The Motivation for Learning as an Adult
Welcome back to Amazing Mobile Music Instruction. Today we will discuss the motivation of learning an instrument as an adult. Whether it be picking an instrument back up after years of not playing, or beginning an instrument for the first time, the learning can be fun. The goals you set can also be challenging and exciting to accomplish.
The basics, as we all know, are very important; for memory, good categorization and recall, understanding the terminology musicians use, confidence and an earned sense of true accomplishment.
“When my father was younger, he gave up playing Guitar. It was a passion of his that he put aside for 20 some years. After meeting my (then) future husband my Dad and Ben had a conversation about why he had stopped playing and why he felt that he had to let his passion for playing the guitar go. After their conversation, Dad decided to pick it back up. He began taking lessons again, and we all thought he would do general acoustic guitar lessons like his earlier experiences had offered, learn songs and what have you, but that, was not what motivated him this time. He wanted to learn the mechanics and skills of classical guitar. He was moved by the smooth sound and the tricky fingerings. Learning this specific genre of music, at this age and time of his life, motivated him to work hard and practice daily.”- Sarah Bochenek
Revisiting an Old Friend
There are many cases where students played an instrument at a younger age and decide later in life they want to pick the instrument back up. Taking lessons to refresh and sharpen your skills is a great idea. Doing this can help strengthen your memory and previous knowledge, help fix any bad habits you may have picked up along the way and teach you new, good habits that will increase your skill level. You can go in a completely new direction like Sarah’s father did or start where you left off. Playing is the answer.
Starting Fresh
A lot of times we hear "I wish I had learned an instrument when I was young or I wished I would have stuck with my music lessons" Luckily, it is never too late to start. Though scheduling can be more difficult as we get older, we can typically find at least ten minutes in a day to work on a new skill. Plus the lesson time per week, of course.
As we age, some of the synapses in our brains, not being used, begin to die. Don't panic, you can make new ones! This is why learning a new skill as an adult can also be slightly more difficult in some ways. Not impossible by any means. A proven, great way to motivate this mind growth?... you guessed it, playing/studying music!
Slow and Steady
With some consistent playing and some work, you can learn or relearn a musical instrument!
Join us next time when we discuss Learning an instrument as an adult. As always if you ever have a question or would like to know more please contact us at bensmethod@gmail.com. Also don’t forget to like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @amazingmobilemusic.
