Okay, let's do that.
It always boggles me when I hear people talk about learning music as some intangible, unknown thing that only certain "special" people can learn. I become more annoyed when I hear this false idea being perpetuated by misinformed music teachers and well meaning (but wrong) parents or friends.
I'm here to tell you that yes, you can learn music.
Will it be hard? Sure. Most things are hard, but that doesn't mean it is impossible. People have been learning music for centuries; in fact, it's an innate ability for every human being to have at least some rhythmic or harmonic music ability – and if you don't know what those words mean yet don't worry, you will.
Most music teachers, when they find out that a student would like to learn music, start off with note names or a basic song, but I've noticed that those are very easily forgotten within a few weeks. Instead, I feel a little exploration into how one learns, addressing some common roadblocks to learning and some realistic goal setting is a great foundation to then start adding the musical information on.
Everyone learns a little differently, and regardless if you are learning by yourself or with a teacher or group, knowing how to digest information so that it stays with you goes a long way to actually retaining what you learn. Basically, the three types of learning are visual, audio and kinesthetic. For visual learners, seeing something done or looking at a map or chart helps immensely. Audio learners learn best when they hear something or something is repeated and kinesthetic learners need to be "in it" and messing around with it physically to learn. In reality, most people are a combination of the three, so knowing what your strongest learning style will help in processing information in a new and better way. For those of you who are interested, there are many tests on the web to help you find out.
When it comes to music almost no one is a blank slate. Unfortunately, we often have preconceived notions about what is "good" and "bad" and if you have "it" or not when it comes to musical ability. I hope you can hear me loud and clear shouting through this monitor but that is complete lie. Anyone can learn music. What I've found in common with road blocks in education is that it usually is caused not by someone's ability but by someone's psychological monologue. "I can't do this." "My last piano teacher was right, I'm not good." "I need to be perfect because (fill in the blank)..." "I'm worthless." "I don't deserve this." I've heard all of those things, and none of them are true. If you want to succeed in learning music (regardless of your goals) you must begin the process of "hunting down" why you feel a certain way. For example:
Are you nervous? Yes? Why? I don't know. No, you know why. Well, I don't want to mess up. Why don't you want to mess up? I want to be good. Why do you want to be good? And so on and so on until you hit upon the root of the problem and realize, it's perfectly okay to be who I am. I am enough. I am doing this for my growth, no one else's.
Most people “want to be good”, but all that does is put pressure on you and causes you, ironically, to not be good. Once you truly begin to get free of this desire, you will be amazed how much your nerves will disappear and the real you can come out in your art.
I understand that this is a long process and it takes a lifetime to truly master (if one can truly master it at all) but it is worth it to begin thinking about things like this before we start to add musical bricks to your foundation.
Finally, I'd like to talk a little about realistic goal setting. Now, most people who study music will not become rock gods are epic classical pianists. Some do, and if that's your dream then go for it with all you got. But most people, I've learned, would like to play a song or two or know the basic underpinnings of music so that they can create their own songs. And that's totally cool, too.
Also, most people can get frustrated with their "lack of progress." I understand where that comes from: You spend so much time learning and practicing and then you go to play it and you feel that "nothing's there." It is important to remember that everyone is different and never to compare yourself to someone else. That person may have studied this piece before, or just had experiences in his/her life that helped in learning that you have not yet had. Remember, this is for you. If you practice and truly work, you will grow. And no matter what, you are enough.
Speaking of practice, I know it's been said before a billion times but it's true: If you practice a little each day (20 - 30 minutes) you will be amazed at the amount of growth you will have. I'd much rather prefer someone practice 20-30 minutes a day or every other day than someone cramming a 2 hour practice once every week. Your muscles and brain need time to make those connections and a monster practice once a week ain't gonna do it.
Music should be fun. In fact, music is fun. And that's what this blog is all about. So even if you're a world class violinist or a complete beginner, let's rock out.
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