Music is something most of us can’t live without. Yet for many of us, we can go our whole lives without learning how to play it ourselves. Let’s go over some reasons why you should learn music, no matter how old you are, and some free tips on becoming the best musician you can be.
Why You Should Start
Here are just some personal benefits of picking up that instrument you’ve always wanted to play or learning to be the best singer you can be. You are your only limit.
1. Good for Brain Health
Learning music aids in memory retention, multitasking, making connections, and other mental activities even older people could benefit from more.
2. Plenty of Social Interaction
Music brings people together, regardless of age, culture, or background. It makes people more open-minded and welcoming. Plus, it gives you more in common.
3. Deeper Appreciation of Music
Having more technical knowledge of music gives you greater insight into music production. It also allows you to appreciate the time, effort, and even innovation in music.
Some Barriers to Entry
Adulthood makes learning music more complicated than it was when we were kids. Here are a few key factors that keep people from pursuing their love of music.
1. Different Priorities
Adults just getting into music can never find enough time for their hobbies. Their jobs, children, and other commitments often get in the way of their love of music.
2. Physical Limitations
Depending on how old you are, physical factors such as arthritis in the fingers, memory loss, and weak lungs keep people from learning music as they should.
3. Weight of Expectations
You’re an adult. You’ve lived through so much and know many things. So why can’t you get your instrument right? This expectation people place on themselves to excel right away is often the most significant reason they avoid learning music altogether.
10 Tips for Adult Music Learning:
It’s never too late to pick up music as a hobby. By following these steps and combining passion with discipline, you’ll be a capable musician in no time.
1. Choose Music and Instruments You’re Passionate About
The great advantage of being an adult learning music is that you have enough exposure to different genres and instruments to know which ones you enjoy. Whether you want to play drums for a band or orchestral tuba, choosing your instrument will ensure long-term satisfaction and a desire to continue playing.
2. Set Goals and a Flexible Schedule
As with any progressive activity, the best way to accomplish them is to set attainable goals that you can accomplish incrementally. Set aside time throughout the week (an hour thrice a week, 20 minutes a day, etc.) specifically for studying and learning. Keep to it. That being said, don’t be afraid to be flexible. You can squeeze in a session during your free time or move your regular session to another time of day.
3. Practice Consistently
Rome was not built in a day, and neither is your musical ability. Practicing constantly and consistently is the one real way to ensure your plans succeed. Keep on them when you have your schedule and set your weekly and monthly music goals. Build on each session’s progress. Review your notes.
4. Record Yourself Along the Way
The best way to get instant feedback is to record audio or video footage of your performances. You can show them to a friend or study them for yourself. It’s best to invest in a studio microphone to pick up all your sounds. Shure is an excellent brand for microphones, and you can be Shure they’re good quality.
5. Maintain Self Discipline
The biggest obstacle to learning music at a later age is you. You may think that you don’t have time for music, but the key is to be disciplined with your time. Your time is yours. You have to make the most out of it. Focus during your sessions. Stay consistent. Chronicle the steps you’re taking to achieve your goals.
6. Study Music Theory
Being an adult with higher learning allows you to learn about the more technical aspects of music. This grasp will allow you to be a more well-rounded performer. This knowledge of timing, rhythm, pitch, and tone will allow you to work with professional musicians and maybe even open doors for you in teaching.
7. Take Breaks in Between
As much as we would like to blitz through learning about music, staying consistent and disciplined is learning to take breaks and pace yourself. This helps you digest, process, and understand what you learned and will help you to avoid burnout and fatigue.
8. Jam with More Experienced Friends
One thing about music being a social experience is that many musicians are just chomping at the bit to share their passion with others. Don’t be afraid to perform with friends who live for music and not just love it because they will help you grow and learn and hone your craft.
9. Perform in Front of Others
A goal on your list of achievements should be to perform before others, even if it’s just family or friends. Talents and skills are meant to be shared, so share them. If you can perform a song you love in front of people who will appreciate it, that’s a significant boost of morale and will give you the energy to pursue your passion.
10. Enjoy the Journey
The most important thing to remember when learning a new skill is to enjoy it. So don’t be afraid to have fun with your music. Pour your heart into your music, and one day, you’ll be able to play in ways you never dreamed of being able to do. All in all, every adult can benefit from learning music, no matter how old you are.
Follow your passion and combine it with discipline and consistency. You can find your voice, instrument, hobby, and maybe your new calling.