Learning a new instrument

[ambernector]

In this day and age, there are new methods to learn how to play a musical instrument. The traditional and I am sure still the most popular is by having a teacher.

But new methods include, teach yourself books and DVD, learning online and so forth. Has anyone actually tried these other methods and how successful who you?

[rockonronson]

I've been able to teach myself some with the piano, but that was after I already had a basic knowledge of it from a teacher. With some of the really basic beginner books though I'm sure you could probably teach yourself to play at a decent level

[trbc08]

Yeah, in the case of many instruments, especially piano... You have to decide if you want to go the "pop" route (which applies to any non-classical piano playing, basically) or the classical route. The pop route can be achieved through self teaching and DVDs, while the classical route takes years of practice and honing of your skills by the guidance of a teacher. I think both methods have their merit but also lack in certain ways as well. I'm a self taught guitarist, though I have a psuedo-classically trained one who teaches me some techniques and scales.

[Jen Stevens & The Hiccups]

I'm teaching myself how to play ukelele atm, with books and cds. It's going ok, when I actually find time to practice lol :-) The books are really useful, but the cds a bit annoying I have to say! lol! Been watching a lot of videos on youtube too, which is a fab resource for any musician!

[classylady]

I'm not so good @ the guitar, so I'd like to learn more of how to play that. The type of guitar is classical so I can see about learning how to play some contemporary pieces: William Walton comes to mind.

[AprilNz]

I am also interested in learning the piano, but think I am going to go the traditional route with a teacher, at least until I can learn enough about music theory to then go out in the big bad world by myself :)

[mozartini]

I think the traditional way is the best and only way to go if you want to be truly proficient. A private teacher focuses on your individual problems and works with you on technique that can really only be properly taught in person, because everyone will have some sort of problem or tendencies that need to be corrected (even those who have been playing for years).

Granted, you can teach yourself to read music, learn the notes on a keyboard and play the notes, but there is a lot more to music than just the notes.

Note also that there are different types of piano teachers.

There is the basic teacher who can teach you to read notes, play the right rhythm and tempo, and read dynamic markings (play loud here, play soft there). They'll pass off a piece as "finished" and move you on to a new piece when you've learned the mechanics. These are usually the types that give $10-12 dollar/half hour lessons and for kids whose parents just want them to have some sort of music instruction.

Then there is the professional type of teacher that will spend months working with you to completely polish a piece. During that time, he/she will also give you specific technique exercises that are needed to play certain passages in the piece, teach you to play beyond the dynamic markings, and much more. These lessons are usually at least 45 minutes long and cost anywhere from $40 or $50 and up. This is the sort you would have if you were a music major in college.

Even if you only want to learn an instrument as a hobby, I would highly recommend finding a teacher. He/she can help you develop a solid foundation, teach you correct posture and basic technique so you don't develop bad habits that could result in repetitive stress injury, etc. Having a solid foundation makes a big difference on the music you produce, too.

Anyway, there are my two hundred cents' worth.

[pennywill]

I agree that a private teacher is best. Simply because they can explain problems you might have or concepts much faster than trying to find stuff out on your own. My only reservations with music teachers is their own bias. Sometimes they get quite stuck on a genre or method and even if it's not working for the student, it's what they know.

[shadowmac]

I agree that a private teacher is best. Simply because they can explain problems you might have or concepts much faster than trying to find stuff out on your own. My only reservations with music teachers is their own bias. Sometimes they get quite stuck on a genre or method and even if it's not working for the student, it's what they know.

I agree with most of this sentiment. Most importantly, a good teacher can nip bad habits in the bud - particularly hand placement. Practice makes permanent; if you start with poor form and bad habits they can actually hinder the ability to play more complex pieces later, and bad habits are incredibly difficult to break. It's best to start of with a teacher that can set you in motion doing in the right way. Staying with a teacher is your decision. What do they teach vs what do you want to learn and are the two compatible? Many teachers are stuck in a genre or style - many students change teachers over time to learn more and different material.

When she expressed interest in learning, I started my eldest daughter off with a classical guitar teacher because in my mind, if one learns classical, any other style can be learned with greater ease. It's the combination of knowledge of the instrument, music theory and exercising solid fundamentals when playing. I WISH I'd have had the opportunity to learn classical as a much younger player. :)

YouTube actually has many great great tutorials - I recently learned "Fireflies" by Owl City for my little ones - quick and easy on YouTube. "Classical Gas" is another tutorial that I've used there.


Good luck.

Mac

[HOMBRE]

internet sites like boobtube etc have been working pretty well for me, get to watch and hear what you supposed to do at your leisure