Part 2: Decide What Instrument You Want to Learn

What instrument do you want to learn?

Our last post in this series focused on finding a teacher who is skilled in the musical styles you want to learn. But perhaps you are not entirely sure what to choose among all the different instruments available. Here are some of the most common options. Try to narrow down your preferences as much as possible for the most enjoyable music lesson experience.

Piano/Keyboard

The piano is a versatile instrument that is great for beginners. It provides the most comprehensive introduction to music theory, and develops finger agility and simultaneous hand coordination. Piano students learn to read music in both treble and bass clef, which often makes learning another instrument easier later on. The piano is one of the best instruments for solo playing. It's also great for accompanying voice or other instruments. Pianists play all styles of music ranging from Classical to Jazz to covers of pop songs and movie themes. If you are looking for an instrument that teaches all the basics of music theory and allows you to experiment with a variety of musical styles, piano may be for you!

Guitar/Ukulele

The guitar is another popular instrument that is great for beginner musicians. It introduces students to chord structures and chord progressions, which makes it good for those who enjoy playing song covers or aspiring composers who want to write their own songs. The guitar also offers a wide range of playing style choices, and like the piano, is a good accompanying instrument, perfect for pairing with vocal lessons. It’s also a staple instrument in bands, so if you enjoy making music with other people, consider learning guitar! If you have a young child who needs an easier or smaller sized instrument to begin with, Ukulele is a good alternative choice.

Strings

The family of Strings includes 4 instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass; the most popular of these are Violin and Cello. Strings are an important element of any orchestra, so if you have ever attended a symphony orchestra concert, you've seen all these in action. Strings players are often Classical music lovers, but they can play covers of pop songs and movie themes too. String instruments require a finely tuned ear for sound, so they can be difficult to learn and demand a lot of practice, but they are also some of the most beautiful instruments to play. In spite of their difficulty, young children can learn them, and they come in smaller sizes for tiny beginners. If you have a naturally good musical ear and are dedicated to practicing regularly, a string instrument may suit you well!

Brass/Woodwinds

Brass and Woodwind instruments are another important part of most orchestras and bands, so if you or your child plans to join a band or school orchestra, a wind instrument is a good choice. Most are easy to learn with consistent practice, and they develop a student's lung power and breath control. Brass instruments include Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba. Woodwinds include the Recorder, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe and Saxophone, among others. Brass instruments may appeal to students with louder, more expressive personalities, while quieter students may prefer woodwinds.

Drums

If you are a fan of Pop, Rock or other modern styles of music, you may enjoy drums. Drums are easy to learn and develop a great sense of rhythm and time, as well as simultaneous hand coordination. Since they are a staple of most bands and orchestras, drums are also a great instrument for a student who enjoys performance and playing music in group settings. Drums involve a lot of physical movement, so they may be perfect for a student who enjoys dancing and physical modes of expression.

Voice

Voice is another popular choice for beginners, and it’s ideal for students whose families are not ready to invest in a costly instrument. Vocal training develops lung power and breath control, and trains a student's ear for sound. Many vocalists perform as soloists with piano, guitar or band accompaniment; some join choirs or sing in churches; others are involved in musical theater groups. Singers also have a wide variety of musical styles to choose from. If you are a student who is interested in voice lessons, think about what style of music you want to sing. Choral singing is not like solo performance, and Classical vocal styles are very different from Pop, so be sure to consider what your vocal goals and style preferences are when choosing a teacher. Now that you are aware of your musical instrument options, you may have a better idea which of these will best suit your interests and preferences. Get started on your musical journey by checking out the musical options we offer at The Music Studio Atlanta. We may have just the teacher and the instrument options you are looking for!