Learning an Instrument As an Adult: How to Get Started (5/26/2020)

School music programs introduce students to the world of music, but some people miss out on the opportunity to master an instrument. The reason may be due to a lack of interest at the time or the inability to afford the activity. Adults often regret losing out on this experience but do not know where to start or worry about being too old. Luckily, there is always time to begin.

Know it Matters
Adults easily talk themselves out of doing what they want because they decide it is a waste of their time or their money. Learning to play an instrument is never a waste, and it is never too late to learn a new skill. The benefits that make music so important for children are also available to adults.
Coordination, cognitive ability, and memory all improve through musical instruction. Math abilities also increase when people learn and practice reading music. People socialize more and have pride in their achievements when they learn an instrument. Music is also a great stress reliever. All of these benefits help to reduce depression and improve health.

Choose an Instrument
Most new musicians already know what instrument they want to play, but some may not know what to choose. Selecting a simple instrument can help to alleviate the frustration of starting out. Some of the easiest instruments to learn to play are the ukulele, piano or harmonica. Consider the flute or clarinet if a woodwind is desired.

Stay on Budget
New instruments are expensive, and it would seem like a wasteful expenditure if the player discovers they do not enjoy what they purchase. Two options help to prevent waste. Either purchase a used instrument or rent one for a period of time. Always purchase used instruments from a reliable source or have them professionally inspected before buying.
Musician supply and repair shops can inspect used instruments and provide the buyer with an estimate of the value of the item. They also offer instrument rentals, and many of these plans include beginner instruction books and many other services. It is possible to swap to another instrument if the first rental option is not as appealing as expected.

Get Some Lessons
Talk to a local school music director for the contact information of local instructors. Some may only offer lessons to children, but most are happy to help students of any age. There are even instructors that teach through webcams. It is an option that could be beneficial if no one is available locally. Online lessons are useful for people whose schedules are too busy for one-on-one instruction or who want to learn the basics before playing in front of anyone else. It is a good idea to choose a website with a few free tutorials and to read online reviews before investing in a program. Check out the site first to make certain the lessons provide what they promise.

Meet Other People
Find out about clubs, bands, and others in the musical community in the area. It is always helpful to network with others that share interests. Clubs are a good way to learn about music classes or other information that is useful to new musicians. At the very least, it gives people the opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to different genres of music.
Adults, even seniors, should not feel like they are alone in this endeavor. Older Americans around the country are taking music lessons and learning the skills they missed out on as children. Some are just brushing up their abilities after years of not playing a once-loved instrument.
At Musicians' Repair & Sales we meet people of all ages with a love of music. Our services are available for new and experienced musicians, and we are happy to help anyone get started. Contact us to learn more or stop by to see what we have to offer.