GENERAL POINTS AND TIPS:
Remember music is written how it easy to make things clear and simple.
It isn't written in code to make it hard for you to learn or to catch you out. It is because a description of each note, how high or low it is and how long to play it and with what style and so on would simply be too long and wordy and a simple tune would be a mile long. Also you would have to pick a language so if you played with someone from another country you would first need to translate the description. So in the same way that letters of the alphabet are written to represent sounds and combined to make words that one person can write and another read back, music is written using clear symbols so it can be read fluently. And by anyone of any nationality, which when you think about it is quite amazing.
Don't think you have to be a child to learn.
Children do seem to pick it up easily, and it is a great skill for them to learn but an adult is usually more committed and will be more likely to practice regularly. The important thing is whatever age you are just get started and have a go.
Try several instruments
Don't think you are not musical or capable because the first instrument you try doesn't suit you. Try again with something different. Although some skills tranfer from instrument to instrument and especially reading music, some require different levels and types of co-ordination, breath control and so on, so it follows that just because one instrument doesn't suit you it doesn't follow that none of them will. Don't give up, just switch instruments.
If you are interested in learning a brass band instrument, once you have learned the basics of recorder and reading music then contact your local brass band. Some will teach learners for free and even those that don't may know which ones do. I was lucky enough to learn this way, and be provided not only with free tuition but the loan of an instrument and music as well. This is something which I have always been very grateful for and have played various brass instruments over the last 35 years and had loads of fun in the process.
Don't be afraid to ask a musical friend to help. Really musical people love to share. And then you can pass on any help you can to new musicians once you are no longer a beginner, to repay the favour.
Join a group as soon as you have even the most basic level of competence on your chosen instrument. The earlier the better. Ask around bands, orchestras, friends and music teachers. Someone is bound to know what groups there are and which is best for beginners, and such groups are always delighted to have new players . There is an added element of enjoyment in playing together as a group whether your style is rock music, orchestral, brass band, big band or any other. Plus the social element is a great bonus. And I really believe it is the fastest way to improve your playing.
Once you get going, if you are asked to help out at another band or group say Yes. It is slighly scary going to a new band but I have never yet been to one where people weren't friendly and didn't look after their deps. This way you get to meet lots of musical people to make friends with, will know people to ask when you need a dep yourself and improve your general level of playing, while having a load of fun into the bargain.
Remember music is written how it easy to make things clear and simple.
It isn't written in code to make it hard for you to learn or to catch you out. It is because a description of each note, how high or low it is and how long to play it and with what style and so on would simply be too long and wordy and a simple tune would be a mile long. Also you would have to pick a language so if you played with someone from another country you would first need to translate the description. So in the same way that letters of the alphabet are written to represent sounds and combined to make words that one person can write and another read back, music is written using clear symbols so it can be read fluently. And by anyone of any nationality, which when you think about it is quite amazing.
Don't think you have to be a child to learn.
Children do seem to pick it up easily, and it is a great skill for them to learn but an adult is usually more committed and will be more likely to practice regularly. The important thing is whatever age you are just get started and have a go.
Try several instruments
Don't think you are not musical or capable because the first instrument you try doesn't suit you. Try again with something different. Although some skills tranfer from instrument to instrument and especially reading music, some require different levels and types of co-ordination, breath control and so on, so it follows that just because one instrument doesn't suit you it doesn't follow that none of them will. Don't give up, just switch instruments.
If you are interested in learning a brass band instrument, once you have learned the basics of recorder and reading music then contact your local brass band. Some will teach learners for free and even those that don't may know which ones do. I was lucky enough to learn this way, and be provided not only with free tuition but the loan of an instrument and music as well. This is something which I have always been very grateful for and have played various brass instruments over the last 35 years and had loads of fun in the process.
Don't be afraid to ask a musical friend to help. Really musical people love to share. And then you can pass on any help you can to new musicians once you are no longer a beginner, to repay the favour.
Join a group as soon as you have even the most basic level of competence on your chosen instrument. The earlier the better. Ask around bands, orchestras, friends and music teachers. Someone is bound to know what groups there are and which is best for beginners, and such groups are always delighted to have new players . There is an added element of enjoyment in playing together as a group whether your style is rock music, orchestral, brass band, big band or any other. Plus the social element is a great bonus. And I really believe it is the fastest way to improve your playing.
Once you get going, if you are asked to help out at another band or group say Yes. It is slighly scary going to a new band but I have never yet been to one where people weren't friendly and didn't look after their deps. This way you get to meet lots of musical people to make friends with, will know people to ask when you need a dep yourself and improve your general level of playing, while having a load of fun into the bargain.
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