Music is a universal language of communication with an unlimited number of words and provides a new way to express our emotions. A simple note can create an image for you; if an image is worth 1000 words, imagine what you can do with your first chord!

In this article, we will talk about the what and the why you need to start this journey.

Why Learn a Musical Instrument?

Let's take a look at the benefits of learning a musical instrument.

1. Improved Concentration and Memory

Every note, every song, requires attention to detail. Learning a new technique or song challenges the mind, calling our concentration and memory to act at their fullest.

2. Development of Emotional and Social Skills

Music is a means of expression and connection. Through it, we express emotions, collaborate with other musicians, and connect with our audience.

3. Relaxation and Stress Relief

Through playing, both physically and mentally, we find the strength to distance ourselves from the burdens of daily life, relax, and rejuvenate.

Which musical instrument should you choose?

When you listen to your favorite song, what do you think?

• What an amazing guitar solo!
• What a drum fill that was!
• Incredible groove on the bass!
• Amazing sound on the keys!
• This DJ is killing it, awesome production!

We all might be listening to the same song but notice different details. This is the main way to understand which musical instrument suits us best.

Tip: Choosing a musical instrument is important, but not irreversible. This decision should not discourage or stress us out. Even if we start with the guitar, our musical journey may lead us to the piano or any other instrument in the future.

First steps, what should I do?

Choose the right teacher.

Choosing a teacher is very important because they will also be our inspiration and guide. They are the one who will monitor our first steps, which are the most important ones, e.g. how to hold the guitar correctly. 

Tip: Don’t just choose any guitar teacher, but the teacher who inspires you as a person and can teach you Rock, Metal, or Jazz guitar, depending on what you like and would like to learn. This applies to any musical instrument we want to learn. 

Learn on your own, find the right books and materials.

In this case, it is a good idea to do some research to find books or videos that offer complete learning levels and not just individual videos.

Tip: Since in our practice we won’t have the teacher watching us, it is a good idea to have a mirror so we can see how we perform the exercises. 

A daily routine.

Consistency and regularity are the best things we can do. We set some big goals, break them down into smaller ones, and with a little practice every day, we will get the best result.

Record your progress.

It helps a lot because when we perform an exercise we are so focused that we cannot tell what needs to change. Learn below what equipment you need for recording at home.

Economic Factor & Study Space

Economic Factor:

Musical instruments have a wide range of prices and indeed it can become a very expensive hobby. This should not scare us, and it is not necessary to have the equipment that our favorite artist has from the beginning. Logically, they also started with much simpler equipment at the beginning.  

For starters, we will need: 

• Music stand
• Metronome
• Tuner
• The cheapest guitar or a pair of drumsticks with a practice pad

We can do a wide range of exercises to learn our musical instrument to the point where we see progress and move to the next level.

Study Space:

For the space, what we need to check is if we can study in our residence. This involves whether it fits in our residence and not disturbing the neighbors with the volume. 

A characteristic example is drums, but as mentioned above, there are solutions.

For those of us who are just starting, it is not necessary to get a full drum set from the beginning. We can study at home with:

• Music stand
• Metronome
• Drumsticks
• Practice Pad or Practice pad kits

For those of us who are at a more advanced level, a basement space is a good solution for our practice. However, if we do not have a basement space, there are solutions such as: 

• Practice kit with Low Volume Cymbals
• Electronic Drums

Tip: Regardless of the instrument we choose, it is good not to play during quiet hours and also to communicate with the neighbors about which hours our music would disturb them the least. This way everyone will be satisfied. For example, if they are away during the morning hours for work, we can study freely.

Don't forget!

Music is a language of expression that everyone can learn regardless of age. The level of learning you reach depends entirely on your own willingness, study, persistence, and time you dedicate. But don't let that scare you at all because, just like in all languages, in music too, the most important things are expressed with simple words.