So you want to learn a musical instrument, but you don’t know which one to choose. You’re not alone. Many people face this dilemma every day. There are so many options out there, and they all seem equally appealing. How do you decide which one is right for you?
Well, fear not, because I’m here to help. I’ve compiled a list of questions that you can ask yourself to narrow down your choices and find the perfect instrument for you. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to musical bliss.
Step 1: What kind of music do you like?
This is the most obvious question, but also the most important. You have to pick an instrument that suits your musical taste, otherwise you’ll get bored and frustrated.
For example, if you love rock music, you might want to learn the guitar, the bass, the drums, or the keyboard.
If you love classical music, you might want to learn the violin, the cello, the piano, or the flute.
If you love jazz music, you might want to learn the saxophone, the trumpet, the trombone, or the clarinet.
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to one genre. You can learn any instrument and play any style of music. But it helps to have a clear idea of what kind of music you want to play, so you can focus on the skills and techniques that are relevant to that genre.
Step 2: How much time and money do you have?
Learning a musical instrument is not cheap. You have to buy the instrument itself, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. You also have to buy accessories, such as strings, picks, tuners, cases, stands, etc. You might also need to pay for lessons, books, online courses, apps, etc. And you have to invest a lot of time and effort into practicing, which can take hours every day.
Some instruments are more expensive and time-consuming than others. For example, a piano is more expensive and takes up more space than a ukulele. A violin is more difficult and requires more practice than a harmonica. A drum kit is louder and more annoying to your neighbors than a recorder. You have to consider these factors and choose an instrument that fits your budget and schedule.
I'd always recommend to give an initial glance at what you can find second hand since it can dramatically reduce the entry barrier (and be better for our environment!).
Step 3: How much talent and patience do you have?
Let’s face it, some instruments are easier to learn than others. Some instruments have a steep learning curve, meaning that they are hard to master and require a lot of dedication, perseverance and patience. Some instruments have a gentle learning curve, meaning that they are easy to pick up and play and offer immediate gratification.
For example, a guitar has a steep learning curve. You have to learn how to hold it, how to tune it, how to strum it, how to fret it, how to read tabs, how to play chords, how to play scales, how to play songs, etc. It can take months or even years before you can play something that sounds decent.
A kazoo however has a more gentler learning curve. You just have to blow into it and make funny noises. You can play it right away and have fun.
You have to be honest with yourself and assess your level of talent and patience. If you have a lot of talent and patience, you can learn any instrument you want. If you have little talent and patience, you might want to start with something simple and easy.
Step 4: How much fun do you want to have?
This is the most subjective question, but also the most important. You have to pick an instrument that YOU enjoy playing, otherwise you’ll lose interest and motivation. You have to pick an instrument that makes you happy, that expresses your personality, that challenges you, that inspires you, that connects you with others.
For example, you might want to learn the ukulele, the harmonica, the accordion, or the kazoo because these are instruments that are cheerful, quirky, playful, and humorous. They can make you smile and laugh and brighten your day. If you want to be serious, then maybe you might want to learn the violin, the cello, the piano, or the flute. These are instruments that are elegant, sophisticated, graceful, and refined. They can make you cry and sigh and touch your soul.
Of course, you can have fun and be serious with any instrument. You can play any instrument with any emotion and mood. But it helps to have a clear idea of what kind of fun you want to have, so you can pick an instrument that matches your vibe.
Conclusion
There you have it, four simple steps to help you pick which music instrument to start playing. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. The best instrument for you is the one that you love, the one that suits your style, the one that fits your life, the one that makes you happy. So go ahead and try different instruments, experiment with different sounds, explore different genres, and discover your musical passion.
And don’t forget to buy some cool music t-shirts to show off your musical flair. Whether you play the guitar, the drums, the piano, or the kazoo, you can find the perfect music t-shirt for you here at Rhapsadi! We have a wide range of designs, colors, sizes, and styles to suit your taste. You can also find some amazing dance t-shirts if you want to bust some moves while playing your instrument.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick your instrument, buy your t-shirts, and start playing and dancing your way to musical bliss!