Music
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Do not judge your potential at a new skill after one month; commit to longer practice periods.
One month is not enough time to know if you will be good at it.
one person who lived it
Start learning an instrument today.
The second best time to start is now.
one person who lived it
Avoid the Suzuki method for piano if sight-reading is a goal.
It may result in high technical grades without the ability to read music.
one person who lived it
Find supportive friends and role models to replace negative parental influence.
They can help fill the void left by unsupportive parents.
one person who lived it
Avoid alto clarinets for beginners unless necessary, as there are few parts written for them and virtually no solos.
There is not a ton of music written for the instrument.
- Especially if you are not a great musician.
one person who lived it
Lock away physical media players and discs in a cabinet to prevent guests from changing the music at parties.
It worked for one person because guests were always taking their CDs.
one person who lived it
Pick an easy song you love and accept that it will be difficult for the first several hours of learning.
Playing even a small section fluidly can provide motivation to continue.
one person who lived it
Be aware that family members teaching a child can make it harder to correct bad habits and posture later because the child views them as a hero.
It is harder to convince the child that their technique might be wrong if taught by their biggest hero.
one person who lived it
Use plastic strings on instruments for young children to prevent finger cuts.
They do not slice little fingers like standard strings might.
one person who lived it
25 more on this
Use egg shakers for toddlers because they fit small hands and are easy to use.
Toddlers get excited to shake them.
one person who lived it
Consider taking lessons bi-weekly or monthly if you practice enough, though be aware that some find this leads to quitting within a year.
Some progress faster because they aren't inundated with information every week.
- One person reported that going bi-weekly guarantees quitting within a year.
one person who lived it
Bring specific songs you want to learn to your music teacher so they can demonstrate technique and correct errors.
This makes home practice more productive by addressing what you are doing wrong.
one person who lived it
Try playing cheap woodwind instruments like the flute or recorder.
They can be pretty fun and very easy to learn.
one person who lived it
Intersperse new songs with known songs (known-new-known pattern) to better appreciate the new music.
Listening to new songs continuously can sound jumbled; familiar songs snap you back and help you pay more attention.
one person who lived it
Ignore disapproval from family regarding your hobbies.
Your own reasons for wanting to do something are enough, and you do not need validation from others.
one person who lived it
Learn songs from start to finish rather than memorizing only fragments.
Knowing small parts of many songs prevents building a usable setlist.
one person who lived it
Listen to Pink Floyd albums in their intended order rather than shuffling them.
Their music was designed to tell a story when heard sequentially.
one person who lived it
If you struggle with retention, play a passage a few times then put the instrument down for hours or overnight, as constant repetition is not always helpful.
Sometimes repetition isn't all that helpful.
one person who lived it
Beat box randomly with friends using household objects for fun.
It provides enjoyment even if you are not skilled at it.
one person who lived it
Use YouTube lessons primarily for disciplined students who are self-motivated to learn.
Less disciplined students may quickly drift to trending influencers instead of learning.
one person who lived it
Consult a music instructor when shopping for an instrument to ensure appropriate quality and fit.
Having their teacher help you shop can lead to better deals on good quality instruments compared to buying whatever comes up.
one person who lived it
Create monthly playlists for new music to help with nostalgic listening later.
It allows you to easily find music from specific past periods if you are feeling nostalgic.
2 people, independently
Focus on picking up the instrument and playing over watching tutorials or reading guides.
Passive consumption is less effective than active practice.
one person who lived it
Use a high-quality sounding instrument to motivate practice and endure physical discomfort.
Great sound makes practice fun enough to suffer annoying finger pain.
one person who lived it
Smooth the rough edges of homemade plastic picks using a rock tumbler.
Rock tumblers are used in manufacturing to smooth sharp edges on plastic components.
one person who lived it
Use a rolled-up A4 paper as a makeshift capo for acoustic guitars to accommodate the curved neck better than a flat object.
It has more flexibility.
one person who lived it
Listen to cello music while reading or play vinyl records to enjoy the album art.
Listening to cello music feels luxurious; admiring album art is enjoyable.
one person who lived it
Consider buying a Squier Stratocaster for beginners.
They are great options, even used by professional musicians like Genesis' guitarist.
2 people, independently
Expect that confidence in musical skills may take several years to develop.
- One person did not feel confident until three years into eleven years of playing.
one person who lived it
Use DADGAD tuning on guitars so scales are easily translatable to standard tuning for jamming with others.
It allows for easier transition when family members switch to standard tuning.
one person who lived it
If moving a large piano is impractical or costly, use a portable electronic keyboard instead.
Portable electronic keyboards often cost less than the expense of moving a large instrument.
one person who lived it
Understand that while piano may help transition to other instruments, it is not superior for all goals like orchestral participation or scholarships.
Other instruments fit into bands more easily and offer better scholarship opportunities.
one person who lived it
Play an instrument solely for personal growth and happiness, not to impress others or make friends.
one person who lived it
Read standard musical notation while using tablature as a reference when necessary.
One person found this approach helpful for technical understanding.
one person who lived it