Why Is Learning an Instrument So Hard?

Learning an instrument can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re starting. It requires practice, patience and a lot of dedication. 

We all know the struggles of learning a new craft, but why is learning an instrument so tricky? Whether you’re looking to learn guitar or violin, piano or cello, any instruments require different skill sets and therefore present varying challenges depending on your objective. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down why learning an instrument is hard for beginners and how playing them could be made more accessible-as well as provide some tips to help keep up with practice!

Frequent Problems: Why it’s Hard to Learn Music

From the moment you lay hands on that mysterious instrument that makes the most beautiful sound when played, you’ll want to master it completely. Wishful thinking, to be sure. A beckoning musical instrument may tempt you as you window shop.

Learning a new instrument is one of life’s most satisfying pursuits. In addition to making you feel like you’ve accomplished something significant, it also gives you a new outlet for expressing who you are. Learning a new instrument, however, has its challenges.

No Noticeable Progress

There needs to be a way around the necessity of practice when learning an instrument. But there will be times when you don’t want to, when you feel like you’re not making enough progress, or even when you catch yourself contemplating abandoning up. 

Before you give up on playing an instrument, consider these suggestions based on personal experience, which may help you find answers to those issues.

Negative Self-Assessment

This is a significant obstacle that manifests itself in many spheres of existence. It’s easy to get down on yourself if you think you could be better (or, at the very least, not horrible) at what you’re doing, especially if you put in a lot of effort but don’t see any results. 

Adverse outcomes are only possible if one learns to use the achievements of others as inspiration and drive to improve oneself. It’s natural to compare yourself to them and wonder how they managed to get so much better. 

Instead, it would help if you viewed the accomplishments of others as motivation to achieve similar results. 

You can use the phrase “I can do it too!” to help you persuade that you can achieve your goal anytime you feel like giving up. It takes some work to think this way, especially if you don’t believe it initially, but it may be incredibly beneficial and encouraging.

Positive Feedback

The perspective of those close to you may also contribute to your insecurities. Do what you can to broach the subject with loved ones if you believe they dismiss your musical pursuits and aspirations. 

It is always beneficial to talk to other people about your feelings and difficulties to feel less isolated and understand how to encourage better and support you.

The lack of recognition for your successes can make it feel like the criticism you receive is all that matters. Rather than giving up on playing altogether, talk to your instructor or look for a new one if they need to recognise your efforts to develop.

That was a massive change for the better. Again, communicating your feelings may be the initial step towards change if you don’t get along with your instructor. People are only sometimes a good fit with one another, and everyone is unique. 

You may need a new push in the right direction. While some students thrive under a light touch, others require more pressure to excel in music classes.

Feeling Unimproved

There will be instances when you feel your efforts need to pay off. The most crucial point to remember is that progress is gradual; therefore, it is essential to be patient, set modest goals, and celebrate even the most minor victories to maintain motivation. 

There will be times when it seems like nothing is changing, but you have to keep going. Changing how you view and practise might be helpful; putting in even a tiny amount daily will yield better results than putting in a large chunk of time once or twice a week. 

Be sure to consult your instructor, as they may provide you with helpful pointers and advice.

Schedules, Plans, and Objectives

For those serious about making music their career, setting aside daily time to practise is essential. Nevertheless, when it’s part of a routine, it may feel less like a relaxing pastime and more like a chore or a source of stress. 

Finding out what works best for you is an essential thing. Motivating oneself to practise music can be as simple as identifying and setting a personal objective, such as learning to perform a particular piece, and as complex as contemplating one’s musical future.

How to Overcome Musical Instrument Learning Difficulties

It’s not always simple, but learning to play an instrument may be quite gratifying. When first beginning to study an instrument, many people confront hurdles and difficulties that can be unpleasant and disappointing. 

Yet with the appropriate attitude and strategy, you can get through these roadblocks and advance your musical journey. 

Let’s look at various ways to help you learn an instrument and keep you motivated even when the going gets tough.

Mistakes Are Okay

Getting over the anxiety of making blunders is a significant hurdle for anyone learning to play a new instrument. 

However, keep in mind that blunders are inevitable in the learning process. The important thing is to keep training and not give up.

Master The Fundamentals

Mastering music theory is another skill that is useful when studying an instrument. It’s unnecessary to be an expert in music theory, but it can be good to know the fundamentals.  

This can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the music you are playing and speed up your progress as a musician.

Never Be Embarrassed To Seek Assistance

Be bold about seeking assistance if you struggle to pick a new musical instrument. You can find many valuable online resources like discussion boards, books, and how-to videos. 

If you’ve exhausted these options and are still trying to get through, consider finding a private tutor.

Look for an Excellent Teacher or Mentor

A skilled teacher or mentor is crucial when learning a new musical instrument. 

When you’re feeling down, a good instructor or mentor can be there for you to offer advice, comfort, and inspiration. They can help keep you motivated and on track when times are rough.

Repeated Exercises Are Needed

You can only expect to become proficient on a new instrument if you put in the time to practise. 

It’s a common misconception that anyone can pick up a musical instrument and immediately become a skilled musician. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To become an accomplished musician, you must practise regularly.

Focus on Achievable Objectives

Setting unachievable standards for oneself is a common obstacle to learning a musical instrument. 

Keep in mind that becoming a pro player is something that takes time to accomplish. Set your sights on manageable milestones that you can cross off individually instead. 

This will keep you enthusiastic and on track towards your objective.

Don’t Rush Anything; Take Your Time

Finally, remember to go slow when picking up a new instrument. If you try to rush through the process, you will likely end up frustrated and frustrated people tend to give up. 

Attempting to learn a new instrument too quickly is a common mistake. Understand that mastering an instrument is a process that requires time and dedication. 

If you try to rush through the process, you will likely end up frustrated and frustrated people tend to give up. Be patient and give yourself time to fully commit to learning an instrument.

Identify Your Preferred Musical Tool

Indeed, it is blindingly obvious. The music of others is a common source of motivation for musicians. The catchy tune makes you want to pick up the instrument yourself. The next step is to determine whether or not that particular instrument is the one you wish to master. 

Here’s how to choose the best option:

• You should not try it yourself because you’ve seen a skilled person play the violin or the drums. 
• Choose an instrument that strikes your fancy and gives you the most joy to play. 
• Get your hands on the instrument and some expert assistance to help you learn its ins and outs. Most people pick the piano since it’s an excellent instrument for learning music theory. 

Learning to play instruments like the guitar, piano, drums, or violin well will take daily time and effort. Practising an instrument well requires a lot of time and energy, no matter what it is.

Conclusion

To master an instrument, novices must put in lots of time and effort into practice. This article will discuss the challenges that novice musicians face and offer suggestions for easing those difficulties. 

It will also offer advice on how to maintain practising, such as negative self-evaluation and drawing inspiration from the successes of others. Lastly, it will offer advice gleaned from real-world experience that you may use to start investigating potential solutions.

But, as motivating as positive feedback can be, it also has the potential to feed fears. Sharing your struggles and emotions with others might help you feel less alone and provide them insight into how they can encourage and support you more effectively. 

Maintaining motivation requires a combination of strategies, including patience, realistic expectations, and a willingness to acknowledge and appreciate even the smallest of successes. 

It’s important to schedule time for practice every day, but if it becomes rote, it might lose its appeal as a stress-relieving activity and become a burden. Learning how to keep yourself motivated to practise music requires figuring out what approaches work best for you.

While it’s true that learning an instrument isn’t easy, it is possible with the appropriate mindset and approach. It is crucial to keep practising and not give up, even if you make a few mistakes along the way. 

When learning an instrument, it’s helpful to have a firm grasp of music theory, and finding a good instructor or mentor helps keep you motivated and on track in your pursuit of musical excellence. 

It is a frequent misunderstanding that anyone can take up an instrument and become a great musician without putting in the time and effort required to become proficient. Regular practice with realistic goals in mind will lead to musical mastery.

Understanding that learning an instrument is a process that can only be mastered with time and effort is the most crucial information presented here. 

Choosing a musical instrument that you enjoy playing and obtaining professional instruction on how to play it are equally crucial steps. Last but not least, no matter what you choose, it takes a significant investment of time and effort to master an instrument like the guitar, piano, drums, or violin.

Content Summary

• It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of learning an instrument for the first time.
• To succeed, you’ll need to put in lots of time and effort.
• Whether you’re thinking about picking up the guitar, the violin, the piano, or the cello, you’ll find that your problems will depend on your specific goals.
• In this article, we’ll explain why it’s so challenging for newcomers to pick up an instrument, discuss how this could be improved, and offer advice for maintaining a consistent practice.
• As soon as you get your hands on that mystery instrument that produces the most beautiful music when played, you’ll be determined to learn everything there is to know about it.
• During window shopping, you may be tempted to buy an alluring instrument.
• One of the greatest joys of life is the discovery of a new instrument.
• Nonetheless, there are difficulties associated with learning a new instrument.
• Learning an instrument requires a lot of practice, and there should be a way around that.
• But there will be times when you don’t want to, like when you’re not making enough progress or when you suddenly find yourself considering giving up.
• Don’t just give up on playing an instrument because you’re having difficulties; instead, give these tips a try.
• This is a significant challenge that appears in many areas of life.
• If you put in a lot of effort but don’t see any results, it’s tempting to become down on yourself and wish you were better (or, at the very least, less dreadful) at what you’re doing.
• It’s impossible to fail if you learn to take other people’s successes as motivation to strive for your own personal growth.
• Even if you don’t believe it at first, it’s worth making an effort to consider the possibility that this way of thinking could be enormously helpful and inspiring.
• Some of your insecurities may stem from the opinions of those closest to you.
• If you feel like your family and friends dismiss your musical interests and goals, you should bring it up with them.
• Talking to others about your feelings and struggles can help you feel less alone and give others around you a better idea of how they can encourage and support you.
• When praise for your efforts isn’t returned, it’s easy to start focusing only on the criticism you’re getting.
• If your coach doesn’t seem to recognise your efforts to improve, you should discuss the issue with them or look for a new coach.
• If you don’t get along with your teacher, it could help to let them know how you feel.
• Sometimes you need a new impetus to get moving in the right way.
• Some kids do better with less pressure, while others need more to really shine in music classes.
• Sometimes you’ll feel that your efforts should yield some sort of result.
• There will be lulls in the action when it appears nothing is happening, but you must persevere.
• Consider adjusting your perspective and method of practice; even a little bit every day will provide better outcomes than a big chunk of time once or twice a week.
• Always check in with your teacher, as they may have some insightful suggestions for you to try.
• Those who want to make music their profession should practise at least an hour daily.
• Nevertheless, when it becomes routine, it might start to feel like more of a burden than a way to unwind.
• Learning an instrument isn’t always a walk in the park, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.
• People sometimes find unpleasant and discouraging obstacles when they first begin studying an instrument.
• You may overcome these challenges and continue your musical development with the right mindset and approach, though.
• Let’s take a look at some strategies that can keep you motivated while you’re learning an instrument.
• Overcoming the fear of making mistakes is a significant challenge for anyone learning a new instrument.
• Remember that mistakes are a natural part of the educational process.
• Maintaining a consistent training schedule is crucial.
• Learning music theory is also helpful for anyone interested in becoming a better musician.
• While advanced knowledge of music theory is not required to enjoy music, it can be helpful to understand the basics.
• This can hasten your development as a musician and help you develop a more profound appreciation for the music you perform.
• If you are having trouble deciding between several different musical instruments, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Getting a private tutor can be the next step if you’ve tried everything else and are still struggling.
• Having a knowledgeable instructor or guide is essential when trying to master a musical instrument.
• A good teacher or mentor is someone who is there for you when you’re feeling low and can provide guidance, solace, and motivation.
• When circumstances are challenging, they can help keep you motivated and on track.
• When learning a new instrument, practice is essential if you want to improve your skills.
• One of the most widespread myths out there is that anyone can take up an instrument and instantly become a competent musician.
• It’s a typical mistake to try to pick up a new instrument too quickly.
• It’s important to remember that learning an instrument is a long and arduous process.
• Those who strive to speed through something usually become irritated and give up.
• It takes time and dedication to master any musical instrument.
• Many musicians draw inspiration from the works of other composers.
• The infectious melody makes you want to learn to play an instrument.
• Step two is settling on whether or not that instrument is the one you want to learn to play expertly.
• Just because you’ve witnessed an expert play the violin or drums doesn’t mean you should give it a shot yourself.
• Pick the instrument that most excites your imagination and makes you happy to play.
• The best way to learn an instrument is actually to play it, and having access to an expert’s guidance may make a world of difference.
• Since the piano is so well-suited to theoretical study, it’s the instrument of choice for most individuals.
• Consistent practice is essential for mastering instruments like the guitar, piano, drums, or violin.
• Spending the necessary time and effort to become proficient at playing any instrument is a significant undertaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is harder to learn, piano or guitar?

Although many feel it takes longer to master, the piano is a bit easier actually to play. If we look at the technical differences, the theory that goes into mastering both is quite different. The structure of a piano is quite logical, as is the sheet music.

Is it challenging to learn how to play a musical instrument as an adult?

Learning how to play a musical instrument as an adult can be more challenging than learning as a child because adults often have less time and fewer opportunities to practice. However, with dedication and commitment, anyone can learn how to play an instrument at any age.

How do you really learn an instrument?

The ideal method to learn an instrument is to play something every day. It is better to practice every day for half an hour than two days a week for 2 hours! If you separate your practice hours into short daily training, it can make your progress more rewarding.

Is it possible to learn a lot of instruments?

Despite the potential challenges, there are clear benefits to learning multiple instruments simultaneously. Embracing this challenge helps students develop a greater understanding of music theory, and how different instruments work together to create a comprehensive piece of music.

Can an instrument be self-taught?

Yes, you can be self-taught and choose to learn to play an instrument at home through online content. However, although the internet is rich in information, learning from a teacher makes all the difference, especially in art and music.