it out and practise while you're in standing traffic!
£25 will get you a brand new instrument and an instruction book .
A motorist driving 12000 miles a year will spend over 200 hours at the wheel. Another few quid will by you a harmonica 'neck brace' the ideal hands free kit. Imagine all the practice you can get in without ever annoying the neighbours!
Check This site out
>> Edited by sparkythecat on Sunday 30th January 22:09
I play drums...have for over 13 years now, and am quite good.
But when it comes to musical instruments, the one thing you realize is, the more you learn the more you realize how little you truly know.
You can play your whole life and still be learning. It's great.
Mike
www.deadsyndicate.net
But when it comes to musical instruments, the one thing you realize is, the more you learn the more you realize how little you truly know.
You can play your whole life and still be learning. It's great.
Mike
www.deadsyndicate.net
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