Lifelong Learners: Music Edition

Much chatter exists around the idea that people should endeavor to engage in lifelong learning habits. There are proven benefits beyond just the skill to which you apply yourself to learn. Studies have shown that people who chose a path of lifelong learning are people who find great success in their chosen career fields. The skills you develop in learning something new help you to problem-solve at your job. Applying yourself to something new can also help your brain stay healthy, facilitate your social connectedness with others and lead to a happier, more fulfilled life. One of the skills to which many people apply themselves is learning to play a musical instrument, particularly piano. With so many ways to learn, it can be difficult to choose one, though.

music sheet showing musical notes

Flexibility

People face different challenges in attempting to learn to play the piano. Mobility can be an issue for some; others face a dearth of available teachers close by. Parents can have trouble finding childcare or paying for that childcare on top of what they’re already paying for lessons. The advent of virtual piano lessons can negate each of these issues. Businesses like Forbes Music Company offer online individual or group classes to meet both your needs and your budget.

Tickling the Ivories

Learning to play the piano has come a long way since the days of repetitious scales and “Chopsticks.” While every student regardless of age still needs to make a commitment to practice, teaching methods are now more focused on positive reinforcement and encouraging the student to set goals which the instructor then helps meet. Students are no longer limited to simply learning classical music, either. Many teachers include rock, pop and jazz music as part of their curriculum.

Commitment

Making the commitment to learning piano is more than just paying the charge to your credit card. You’ll need to set aside time to practice. There are some key components you should include in each practice session. In addition to your instrument, you’ll need a quiet space. Any kind of noise can be a distraction which could potentially derail your focus on your instrument practice time. You should also have your sheet music and a pencil. You may need to take notes about your playing on your sheet music. Don’t do that in pen in case your notes are wrong or they become obsolete.

Plan out your practice sessions, too. Know how long you think you’ll need to warm up. Gather anything extras you may need, like a glass of water or a recording device, beforehand. The final thing you’ll need is patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You won’t be able to master a new piece of music or a new technique without working for it, either. Your commitment to playing an instrument needs to include the idea that you will make mistakes. You will hit wrong notes. You will need time to learn how to read the music correctly. Stay persistent to increase your chances of success.

No matter your age, you can learn a new skill like playing the piano if you really want to.

Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
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