Tips for Beginner Musicians

Advice for musicians starting their journey

1. Practice Regularly

• Consistency is key. Set aside time every day (or as often as possible) to practice your instrument or voice. Even short, focused practice sessions are better than infrequent, long ones.
• Work on fundamentals, but also push yourself with new pieces or exercises to improve your skills.

2. Set Clear Goals

• Think about what you want to achieve as a musician. Whether it’s mastering a piece, learning a new technique, or building a performance portfolio, clear goals help keep you motivated and give you direction.
• Break down bigger goals into smaller, achievable tasks so you can track progress and stay focused.

3. Learn Music Theory

• A solid understanding of music theory can make a huge difference in how you approach your instrument, compose, or even improvise.
• Don’t be intimidated by theory! Start with the basics, such as scales, chords, and rhythm, and gradually build from there.

4. Get Comfortable with Recording and Technology

• Learn how to use recording equipment or software, even if it’s just basic. Being able to record your practice or performances helps with self-evaluation and improvement.
• Explore digital tools like DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), plugins, and music production software—these are essential in today’s music world, especially if you want to produce your own music.

5. Seek Feedback

• Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from teachers, peers, or fellow musicians. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and motivate you to keep growing.
• You can also join music communities or online groups to collaborate and share ideas.

6. Network

• Building connections with other musicians is important for both personal growth and career opportunities. Attend music events, open mics, jam sessions, or even collaborate on projects with others.
• Social media and platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can also be valuable tools for sharing your work and engaging with a broader audience.

7. Develop a Routine and Stay Organized

• Juggling practice, lessons, performances, and potential side jobs can get overwhelming. Having a routine can help keep things manageable.
• Stay organized by setting aside time for different aspects of your musical development—practice, learning, creating, performing, etc.

8. Stay Inspired

• Keep your passion for music alive by listening to a variety of music genres, exploring different styles, and challenging yourself with new creative projects.
• Sometimes, you may face challenges or setbacks, but remembering why you started will help you push through and keep improving.

9. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

• Physical and mental health are important for musicians. Regular exercise and stretching help prevent injuries, especially for instrumentalists. If you’re a vocalist, proper vocal care is crucial.
• Mental well-being is just as important—take breaks when needed, practice mindfulness, and don’t let stress overwhelm you.

10. Stay Open to Learning

The music world is constantly evolving, so keep an open mind. Stay curious, be willing to learn new techniques, styles, and technologies, and don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own voice.

 

Finding your musical voice is one of the most exciting and transformative parts of being a musician. It’s about discovering what makes you unique, both in terms of your sound and your artistic expression. Here’s some advice to help you on that journey:

1. Experiment with Different Genres

• Don’t be afraid to explore a wide range of genres and styles of music. You might start with one genre but find that your true passion lies somewhere else, or you might blend influences from different styles to create something entirely new and personal.
• Try playing or composing in genres outside your comfort zone. For example, if you’re a classical musician, you might experiment with jazz or electronic music, and vice versa.

2. Listen Actively

• Pay close attention to the music you enjoy listening to. What resonates with you? Is it a particular instrument, melody, rhythm, or lyrical style?
• Think about the elements that draw you to certain artists or songs—whether it’s their tone, mood, or arrangement. These elements can inspire you as you develop your own voice.

3. Draw Inspiration from Life

• Your musical voice is often shaped by your experiences and emotions. Tap into your personal stories, challenges, and joys to create music that feels authentic to you.
• Whether you’re writing lyrics, composing, or improvising, allowing your experiences to guide your music will create a deeper connection to what you make.

4. Find Your Strengths

• Identify the aspects of music where you feel most confident. Is it your instrument technique? Your ability to craft melodies? Your unique rhythm style?
• Embrace these strengths and use them to guide your musical identity. For example, if you’re an incredible improviser, maybe jazz or experimental music is where your voice shines most.

5. Write and Create Freely

• Allow yourself to experiment and create without worrying about perfection or fitting into a particular style. The more you write and create, the more you’ll discover about your own voice.
• Don’t self-censor too early in the process. Let your ideas flow naturally, and you’ll find patterns or themes that reflect your musical identity.

6. Learn from Others, But Don’t Imitate

• It’s great to be influenced by your favorite artists or musicians, but make sure you’re not just copying them. Instead, learn from their techniques and integrate elements into your own sound while maintaining your individuality.
• Study not just how they play, but how they approach music—how they express themselves, their phrasing, their choices. Use this as inspiration to find your own unique way of expressing similar ideas.

7. Trust Your Instincts

• Your gut feeling is a powerful tool. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t—whether it’s a note, a phrase, or an entire song. Trust that inner voice to guide you.
• On the flip side, when something excites or inspires you, follow that feeling. You might be on to a part of your musical identity that feels natural and authentic.

8. Embrace Vulnerability

• Part of finding your voice is being willing to be vulnerable with your music. Allow yourself to take risks and experiment with raw emotion, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
• Authenticity often comes from allowing yourself to be real, honest, and sometimes imperfect in your music.

9. Collaborate with Others

• Collaborating with other musicians can help expand your horizons and open up new ways of thinking about music. Sometimes working with someone else pushes you out of your usual patterns and helps you discover something new about yourself.
• Be open to constructive feedback during collaborations, but also trust that your voice matters—your unique perspective will add something valuable to any project.

10. Be Patient

• Finding your musical voice takes time. It’s a journey that evolves as you grow and as you experience new things, both musically and personally.

Don’t rush the process—give yourself permission to experiment, fail, and rework your ideas. Your voice will emerge gradually, and it might surprise you along the way!

Your voice is your most personal instrument, and you already have it! Plus, vocal music is central to many genres and is a key part of music-making. It’s a great choice for someone interested in songwriting, pop, opera, or choral music.

Pick an instrument that feels comfortable to start with—something that won’t overwhelm you in terms of cost or complexity.

If you live in an apartment, instruments like the ukulele or keyboard might be better for practice than something like drums or brass instruments.

Whichever instrument you choose, remember that consistent practice and patience are key to progressing.