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Learn to Play a Musical Instrument
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This website is here to encourage all those who would like to learn to play a musical instrument from scratch, but have never had the opportunity or time. Lots of tips and suggestions to get you started.

It is never too late to start learning - the right way - and making the most progress with the time that is available for practice.

Adults usually find it more difficult to learn an instrument than children, not because they haven’t got the ability, but often because they are more self-conscious about sounding like a beginner and making mistakes.

On the other hand, children don’t have these thoughts in their minds as they are constantly learning new things and told how great they sound - if you are an adult beginner ... don’t be put off!

One of the best instruments to learn, especially for children, is the piano. It is hard to break! and notes are a lot easier to play, at least to begin with, than a violin or trumpet.
Two of the biggest drawbacks of the piano are its size and cost, so if these are an issue, a suggestion below may be more suitable.

Another great intrument to learn for kids is the guitar (nylon string, classical type is easier on the fingers) and is one of the least expensive options. The acoustic guitar is also a good great place if you hope to go on to learn the electric guitar - as many people do!

Some of the advantages of learning the guitar are:

Inexpensive to buy a beginner’s model.
Easy (ish) to learn a few chords.
Just about every style of music can be played on the guitar.
Very portable.
Very popular!

Learn to play the Electric Guitar No intro needed - you’ll need an amplifier too but hopefully not a loud one! Learn to play the Piano A great instrument to learn if you have enough time to practise. Learn to play the Banjo You’ll need lightning fingers on your right hand! Learn to play the Classical Guitar A sensitive instrument for sensitive people! Learn to play the Drum Kit Sound proof the practice room and let rip! Learn to play the Blues Harp Become a star around the campfire with this pocket performer! Learn to play the Mandolin From Folk to Rock - this little beauty can really sing! Learn to play the Church Organ This is the ultimate challenge Learn to play the Ukulele This little baby can play more than just George Formby! Learn to play the Acoustic Guitar There’s a lovely sound waiting for you to strum or pick with this beautiful hummingbird acoustic. Learn to play the Bagpipes Make sure you warn the neighbors - and your local pets! Learn to play the Bass Guitar Learn bass and maybe a few Beatles songs if you get this one!

Some ideas to get you started ...

The Blues Harmonic (harp) is a good choice.

It is cheap to buy, relatively quick to learn and a lot easier to take on the bus
than a double bass! Furthermore, it is a very expressive instrument and can do a lot more than many people realise ... it is not just for blues.

If you hope to one-day join a rock band or play in a group:

The Bass Guitar is probably the most accessable instrument in the rock category.

Although the cost of a bass guitar and amplifier will set you back a little, depending
on the quality, a good set-up will last for years and be very good value for money.
Sometimes it is better to invest a little more (if possible of course) and get a set-up
that will be usable on a more professional level, rather than have to upgrade and lose
money in a part exchange deal.

                                             Check out this “slap bass” video.

For singing and playing in various styles of music:

The Acoustic Guitar is a great choice.

Reasonably inexpensive, the guitar (acoustic is great for vocal/guitar) has
got to be number one. Just a few chords and you’ll be able to play hundreds
of songs. You’ll probably want to avoid ”home on the range”!

When buying a guitar for a child, it is worth remembering that nylon string guitars (classical) are easier on the fingers. Also, size is another consideration and I would recommend that children from seven years and above buy a 3/4 size.
 

If you would like to play lots of tunes and sound like a full orchestra:

The Keyboard fits this request perfectly.

It is also great for composing your own music and you can produce backing
tracks for vocals on the computer.

“I would like to play in an orchestra (eventually) and I like all sorts of music including classical.”

The Violin is a wonderful instrument for being part of a large group of
players. Safety in numbers ;)

However, it is very demanding as a solo instrument and requires many years
of practice to achieve a good standard. Surprisingly though, the violin is great
for country, folk and jazz music too!

“I’d love to learn to play the piano but it is probably too late for me at my age ...  maybe?”

The Piano is the key (pardon the pun) that can open the door to almost all styles of music and can be learnt at any age.

Rachmaninov’s piano concerto may be a little too ambitious for some, but
the piano’s huge repertoire has something for everyone at any standard and
any age.

An option for those who don’t have the space for a large piano is an electronic piano with a weighted action. They feel the same to play as an acoustic piano.
 

“I’ve always wanted to learn to play the drums but they are too loud for my circumstances.”

If you don’t want a conventional Drum kit, you can buy a practice or electronic drum kit that is almost silent. You hear the sounds through headphones or you could play through an amplifier with a band. These kits are also a lot easier to transport too!

An easy instrument to learn is the Ukulele. Great fun to play and inexpensive to buy .

Well ... if it was good enough for George Harrison!

So what are you waiting for ... choose an instrument and begin the exciting
journey into the world of the musician!

Learn to play Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes ... that would bring a tear to anyone’s
eye!

The best way to start is with a chanter which is the part that you blow into.
After you have learnt where the notes are and can play some tunes, it’s time
to get the air pumping ... you’ll need a lot of puff and probably music lessons too!

Great for New Year’s Eve and other special occasions.

The Mandolin is an amazing little instrument and there are two types.
Flat back which is the folk instrument, and bowl back, which is more of
an Italian style.

Not too expensive to buy and easy to transport the mandolin is a lot of fun.
It can be as easy or as difficult to play as you wish. If your fingers are like
thick sausages you may find it more difficult to learn!

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