“Music is not just my passion, It is my companion.”
~Ronnie Milsap
It may seem like a difficult task to start a musical instrument from scratch, or pick up one that you haven’t touched in years. Yet, we hear so many stories from adults wishing they had stayed with their music lessons.
Is it too late to pick up a musical instrument when you’re on the other side of 30?
My experience is no. I went back to piano lessons at 48, over 13 years ago. My joy and love for music have grown, and I have added three additional instruments to my skill level.
How did I do it? Here are five tips to make those first few months of lessons doable.
1. Address your Fears
For me, taking up a musical instrument was about bringing more joy and satisfaction into my life. Taking lessons after all those years seemed terrifying initially, but I felt more equipped to practice as an adult. And it was such a lovely feeling knowing that I was playing for the sole joy of creating music.
2. Give yourself a Goal
I had always wanted to play “Claire de Lune” by Debussy. Every time I heard that song, I would think, “Wow. That is so beautiful; I wonder if I could play it?”
Giving yourself something to work for is a great way to give meaning to your practice.
It took me a while to finally play Claire de Lune, but it kept me going. I had such a sense of pride when I completed it. Giving yourself something to aim towards will provide you with a confidence boost - and it is worth it!
3. Put your practice time on your schedule
Putting your practice time on your schedule may sound simple, but you will see it every day and know that you can fit it into your schedule. So schedule it, and you will find the time.
My piano teacher told me from day one, “Don’t walk by your piano without playing it!” ‘Little and often’ may seem cliché, but it works when it comes to practice. And, if you’re not getting it, persevere. Come back another day, and you’ll find you’ve cracked it.
4. Remember why you are taking lessons
And remember, playing music is primarily about making you happy and bringing you joy. This time, you are playing the instrument for yourself and your personal development.
5. Persevere
You have to push on through. If you want to get more out of it, you’ll need an extra sliver of determination. Those initial feelings of frustration may stop you, but you will soon realize a lot of it will come back to you.
You will not lose the skills you learned all those years ago. When I started playing again, I realized I had remembered so much about reading music, rhythm, and counting. It was a significant boost!”
Are you feeling psyched to take up the piano again?