Best Tips for Beginners' Success

We could all use a little help when starting something new. For musicians and other artists the biggest challenge is sometimes just sitting down and getting started. Here are some tips to help beginners start off on the right foot and find the motivation to keep learning.

Tip #1: Just Play!

Play something, anything, and often! This is the time to start demanding more of your fingers. Playing an instrument will require moving your hands and fingers in ways that are unfamiliar. Play every day and you’ll quickly develop finger coordination and strength.

Of course, as musicians we also need to engage our ears. Listen closely to the sounds you’re making. Experiment with finding new sounds that you like. Enjoy just sitting and playing. Close your eyes and imagine the musician that you want to be.

Tip #2: Create Your Space

Having a dedicated practice space can do wonders. Pick a room in your house, a corner, a closet, wherever you feel most comfortable. Set up a chair and music stand. Hang up pictures of musicians or bands that inspire you. Make this your musical happy place.

Tip #3: Follow A Routine

After you’ve been playing for some time you’ll want to begin organizing your practice time and working towards a goal. Decide ahead of time what you want to improve on and how’ll you’ll tackle it. By having a consistent practice routine you’ll be able to see your progress first hand and find the motivation to keep going!

Tip #4: Perform

Play music for whoever is willing to listen! Friends, family, passers-by at the park. You’ll get lots of feedback and compliments which will help you build confidence in your own playing. Performing is the best way to show the world how much you love music.

Tip #5: Control Your Ego

Convincing ourselves to sit down and practice is the hardest part. We’re experts at talking ourselves out of doing important things. Often, the things we want to do most are the first to be pushed aside. This is because our biggest aspirations usually require lots of work and our egos hate being challenged. Don’t let your ego talk you out of doing what you love!

I hope that you’ll find these simple tips useful. I promise if you implement these ideas you’ll already be well ahead of the curve.

Happy music making!