5 tips to help you learn a new instrument

For many children and young people, September doesn’t just represent the beginning of a new school year – it also marks the start of a musical adventure: learning an instrument! Whether it’s the recorder, violin or electric guitar, the start of the school year often brings with it more opportunities to delve into the world of music. So, how can you make sure you start on the right track?

If you or your child have just decided to learn an instrument, these five tips will help you stay motivated by keeping the joy of music-making alive from the very beginning, whether at home, in orchestra or at music school.

1. Small steps: finding your rhythm in the first weeks

Once the excitement passes, starting an instrument can feel daunting. That’s why it’s important to set realistic goals right from the beginning. These could include practising for a few minutes each day, playing a note cleanly, or clapping a basic rhythm. This establishes a pattern of small wins that encourage further progress.

Remember:

• Practising for 15 minutes every day is far more effective than one long session a week
• Take note of your progress and celebrate it
• No one becomes a virtuoso in two weeks, be patient with yourself!

2. Establish good technique from the start

Good technique is the backbone of any musical development. The habits formed at the start of your instrumental course often shape your playing style for years to come.

Therefore, regardless of your instrument, it’s important to pay attention to posture, finger positions and relaxed movements. Doing this from the beginning helps prevent bad habits that can be difficult to unlearn later.

3. Listen instead of rushing: develop your musical ear

Active listening is a vital part of learning an instrument but is often overlooked. Don’t forget to incorporate active listening into your practice to develop your musical ear. You can do this by listening to recordings of your chosen instrument to help your ear learn pitch, tone and rhythm.

To get the most of this practice, ask you teacher to help you find simple arrangements of your favourite songs. Playing music you love creates an emotional connection with your instrument and makes practice more rewarding.

4. Learn together and welcome feedback

Music is a form of communication, and when you learn with others, it makes the journey easier and more fun. At the start of the school year, there are lots of opportunities to join various musical ensembles and build musical communities.

Whether in lessons, an after-school club, or with friends and siblings, those who practise together, ask questions and seek feedback often learn faster and enjoy it more. Online communities, video tutorials and music learning platforms also offer opportunities to actively support the learning process.

Practical tips:

• Practice with friends or siblings
• Video your practice sessions to observe your own progress
• Ask for feedback from teachers or friends

5. Be patient and maintain your motivation

The start of term is full of changes: new teachers, timetables and subjects. Learning a new instrument on top of this not only requires time but lots of patience!

When life gets busy or you’re not satisfied with your practice, perseverance is key. Tracking your progress, either through a practice diary or by recording yourself, can help you see how far you’ve come in short time. Those small steps in the beginning will result in big improvements.

The beginning matters, but don't forget to enjoy the process!

Learning an instrument is a marathon, not a sprint. The journey often begins at the start of the school year. If you approach it with clear goals, curiosity, feedback and patience, you’ll lay the foundation for musical development that will bring years of enjoyment.

At Schott Music, we’re happy to accompany you on this journey with accessible sheet music, teaching materials, audio samples and practical tips.

Excited to get started? Explore our beginner-friendly recommendations for piano, guitar, wind instruments and strings and start the new school year on a high note!