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HOW TO CHOOSE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TO PLAY Many people would like to learn to play a musical instrument, but usually would not know where to start. Well, before one can learn a new musical instrument, they must, know how to pick the instrument. The good news is that in a lot of ways, it's simpler to pick an instrument as an adult -- you know your tastes by now, and you have access to a much wider range of instruments, teachers, and options. It's not very easy for the young ones. This article will therefore address adults. Here are some questions to ask yourself before picking an instrument What kind of music do you like? This seems like an obvious point but thinks it through: if you really prefer listening to Jaa for example, a saxophone might not be the best instrument for you to learn. A musical instrument is a big investment of time and money, so make sure the style of music that you'd be playing fits the bill. Some instruments are more versatile than others -- once you get the basics of one, then you can play many more in that family of instruments. In what sort of situations do you see yourself playing? Does playing in a jam session good enough for you? Perhaps the guitar would be a good choice. If you're less social, the piano always sounds good solo and makes a gorgeous piece of furniture even when it's not being played. What are the limitations of your budget? Most instruments can be purchased in various price ranges, but some are more drastically cheap or expensive than others. It is important to choose an instrument that is within your budget. It is not always to buy a very expensive instrument only not to be able to play it and then having to sell it. What sort of practice space do you have? Living in a shared space is also a factor to consider when choosing an instrument to learn. Brass instruments will not be a good idea if your share your space. If you live on a farm in the middle of nowhere, you can pick any instrument of choice as practicing would not be a nuisance to anyone. How easy will it be to find a teacher? You shouldn't have too hard of a time finding a guitar or drums instructor within a few kilometers of any small town or village anywhere you live. If you want to play the harp, your options will be slightly more limited. That doesn't mean it's impossible to learn a rare instrument, just be ready to look harder and spend more to find a teacher, and bear in mind that you may have to travel quite some distance for one-onone lessons. Some instrument teachers will teach remotely, via Skype or another application, but that lesson style may or may not work for you.
Youthful4God | Issue 18| Pg 22
