7 tips to learn music effectively
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learn music effectively

7 tips to learn music effectively

We all have a different reason to learn to play that instrument that makes us dream. But we all look for that magical moment when the music takes shape with the movement of our hands. However, learning to play an instrument takes time and requires dedication and commitment … if not, everyone would be a musician.

To master that instrument and play like a prodigy, you must face the frustration, insecurity and indecision that threaten to thwart this goal. Some music teaching professionals share these tips that serve as the foundation for effective music learning.

  1. Start Slowly

Be patient. Trying to increase the pace of your learning beyond your current capabilities is dangerous; You can develop bad habits and even permanent injuries that impair your ability to play in the future. Going too fast also lends itself to more mistakes, which are harder to correct later. It is recommended to start slowly, do not forget that you are a beginner. Play your scales slowly and practice with simple songs until you get tired.

At this point, you must overcome frustration and be patient: “Perhaps the most important quality in a musician seeking to perfect [his skill] with an instrument is patience”. Keep in mind that this skill takes time and effort. If you come across a barrier, keep going until you manage to break it down. Choose topics proposed by your teacher, but let him know when you are ready for a new challenge.

  1. Study Music Theory

Some self-taught musicians consider the theory optional. However, music theory allows you to understand concepts on your instrument that would otherwise take the average student years to understand or master (Welsh, 2015). When we talk about music theory, we usually refer to music theory, this “refers to the reading of music, a method to help the student learn intonation while reading a score” (Perez, 2014).

In short,  learning music theory allows you to read a score, read and write music for any instrument, compose music, communicate with any musician and speak the same language, continue learning and applying new concepts to grow as a musician. As part of the theory, you will learn the “musical alphabet” that serves as the foundation and the scales that provide order and direction (“Where to start for beginners in music theory”, 2019).

  1. Have Fun While Learning Music

It’s important to work on scales, techniques, and so forth… but keep your sessions and practices fun. For more stringent exercises, use your favorite songs and work with new material to keep studying entertaining.

Also, from the beginning, you should aspire to play the music that you enjoy listening to: “Learning music that we like keeps us motivated to continue practicing” (Jun 2019). Pay attention to the music you listen to regularly: Genres, artists, composers, etc. Also identify the elements that you appreciate about that music: the melodious voice of the singer, the guitar solos, the melody coming from the piano, etc.

Keep in mind that adults tend to have their musical preferences well established, while children may need to explore before deciding (Jun 2019). Choosing the right kind of music is the first step in keeping practice sessions entertaining.

  1. Encourage Constant Practice

Attending your music class is not enough. To really progress, you need to practice – just playing the instrument is not practicing. You should practice what you have learned repeatedly in class, whether it is reviewing the scales, improving your technique, or doing exercises to maintain your skills.

Also, as part of the practice, set goals and challenges that allow you to master something new in a certain time. These goals will make you want to practice eagerly, help you maintain a productive attitude, and give you a sense of satisfaction as you see your skills progress. These goals could be to learn a scale by rote during practice or to master a topic by the weekend.

Don’t forget this crucial step: establish a scheduled practice routine; Schedule practice time, find a quiet place without distractions, and set specific and measurable goals (set a specific time to achieve them).

  1. Keep An Open Mind

In music, keeping an open mind opens up a world of possibilities for both listening and playing. We all have a preferred musical style, but exploring other genres and styles can even benefit our learning. For example, practicing Bach symphonies can train your ear to identify melodic lines and improve your finger dexterity when playing multiple melodies at once. Furthermore, this practice can make your musical tastes more elective and your music more dynamic, such as those musicians who play Bach pieces in the style of jazz or metal (Jun 2019).

You should also have an open mind when choosing an instrument. If you have a preference for a particular musical genre, you must choose the instrument indicated for that genre; some musical instruments are more appropriate for certain styles than others. Generally, if you love rock, the electric guitar is a logical choice. If you enjoy classical music, the violin or piano is appropriate. It is always possible to play around with instruments and genres, but it is advisable to adhere to learning an instrument that lends itself to your preferred genre of music.

  1. Know Your Instrument

A music student must know his instrument as well as his technique. You simply cannot produce a good sound with your instrument if you do not know its capabilities and limitations. It is not necessary that you start with a very expensive instrument if, in principle, you will obtain the same results with a cheaper one (” How to be a better musician, 10 tips for beginners and professionals “, 2017). The first step is to have a general understanding of how your instrument works and then learn the scales, chords, and arpeggios – a method of playing the tones of a chord in rapid succession rather than simultaneously.

  1. Find The Right Teacher

You may be wondering if you can learn to play the instrument on your own. Indeed, there are mobile applications and web tutorials that claim to make self-taught learning possible. Although these tools offer some benefits – primarily convenience, they cannot teach and correct technique, habits, and hand and body positioning, as a teacher would. ( Learn more about learning music self-taught online )

There is also no specific feedback or learning program based on your specific qualities. The advantage of a good music school is that it provides you with trained teachers and study programs with assessment methods; this way you learn at your own pace and taking into account your abilities and possible limitations. Unlike a freelance music teacher, a school receives many aspiring teachers and may select, train, and constantly evaluate who will be responsible for helping you make your musical dream a reality.

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