Making music is a beautiful thing. Not only does it give you a sense of achievement, it provides an expressive outlet that can be both profitable and relaxing. Greatness however doesn't come easy. In this fast-paced generation, even musicians need to hone their crafts to stay relevant. Music can be very challenging as it takes quite a bit of hard work but do not feel discouraged. In this article, we'll be sharing five tips for improving musical skills.
1. Listen more intentionally.
A good musician is a good listener. One of the best ways to improve your music skills is to actively listen to more music. From classical pieces to modern pop songs, there are so many genres to explore and deconstruct. By exposing yourself to a variety of styles, you begin to understand the different elements that make up a great song. You will also learn how to appreciate different instruments and melodies, and may even gain inspiration. There is nothing more beneficial for your training than to listen intentionally.
2. Practice more.
After listening comes practice. To become truly great at something you would need to put in the hours and work required. For example, if you want to learn the guitar, you should be practicing consistently with a dedicated practice or warm-up regime. People have a tendency to put off activities when they become 'difficult or boring', but if you are willing to stick to it and put in the effort, there's so much you can achieve. You may find that learning new things about your craft will give you the drive to keep creating.
3. Set realistic goals.
Set realistic targets and work towards them. Whether it be short-term goals like learning a certain scale by heart during one practice and mastering a full song by the end of the week, or a long-term goal like putting on a full performance by the end of the year - goal-setting helps you approach each practice session with a more productive attitude. Additionally, by accomplishing set goals, you’ll enjoy a greater sense of achievement as your skills begin to develop.
4. Take lessons.
Taking lessons is another effective way to become a better musician. No matter your skill level, there’s always something new to learn. A teacher can help you develop new techniques and improve old ones. Paying for lessons, however, isn’t necessarily for everyone as there are plenty of self-taught musicians out there, coupled with the many free resources available for skill development. Take advantage. Additionally, as iron sharpens iron, with collaborations you could always trade skills with musician friends.
5. Be patient.
Improvement requires patience, especially if you’re just starting out. Musical mastery doesn't happen overnight, so if you meet an obstacle, don’t worry, keep going until you get it right. It takes a lot of discipline, time, and effort to be a truly great musician. Start slow and work on your techniques. Patience with consistent practice will help you build a solid foundation.
In conclusion,
It's often tempting to stay within your comfort zone, but the reward of learning something new is worth it. Challenge yourself! Like anything worth fighting for, it may get frustrating because of the hard work required, but in a few months, a year or two, you would be so glad you didn't give up. Remember to have fun while at it!