Learning to play an instrument can be intimidating at first. But, as we know, the benefits far outweigh any difficulties. From improving your memory to making you better at math and forming new friendships, playing music has many physical, mental, and social benefits. All that said, learning to play an instrument is a long and challenging process. For some, lessons, while invaluable, can be too expensive.

This week, let’s take a short look at learning to play music via self-teaching vs more traditional music lessons.

Learning to Play: Self-Teaching

Lessons are Free and Repeatable

When it comes to online music resources, there are tons of options to choose from. YouTube is a great way to find expert tips and education on playing the instrument of your choice.

Look around for your instrument, and spend a few minutes watching the teacher. If you think they’ll be a good fit for you, you’re done–you’ve found your lessons! On the other hand, if you don’t like their style, move on to another – there are plenty to choose from! With so many video teachers and lessons, it’s okay to be picky, so find a teacher you like!

While we tend to recommend using YouTube and other video channels as a practice aid only, for many people, these online lessons are the only option. In that case, they do offer some advantages. The first is obvious: they’re free and convenient, providing countless teaching options. Moreover, pre-packaged video lessons usually follow a structured format based on lesson topics. These topics typically change week to week, allowing you to progress at your own pace and on your own schedule.

What’s more, you can replay parts you were uncertain of–or even the entire lessons–as many times as you need.

Study the Greats

Another fantastic resource video sites like YouTube offer to music students is the ability to study how the greatest musicians perform. Whether you want to play like Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, or Tiny Tim, there are endless hours of recorded performances to watch and learn from.

Pay attention to how they make this transition, perform that solo, or even just how they stand when they pay.

Athletes study themselves and those better than them so they can improve. There is no reason you shouldn’t consider doing it too!

Learning to Play: One-On-One Lessons

However, despite the financial advantages and the ability to repeat lessons, unless you have the drive and perseverance to push through every obstacle you face, nothing can compare to the value of one-on-one music lessons.

Here’s our best advice: find a qualified music teacher. There are countless reasons to work with a music instructor that far outweigh any costs you might have in either time or money. A regular lesson schedule forces you to be accountable for your learning. That, in turn, forces you to practice more, leading to faster improvement.

Motivation

Nothing motivates you like a great teacher. A qualified and knowledgeable teacher can establish structure in your learning, introduce and explain concepts in a logical flow, catch your mistakes, and help you work through challenges.

Having a music teacher oversee your progress, expose you to different kinds of music, and teach you the proper practice habits and playing techniques will save you time, effort, and a lot of frustration.

Proper Technique

One of the most essential parts of learning a new instrument is learning proper playing techniques from the beginning. Without the proper techniques, you may muddle through at first–even play a few songs. But in order to truly become a master in the long term, proper technique is essential.

In the end, there are simply some elements of music that cannot be played without good technique. Without that solid foundation, it is unlikely you’ll ever reach the level of the “elite” musicians. Additionally, learning proper technique early on will turbo-charge your learning. You’ll learn faster because good technique helps prepare your body for more complex movements. However, if you go back and learn the basics later, you may find it harder to break any bad habits you’ve already formed.

The Importance of Proper Technique

The first is very simple: proper technique helps the instrument to make the proper sounds as efficiently as possible. This will vary from instrument to instrument, but when you are playing with the correct technique, the instrument doesn’t have to work to sound great.

The second thing proper technique does is less about the instrument and more about your body: proper technique helps the musician use their body in the most efficient way. I should point out that some great musicians do not have proper technique – having poor technique does not mean a musician cannot play music intelligently, creatively, emotionally, or artistically. However, poor technique means you’ll have to work a lot harder to get the same results. That’s why studying technique is so important–you can have the same results with much less work.

Furthermore, insisting on playing with poor technique puts you at risk for a whole list of injuries.

Learning to Play: Final Thoughts

For many, lessons may not be an option. You may live too far from a reputable program, lessons may be too expensive, or you may simply not have the transportation to get to and from class. In situations like these, it’s better to start your learning process however you can. If that means turning to sites like YouTube or buying guidebooks from the music store, go for it! If you can maintain a regular practice schedule and focus on learning proper technique, you can still go far!

But if you have the option, nothing compares to the hands-on help of one-on-one lessons with a professional music teacher!

Check out all our programs here! We offer classes and lessons for a wide range of instruments, all ages, and all skill levels. Sign up and start your learning journey today!