Music Theory for Beginners

Like most people in our society, you've witnessed beautiful performances and have daydreamed of making such lovely sounds yourself. Whether you'd like the attention and accolades that come with playing in public or you simply want to play an instrument in the comfort of your home for your own pleasure, getting started is the hardest part. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be well on your way to becoming the songbird you've always aspired to be.

1. Decide on an instrument

It's easy to imagine that you'll want to play every instrument under the sun. If you have the funds, you may be tempted to go out and buy a ukulele, a drum kit, a guitar, and a keyboard, promising yourself you'll become proficient with each one in due time. You'll be more satisfied with your efforts, however, if you take things one step at a time and stick to a single instrument until you're genuinely comfortable adding another one to your repertoire. The keyboard and guitar are popular choices for beginners, but if you're more interested in rhythm than melody, drums may be a better option. If you'd prefer not to buy an expensive piece of equipment, your voice is an instrument, too!

2. Make a plan for how you will learn

If you can afford it and have the time, private lessons are a great option. If you're like most busy adults, you may find it more convenient to learn at your own pace using materials you can access whenever you have a spare moment. There are so many learning materials out there, it can be difficult to choose the right ones for you. C.R. Carole has a number of workbooks available, teaching music theory for beginners. Once you've figured out how you'll learn the basics, it's time to come up with a practice plan. Pencil practice time into your schedule, blocking out at least 30 minutes a week if you want to make decent progress.

Learning to play an instrument may seem like a daunting process, but if you stick with it, you'll end up with a lifelong hobby that can get you through difficult times and bring joy to the people around you. I wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.