It has been my experience as a music teacher that a student’s approach to their learning and their mindset is more important for success than anything else. I have even had students with a great intellectual grasp for music who have not progressed as fast as less naturally gifted pupils with the right mental approach to learning. So, what are these three key tips?
 |
| Piano Beginner |
Aim for quality rather than quantity. It sounds more impressive to play three guitar chords really well than ten chords inaccurately, and there are many three-chord songs. Don’t practice for too long at any one time. Little and often is the key to avoiding physical problems with your wrists or fingers, as well as fatigue and the ‘crowding out’ of other areas of your life. This approach will keep you fresh and reduce that ‘mental block’ syndrome. New information is absorbed and ‘sticks’ more easily if you are continuously building on what you practised previously. Avoid the temptation to skip over parts of the course that don’t interest you so much, as, at some point, you will need that information or new skill.
2. Set Yourself Realistic Targets
It is important to set yourself targets as you learn a musical instrument. However, in doing so, make sure that each target can be achieved without too much difficulty. Setting a lot of small targets is better than choosing a large one that is not very realistic. Remember to celebrate each new achievement - you don’t have to wait until you’re brilliant before you celebrate. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss the deadline for one of your targets or if you find it harder to reach than you previously thought. Rather, either extend that deadline or break down that target into smaller chunks. Give yourself thanks for your achievements and regard those areas not yet mastered as opportunities.
3. Relax and Enjoy Yourself
Avoid anxiety and enjoy the journey. The more you enjoy the experience of learning your chosen instrument, the quicker you will progress. During my many years as a music teacher, I have often been asked how long it takes to learn a musical instrument. There is no one answer to that question, as it depends on how far you want to go. What really matters is that you are enjoying each stage of the journey. You do not have to be an expert to be able to bring pleasure to yourself or to others through playing. Even the Beatles only knew a few basic guitar chords when they performed their first gig. Choose to adopt a mindset that makes practising and playing your instrument an enjoyable way to relax and find relief from the stresses of life.
