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Feeling frustrated with your new hobby? Here’s how to stay on course.
Learning to play an instrument can be tough, whether you’re just starting out or have some musical background. We’ve put together a few tips to boost your confidence so you can have fun, learn fast and find your musical path.
Table of contents
Avoid comparing yourself to others
Everyone at some point was a beginner, and everyone is different! Try not to focus on where others are in their journey; instead, focus on your own. It’s okay to set goals and find ambitions that may be inspired by other players, but remember that everyone’s road to reaching those goals is unique.
Play less more often
This is recommended constantly by our music educators! Think about it–it’s better to set an easy goal like practicing 15 minutes a day, instead of pressuring yourself to practice in long stretches. Practicing might start to feel like a chore and not like a fun activity that you’re doing for yourself. You might also not play your best if you play for too long and get tired. The more consistent time you spend with your instrument, the more it will become a pleasant routine and an escape from your day-to-day.
Embrace the challenge
Try to find a difficulty range that fits your level. If you stick with things that are too easy, you’ll get bored. On the other hand, setting the bar too high and practicing songs that are out of your range will feel demotivating. It’s important to strike a balance!
Ask for help
If this tip makes you nervous, remember–everyone needs help at some point! If you ever get stuck, reach out to other players on your own level to exchange tips and struggles. You might find that you’re in a better place than you think, or find some new methods from your peers that help you. Talking to more experienced players is also helpful when it comes to mastering the harder stuff. Experienced musicians might feel intimidating, but many are happy to help guide you and offer feedback.
Track your progress
At some point, you’ll be able to look back at where you were and realize just how far you’ve come. This will help you realize how much you’re capable of. Aside from following the syllabus, an easy way to track your progress in Yousician is to try beating your own high scores and go for the gold on your favorite songs. You can also keep a notebook of things you’re practicing, struggling with and feeling inspired by. One day you’ll look back and laugh at how a song you’ve now mastered once made you throw down your guitar in frustration!At the very least, recording yourself along the way (maybe once a week) will help you hear just how much you’re progressing. A video recording can even help you see how your fingering is improving if you’re learning a string instrument; for vocals, it might be helpful to see your stance and expressions, and how they can affect your singing and tone.
At the end of the day, remember that your goal should be progress, not perfection. Take it a step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to playing your instrument with confidence in no time.
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