It’s not uncommon to struggle when trying to learn new skills, and learning to play musical instruments is no exception to this rule. But while it may be normal to encounter stumbling blocks in attaining the desired level of proficiency on your chosen instrument, some mistakes, if left unchecked, can turn into bad habits and keep you from achieving the results that you want. So to maintain a consistent level of efficiency and productivity throughout the learning process, here are some beginner pitfalls that you must avoid.
- Setting unrealistic expectations for yourself
It can be awe-inspiring and breathtaking to see a professional perform. And for many aspiring musicians, this captivating experience is more than enough to inspire and compel to learn music. But what you don’t know that the level of competency that the professional musician was able to reach came at the cost of days, months, or years of practice.
As such, it’s crucial not to set unrealistic expectations for yourself, regardless of what instrument you’re trying to learn. Whether you’re learning how to play banjo or the guitar, understanding the challenges and difficulties that it poses will keep you from being discouraged or disheartened, and as a result, keep you motivated to learn.
- Only learning the songs
Let’s face it, many of us would just love to learn how to play the music of our favorite songs. However, this is a mistake; doing so won’t help you gain the proficiency that you want to achieve in your chosen musical instrument. Instead, start with the basics. Whether you’re learning through online tutorials or through an instructor, practicing and refining the fundamentals will not only help you understand how to play music. You’ll be able to have a much better appreciation for it as well. While this may not sound like much, it can go a long way in helping you remain engaged.
- Spending on impulse
Learning music doesn’t just require a commitment of time and effort but money as well. And if you spend on the first thing that you see – whether it’s reading materials that you need or the services of a professional music teacher – it’s likely that you’ll put a sizable dent in the bank before you even begin. As such, it’s a general rule of thumb to carefully consider all of your options first before you decide where to spend your money on. In this way, you’re less likely to spend more than you can afford what you need without having to cut corners in the process.
No one can deny the satisfaction of learning a musical instrument. But don’t be fooled: it’s not as easy as you might think. And depending on the instrument that you choose to learn, it can take some time to reach a level of competency that you’ll be happy with. However, by avoiding the common beginner mistakes listed above, you’ll have a much better chance of being proficient on the instrument that you’re learning much quicker and more efficiently than you would have otherwise.
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