So you’ve decided to begin the study of music as an adult—but where to start? Beginning an instrument as an adult doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. In fact, the best part about it is that you get to make your own road map, based on your particular interests. Here are some tips that will get you started on the right foot and help you sustain an inspiring learning experience, regardless of the musical style or instrument you choose.
Getting started
Don’t worry just yet about what you “should” learn. For now, all you have to do is make a move toward what really inspires your curiosity. What lights your musical fire? Do you love jazz? Have you always yearned to play in a classical orchestra? Does a certain musical instrument or style excite you? Your own physical practice of an instrument is the most important thing at this stage, so get your hands on an instrument as soon as you can. Look around in your community for a music school or teacher that can get you started with that instrument and with your particular interests.
If you can afford a few private lessons, this is the best way to set a solid foundation for yourself. Private lessons—even a handful of them—will help you forge a personal relationship with your instrument, get you started with great musical habits, and clear up your initial questions. Your teacher will also have ideas for how you can expand your learning experience later.
Staying inspired
Whatever you learn—from a lesson, a class, a book—learn to habitually explore it on your own, during practice time, as you go along. Take each new idea or skill back home to your practice space, and play with it. Keep a curious mind: what have I learned? How does it feel? What can I do with it? Dig in and make some mistakes. This attitude will sustain fun and fulfilling practice sessions, and will help you grow by leaps and bounds as a player.
Opportunities to perform
Once you have made a start with your instrument, seek a community of other musicians with whom you can share your musical experience. Community orchestras or ensemble classes at local music schools and community colleges are great places to start. These organizations will generally place you with other musicians with similar skill levels and interests. Community jam sessions are common to some styles of music, such as Irish music, bluegrass, and jazz, and usually welcome new players of all skill levels. Check your local paper or community bulletin board for listings. This is a great way to meet other musicians, and it’s an incredibly fun way to learn.
Get started performing your music for others as soon and as much as you can, even if you only have a few pieces in your repertoire. Community ensembles and jam sessions sometimes offer some low-pressure opportunities to perform solo or in small groups, but you’ll want to seek out other opportunities to perform solo, as well. Senior centers, care homes, churches and community centers often welcome and appreciate amateur musicians for short performances. These are great places to practice performing, and offer you a chance to give something back to your community through music.
Group classes
Classes at local music schools and community colleges allow you to make contact with new ideas in a structured setting, once you’ve made some initial progress with an instrument. Remember, though, that no amount of classroom time will do the work of individual practice. If you choose to take a class—especially a class in which you’re not playing your instrument during class time—make sure you are always trying out what you have learned, on your own time, with your instrument. No matter what you learn, remember to have fun!
