Choosing An Instrument

Choosing a new instrument to learn can be a daunting task if you've never experienced them before. If you put enough time into any instrument you're bound to have fun, but each instrument comes with it's own set of difficulties. Here's a list of each instruments drawbacks to let you know what you're up against when you begin learning one!

1. Piano: The piano is considered a "fast learning" instrument. It's easy to begin learning because the instrument is usually in tune and the tone quality is mostly predetermined and not contingent on the performer. While it is easy to start learning, the harder parts of the piano are that it requires two hands at the same time and contains some of the hardest music to play in it's advanced stages, due to it's popularity.

2. Strings: String instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass) are perhaps the slowest learning instruments to learn. It takes a lot of time to get used to the left hand curving in an unnatural position, developing callouses on your left hand fingertips, playing in tune (which takes YEARS of practice), getting a proper tone quality with your bow and learning vibrato. Also, violin music in particular, gets very hard in the advanced stages, again due to it's popularity. Do not get discouraged by these difficulties, as they are very rewarding instruments to learn.

3. Guitar: Guitar is similar to strings in that your left hand will be curved in an unnatural position. Even more so than the strings, you have to spend a lot of time developing callouses on your left hand fingertips, so starting the guitar can be a little painful. Unlike violin, once you get a couple chords under your belt, it's much easier to get a good sounding song down faster than the string instruments mentioned above.

4. Voice: Voice is very easy to pick up, as it is our very own natural instrument. Some people may have difficulty singing in tune, but with the right teacher this can be worked on. Developing the voice is something that takes an immense amount of time; the human voice doesn't truly develop until around age 25-30. Before this age, some voices may sound weaker, thinner, or underdeveloped. Keep practicing and your voice tone will change over time.

5. Brass: Brass instruments are typically faster learning than strings. The sound relies on buzzing your lips very fast; a skill that some people will never be able to do. With practice you can develop this technique, but as stated, there are people who have had to switch their instrument because of this difficulty.

6. Woodwinds: Woodwinds are similar to brass in terms of fast-learning. Breath support (as with brass and voice) are a must. If you have trouble buzzing your lips a woodwind instrument might suit you better.

7. Percussion: Percussion instruments are fast learning in general. With proper lessons, even a young student (i.e. 5-years old) can play simple to intermediate drum beats on a drum set. Performing a drum roll is perhaps the hardest thing to do for a beginner; it requires a lot of time, dedication and patience.

As said in number 7, all these instruments will require PATIENCE. Stick with your instrument, practice consistently, and you will be sure to get better!