New Year, New Instrument?

Learning to play a musical instrument is not only lots of fun but also, as we'll see, massively beneficial for your health and well being. Anyone can benefit from learning to play music, no matter their age and 2020 might just be the year to finally do it!

Yet, so many people are put off learning an instrument.

In this article, we start off with the three most common myths (or barriers) to learning an instrument, then suggest some instruments for you to try. 

Let's bust those myths and start the new year off on the right footing! 

Myth #1: I am too old to learn

I can't tell you the number of times I've come across people who say "I'd love to learn to play a musical instrument, but I'm too old now. "You have to be young to learn an instrument, don't you?"

Well actually, no you don’t. Science even backs it up...

Neuroscientist Norman Weinberger at the University of California did some groundbreaking research on the auditory system and the brain. "A lot of people believe the brain isn't very plastic after puberty. In fact, the brain maintains its ability to change," he says.

"Is it as easy to learn something when you're 65 as it is at 5? No. But can it be done? Yes."

It’s proven that music has all sorts of positive health benefits too, from helping you sleep better to improving diet.

Myth 2: It will take me years to get to a good level

Let’s manage some expectations. 

It's unlikely you're going to become the next Elton John if you've not even touched a piano until you're 58, but this isn’t about ‘being good enough in other people’s eyes’ it’s about learning something new for your own pleasure. With a bit of focused effort, you will be surprised just what you can achieve.

Remember, when you’re just starting out you’ll make huge gains very quickly. With a bit of perseverance, you'll be playing the melody to ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ quicker than you think, and you’ll find it incredibly uplifting.

There are so many ways free resources on the internet for learning an instrument these days, that the world really is your oyster! 

Myth 3: I don't have the time 

We're all given the same 24 hours a day. How we choose to use them is entirely up to us.

Look at your daily routine and figure out which activities could be reduced in the time they take or dropped altogether, freeing up time to learn your instrument. 

TV is one of the biggest time thieves of all! By reducing the amount of TV you watch and dedicating even 30 minutes per day to music it can bring you on in leaps and bounds. Time to finally give up on Coronation Street?!

Which instrument should you learn?

Great, you've made it this far. That means you're still considering learning an instrument.

• First of all, it's important to try as many instruments before you jump in. Go to your local music store and try a few out, or if a friend has an instrument you're keen to try, have a try on theirs.
• Secondly, what kind of music do you listen to? Pick an instrument that you LOVE the sound of,  it's going to be so much easier learning it. 

There are literally thousands of instruments to choose from, far too many to mention here, but here are some of the most popular.

Guitar

The guitar is the most popular modern instrument and one of the easiest instruments to learn. Used in most forms of popular music, including rock, jazz, and country, it’s tremendously popular around the world. It also serves as a great gateway to other stringed instruments. Other stringed instruments to consider:

• Mandolin
• Banjo
• Ukelele

Piano

The Piano is commonly found in jazz, classical, popular and traditional music. Upright pianos are heavy, large and often expensive instruments, but many digital pianos can be found at a fraction of the price (and weight)!. Other related instruments to consider:

• Synthesizer
• Organ
• Accordion

Drums

If growing old disgracefully is your thing, then nothing says ‘rebel’ like a drum kit. The bedrock of most popular bands, the drums create the rhythm for the rest of the band to play along to. You’ll need a good sense of time and rhythm to get anywhere with this instrument, and a soundproof place (or tolerant neighbours) to play them, but it will be worth it.  Other percussion instruments to consider are:

• Bongos
• Congas
• Timpani

Orchestral Instruments

Stringed Instruments

If classical music is more your thing, a stringed orchestral instrument may be one for you. These instruments are often utilized in other forms of music too, such as folk music, so they are more versatile than you may think. Some instruments to consider are:

• Violin
• Viola
• Double Bass / Upright Bass
• Cello

Brass instruments

Brass instruments are often overlooked as a first instrument but don't be deceived, they are wonderful things to learn how to play. You mostly see them played in Jazz, concert bands, marching bands and many other types of music. They work by vibrating your lips inside a metal mouthpiece, so you’ll need a lot of puff. Brass instruments include:

• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Tuba

Woodwind instruments

Woodwind instruments are made of woods, metals, and reeds and played with blowing into them, which vibrates the reeds as you blow over them. Most notable for popular music the saxophone is a woodwind instrument. Other woodwind instruments include:

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Oboe

Summary

Thanks for reading this and I hope you're inspired to give an instrument a try. Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the best 'life decisions' you can make, and it’s never too late. 

Best of luck!

This article was contributed by Zing Instruments