Music

Ever thought about switching-off the Xbox and becoming a real guitar hero? Or turning that messy relationship into a chart-topping love song? Or perhaps you’re far too refined for pop music and want to experience the sonic bliss of playing in an orchestra? Well, despite what you may think, learning an instrument and playing music isn’t rocket science. It may seem tricky at first but all it takes is a bit of hard work, dedication and practice (unless you have your heart set on playing the cowbell, in which case it’s pretty easy!).

Obviously the first thing you should think about is what instrument you’re going to learn. Most people who want to play guitar, bass or drums (the meat and veg of any rock band) simply teach themselves. There are hundreds of tuition books and DVDs out there, which don’t cost much and can get you riffing, wailing and shredding in no time. In fact, you should be able to pick up basic guitar chords within a couple of months, and that’s all you really need to write a punk song! Then it’s simply a case of convincing your friends to form a band, or finding bandmates online.

However, some people prefer to learn through music lessons and tuition. Although this is far more expensive than teaching yourself, it can be a much more effective and quicker way of learning, as you’re working with a tutor who can immediately identify your strengths and weaknesses. Also learning more orchestral instruments can be easier with a properly trained teacher. If you want to learn violin or cello for instance, then you may be better-off getting lessons.

So, if you’ve read all that and are still interested in playing an instrument, take a look at the links below for all the info you need to get started on your musical odyssey.