A few years ago, my mom told me she knew when I had a bad day because I would come home and go straight to the piano. I'm not good at playing the piano by any means, but I do it anyway. Some days there is no better listener than the piano, and sometimes, there is no better way to vent than by playing the guitar.
You may be saying you are not musically inclined and could never play an instrument, but I challenge you to think again. Sometimes we dismiss an idea simply because we are scared of what other people will think. But guess what, no one ever has to hear you play. Do it for yourself. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from learning an instrument, and there is a feeling of comfort that comes from playing it. There is no harm that can come from learning, and it is never too late to start. I encourage you to choose an instrument and go for it. Here’s how:
1. Find an instrument.
Maybe your grandma has a piano, or maybe you find a ukulele on E-Bay for seven dollars. The quality does not matter, but it’s impossible to play an instrument without having one.
2. Make YouTube tutorials your best friend.
With all of the music lessons on YouTube, there is no excuse to not learn an instrument. If you hate YouTube, then find a friend to help. But there is something relaxing and exciting about learning at your own pace, as quickly or as slowly as you wish. I always tell my friends they can learn how to play 1,000 songs on the guitar in one day. Four chords are all you need.
3. Play.
I was tempted to write “practice,” but I don’t like that word when it comes to instruments. Practicing makes me think I am trying to eventually perfect my skills -- like I am being forced to do it. But that’s not what playing an instrument should be. Just play, and I promise you will come to love it. You're not learning to play an instrument to become the best at it. The point is to give yourself something to do outside of the craziness of your daily life. So don’t practice, just play.
4. Don’t give up.
Sometimes learning new things can be frustrating. At times, we compare ourselves to others, or think it’s not worth it, or we tell ourselves there are more important things we could be doing. But do this for yourself, and don’t quit. Music doesn’t discriminate. There are no rules saying who can play and who has to sit back and watch. If one instrument isn’t right, then try another, but don’t give up.
Playing the piano or guitar is one of my favorite outlets, and I think other people could feel this way as well. Maybe you already have something you do. Maybe you sew when you’re sad, or shoot baskets when you’re upset. Playing an instrument is just like that, but better. I hope you’ll consider learning how to play an instrument. Just try it. It could end up being your new favorite thing to do.
