Teach Yourself to Play a Musical Instrument

I've heard people tell me how they wish they could learn to play an instrument. I always wondered what stopped them from giving it a go. The typical excuse can be the lack of time in their busy schedules to take a class. Well, I have good news for everyone who wants to learn an instrument. It will not be as difficult as you think it will be. First you need to purchase the instrument of choice, and the instruction books on the instruments. Depending on your age, there are books from beginner to advanced. After that there are books to help you learn how to develop a style with your instruments playing. You can also look on line for free lessons for your instrument. However, you can teach yourself by using your ears. I watched an old film the other day titled St Louis Blues with Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Mahalia Jackson, Ruby Dee, and Cab Calloway.

The film was about W.C. Handy an African American Jazz musician with a musical gift his preacher father wanted him to use for the church. Well, the significance of this story and yours is that W.C. Handy learned to play the trumpet. In the film, he was a boy who liked to hear the men at work sing. He purchased a trumpet and played the melodies that the men were singing. This technique is known as playing by ear. You can play any song you hear once you know the notes, and where to find them. Method books are good, because they will visually show you where to place your hands and fingers. To be a musician you must be able to hear what sounds right, and what sounds horrible. In music school, ear training is a part of the curriculum. Let's face the fact that music played in tune is good on the ears. So, you should begin with becoming acquainted with your instrument. Some instruments have parts that you should put together first. Next, you should look at all the buttons, holes, keys, strings, and things. Take a deep breath and go for it. Of course, you are not a virtuoso yet, so be patient with yourself. Find as many notes as you can.

Try experimenting with the sound to make it loud or soft. If you want a warm vibrato pant inside of the woodwind or brass instrument. It will sound like you are playing one note over and over. To smooth out the sound, slow down panting your breath to bring a vibrato. After you have found each note, play it in a way to connect them together. Meaning, be sensitive to how each note sounds. Take time to discover a way to make the notes you play sound smooth as if you are playing your favorite song. Play the scale of your instrument often until you get the hang of it. For your first ear training assignment listen to the music in a commercial or the chorus of your favorite song. You must memorize the notes in your head. Play around with your instrument to find the notes, and imitate the song. Suzuki is am music method of a Japanese man who teaches children as young as three to play piano and violin.

The point is to get the children used to hearing their instrument by having them listen to recordings for several weeks. Next, the children are allowed to touch the piano to play. Playing the instrument comes before reading the notes. In many cultures children learn to play music by listening, observing and imitating what they hear. I believe that this can work for any age. You can try this Suzuki method on yourself, or search for someone to teach you. Actress/Singer Alicia Keys learned piano by Suzuki method. Remember it is all in listening, and hearing the musical sounds. You know the difference between a squeak, blaring loud, smooth and clear sound. Use your senses to play your favorite instrument. It will take time, but it is worth everything once you discover that you can do it. Learn to play by ear as well as by reading notes to be well rounded in your musical experience.