Guest blog: Bach? Lloyd Webber? Ellington?

When we speak to new adult pupils we always hear stories of ‘I used to play when I was younger and I’ve always wanted to get back into it’. Perhaps you feel the same but ‘getting back into it’ feels too daunting a task. Sure, it takes a bit of confidence to make the initial enquiry but most music schools will wrap you up in a big warm welcome to put you at ease.  

Courage and determination are the key ingredients to turn that dream into a reality, and once you have become competent there may well be opportunities to join groups, bands, orchestras, theatre clubs, choirs.  Music is to be enjoyed and opens doors to life’s pleasures but here are 9 great reasons why you should learn an instrument:

1. No one can take away the skill of reading music and playing an instrument. Taking things step by step you will build up a catalogue of knowledge that will help you tackle new pieces of music on your own or with your teacher. You will be surprised how quickly you will be able to play melodies and refine your technique.
2. Play pieces of music you always wished you could play. If you have been to orchestral concerts, jazz sessions and pop concerts you know what music is in your heart, and once you have learned your instrument you can start to play it yourself too.
3. Feel accomplished in understanding how music works. It’s like a big jigsaw piece and the pieces begin to be discovered and put in their place. Notes and rhythms mixed with the dance of phrasing will begin to connect and help you make sense of new music. You will find yourself in a whole new world of music discovery.
4. Discover new ways to learn. Technology has made it possible to learn a musical instrument remotely so it is not always essential to find a local face to face teacher.  There are many video tutorials and personal one-to-one lessons you can arrange online so you don’t even have to leave the house to meet professional teachers.
5. Explore composers and find the ones you like. Your teacher may bring new composers to your lessons and help you appreciate hidden gems, or you can be a composer explorer and research some of the least well known composers and bring them to life by playing their pieces.
6. Take control of the music you play for YOU. Once you have mastered your instrument, YOU are in the driving seat to play what you want when you want.

7. Hit the music shops. Choosing sheet music and song books is such a delight and you could spend hours poring through the titles.  Try different genres like jazz or blues and give yourself challenges to learn them.

8. Perform for friends and family. Surprise your nearest and dearest by an impromptu performance and you will no doubt be rewarded with praise and encouragement.

9. Join a group. Now that you have learnt to read music and play your instrument why not take it to the next level and learn to play with others. There are some wonderful amateur groups and choirs out there and Making Music can help you find them. 

About Your Space Music Lessons

At Your Space Music Lessons we know the joy of music and want others to feel it too.  When we began our online school in the Outer Hebrides we wanted to help others who were looking to learn an instrument but could not find a good teacher within a reasonable distance. The quality of Internet had become good enough to make high quality online lessons work so we set out in our goal to bring teachers to those in need.

Since then we have not only helped those in a remote location but also those with busy family and work lives, those with physical and learning disabilities and many retired people wishing to learn on their own instrument at home. The free taster lesson is helpful for those who may not be sure what to expect to give it a try. (www.yourspacemusiclessons.com)