How to become a musician (with pictures)

Being a musician is much more than just playing a few notes on an instrument. Learning how to choose the right instrument for you and starting to create music can be a life-changing experience for many people. It is more than a hobby, skill, or talent. You can learn with practice to build the skills necessary to be the type of musician you want to be and create the type of music you want to create if you want to become a musician.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choosing an Instrument

Step 1. Choose an instrument that suits your interests

If your goal is to become a rocker in a scruffy punk band, it is true that you can learn a lot about music by playing the oboe, but it may not be the best way to form the band you want to form. There isn't much of a chance for a synthesizer if you want to play classical music and become a virtuoso artist, unfortunately. Pick an instrument category that fits your ambitions to be a musician.

• Start with the piano, violin, or guitar if you want to learn to play an instrument. These instruments typically have many teachers available in a certain area, making it easy to find lessons and learn the basics.
• It is important to choose an instrument in the classical category, such as a woodwind instrument, a brass musical instrument, or a percussion instrument if you want to finally play classical music, artistic music, or jazz. Musicians usually spend a lot of time and scholarships to learn their instrument.
• Usually, choosing a guitar, bass, piano, or learning to play drums is preferable if you want to write your own songs and play pop music. While lessons are great to take, many pop and folk musicians are self-taught, using DIY books, watching YouTube videos, and trying old-fashioned.

Step 2. Consider starting with the piano

One of the best ways to build a good foundation as a musician is to learn to play the piano, even if you can't imagine yourself being a concert pianist doing recitals in a formal suit. Because all the notes are at your disposal, the piano is an excellent first instrument, which is popular with youngsters and beginners. In addition, it is one of the most versatile instruments, it is played in classical music, pop music and other styles of music.

Real or concert pianos can be expensive, but electric keyboards are available in various prices, from affordable, very professional to expensive. The great thing about piano is that you can learn the necessary keys and the basics no matter what quality of piano you play

Step 3. Learn about classical instruments

Classical instruments, used in concerts, jazz, cheer bands, swing bands, and other types of music played by instrumentalists, refer to many different types of instruments that are played in organized professional bands. who play other music that is not pop. Learning one of these instruments may be appropriate for you if you love complicated, artistic, and sophisticated music and history.

• While it is true that they are not actually made of bronze, bronze instruments are made from metal wind tubes that are blown to create a tone.
• Woodwind instruments are made of composite materials and are played by vibrating a reed in a mouthpiece. Woodwind instruments, which produce a distinctive and warm sound, are used in classical music and jazz; saxophones are used frequently in pop music.
• Choose a classical music string instrument. Violins, violas, double basses, and cellos form the basis of classical music string instruments, used in orchestras, string instrument quartets, and other types of professional ensembles. Guitars can be considered as a classical music stringed instrument, although it will depend on the style of music.

Step 4. Consider some pop or rock instruments

While these instruments can be used to play a variety of styles and sounds, when we think of playing pop music or starting a band, we often think of guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard or piano. These may be the right instruments for you if you have less interest in being the type of musician who plays in a formal suit at a concert and if you have more interest in being in a garage band touring in a van.

• Guitar
• Low
• Battery

Step 5. Consider playing the percussion

The percussion is much more than the background. Good drummers drive the music forward in every type of music, from folk to classical, from jazz to rock. There is nothing more versatile and essential for a group of musicians than a talented drummer who keeps time.

One of the best features of percussion is that you can start building the skills to play this instrument without having it. Consider learning to play percussion if you have an inner sense of time and the ability to keep a steady rhythm in your hands

Step 6. Play an electronic instrument

From digital disc jockeys to synth wizards, the traditional definition of what it is to be a "musician" is much broader than it used to be. It can be as complex and artistic music that is created by pressing a few buttons on the laptop as it can be by operating a tube on the trumpet, and just as legitimate.

Part 2 of 3: Developing as a Musician

Step 1. Practice constantly.

Even if you have a natural talent for a certain instrument, there is a difference between "playing an instrument" and "being a musician." The difference is related to practice. Musicians dedicate themselves to improving their skills and learning new techniques and more complicated music with the instrument of their choice. The only way to do this is through regular and serious practice.

• Develop good practice habits and good routines. Always practice with good posture, warm up beforehand, and try to practice for at least twenty-forty minutes a day. Practice a mix of fun techniques, skills, and activities. For each scale you learn, take some time to play and learn the Star Wars theme or some other fun song.
• Consistency is very important, just like when you exercise your body. Try to practice every day so that you can maintain good habits that you build and develop.

Step 2. Find a good teacher

It is very difficult to learn music from a book and on your own. While it is true that teaching and written guides can be helpful, there is no substitute for in-person instructions that come from a good teacher's lessons. A teacher can help correct your technique and build the foundations necessary to be a good musician no matter what instrument you play.

• If you want to become an instrument, it is very important that you be easy to teach. Stubborn people who cannot accept criticism do not have a future as musicians. Listen carefully to what good musicians say, follow the prompts, and learn as much as you can. Your goal should be to become a better musician.
• Find some musicians who are better than you to play with if you don't have the time or money to have a formal teacher-student relationship. Playing sessions at night on the porch with some guitars can be a great way to improve your skills. Watch and learn.

Step 3. Consider learning to read sheet music

While it is true that you can play by ear, it can be good if you can learn to read the sheet music; it is absolutely essential for certain instruments and styles. It is almost impossible to learn by ear and mechanically if you want to play classical music.

Also, learn the history and some music theory if you hope to compose your own one day. Learning why certain notes sound good together, how to make a chord, and how music actually works is the best way to improve as an instrumentalist and as a composer no matter what instrument you play

Step 4. Listen to everything

Developing your own taste for music is paramount for musicians. Just as a novelist has to read a wide variety of novels and learn about the history of literature to write something worth reading, a musician has to listen to a wide variety of music and learn to appreciate different styles. music if you want to one day write something worth listening to or play music worth listening to.

• Listen to classical music, start with the early consort music of a quartet, and then listen to romantic composers like Mozart and Beethoven. Try to listen to the avant-garde composers of the twentieth century, like Penderecki and Cage, to demand your conception of music.
• Listen to rock music, of all kinds, even if it is not your favorite. Check out early punk, rockabilly, and psychedelic nuggets. Hear what's popular and what's not. Try to find something worth listening to and ignore the rest.
• When you find something you like, look for its influences. If you like Katy Perry, you can find out that Cher and Madonna are huge influences on her style and sound. When you listen to Cher, you can find Etta James and then Bessie Smith, one of the best and early blues singers of all time. Find the roots of your favorite artists.

Step 5. Start making your own compositions

It's an excellent idea to give songwriting a chance to grow as a musician and to take your skills to the next level. Writing your own songs can help you see the difference between playing notes and creating music much faster than almost anything else, whether you play classical music or pop music. Take responsibility for writing the notes you play.

Step 6. Find your own voice on your instrument

Miles Davis was never able to nail the vibrato cornet technique while learning to play his cornet, so he built a professional career on a unique, sonorous and clean tone that never fluctuated. When asked why his band played so puffing, like a freight train, Johnny Cash replied "We'd play faster if we could." Reshape your supposed weaknesses as eccentricities and individual strengths and use them to become an individual musician.

Part 3 of 3: Taking the Next Step

Step 1. Consider joining an established band

Playing with other instrumentalists and musicians can give you the skills you need to improve, you can learn their specific tricks, and you can have the opportunity to respond to play as a unit, and make music as a single instrument.

• It's important to join a community band, school band, or some other organized music group if you want to play classical music or organized concert music.
• Playing with other people is a good way to keep your ego in check. David Hood, part of the Muscle Shoals recording studio and one of the greatest bassists of all time, was asked how he built such an excellent reputation as a reliable musician and said "My equipment always worked and I was always on time." Humility serves musicians well.

Step 2. Tap in front of people when you're ready

It may be time to bring your show to the public if you've been practicing with your instrument on a regular basis and want to take it to the next level. Start by playing your best material in front of some close and compassionate friends or your parents and start playing for other people. You will need an audience if you want to be an artist.

• Introducing microphone-enabled coffee shops are a great way to find a compassionate audience that will be warm and accepting. Most of the places with the option to use the microphone to introduce themselves are full of people dedicated to the hobby of introducing themselves, who want to get started; most of the crowd is friendly and approachable. This is a great way to start.
• Similarly, you can play for yourself. Nowhere does it say you have to play in front of people. Learn to play and enjoy the sounds you make on your own.

Step 3. Try to start your own group

Are you having trouble finding an established group or band to play with? Start a group or band. Don't expect other musicians to come to you, go and find them. Place an ad on Craigslist with your biggest influences and your desire to play with a group that plays a certain type of music and encourages musicians to communicate. Hang out at local music stores and put up some ads for the musicians. Go somewhere with the option to use the microphone to introduce yourself and make contact with local musicians who can perform.

Step 4. Record your music

Getting a recording of yourself playing can be one of the most satisfying and fun things for a young musician. Being able to actually hear you playing through the speakers? There is nothing cooler than that. These days, it's easier than ever to quickly and easily record yourself at home and make it sound great.

• Invest in some cheap mics to get started and record yourself directly to your computer with GarageBand or Audacity. Set the levels as you like and burn some compact discs for your friends or put them on your iPod.
• You can share your recordings with the world if you are feeling really ambitious. Record your best performance and start a page on Bandcamp or a Soundcloud account to give some quick links to your tunes.

Step 5. Commit to the long and difficult road

You may have a hard time being heard, even if you are talented, hardworking, or the best banjo player in town. Being a musician can be hard work for many people; It may take a long time before your work takes effect in terms of building your skills and acquiring recognition, or money. However, the more dedicated you are, the better your chances of success.

Consider going to a music school if you want to network and receive personalized training on your instrument. Even if you don't want to play classical music, learning music production skills and music history can give you an edge in the music business

Advice

• Never give up on your music because some fools call you a geek since you play five instruments. Music is one of the best forms of art; you should never give up on this.
• Don't worry when you see how expensive the instruments are. You can rent them or hear about some great deals from your friends. Plus, you don't have to buy a grand piano before learning to play it! Instead, try the keyboard.
• There is no problem with getting frustrated, it is part of learning.
• Practice a lot!
• Think musically. This is one of the hardest things about being a musician. You should always know all the notes you play. Sometimes people memorize ten pages of music and play without error (by ear) while they have no idea what they are playing. Practice and you will achieve it!
• Find local teachers to give you lessons. This is not always as easy as it sounds. The bandFIND website has compiled a list of musicians willing to teach where you live.
• Participate in school music programs, organize a band, and be part of a music community. Enjoy your music!
• Make sure you learn from someone who already knows how to play your instrument. You may be able to save money by not taking lessons, but it will help you in the future.
• Aside from hiring some teachers, buy some song books and learn to play on your own.
• Musical instruments can almost always be found at pawn shops. Ask a friend to go with you so they can help you identify good deals if you have one who has adequate knowledge of the instrument you play. The Craigslist website has more than twelve million visitors a month with large amounts of musical equipment always available.

Warnings

• Try not to be a detractor of other types of music. Appreciate all forms of music.
• Try not to have bad habits. They may not seem important, but then it will be different and it will be difficult to get rid of these.