With every New Year comes New Year Resolutions. For a lot of men out there, this is an excellent way to start new hobbies. Going to the gym regularly, running more, and walking a certain number of steps are common resolutions to have. For those wanting a less ‘physical’ change in their routine, learning to play musical instruments is also a great idea.
Playing an instrument is very easy to start but tricky to advance. While the initial motivation may be there, in practice, you may find it a bit harder to keep going. The piano is a perfect example of this. The idea of playing the piano is fascinating – you get to create wonderful music with a classic instrument. However, it can also be a very intimidating item at first glance. With nearly a hundred keys to work with and each one corresponding to a specific tune, it can be difficult to wrap your head around all the work required.
Taking the First Steps
Where do you start? Playing the piano is a very fulfilling instrument to master, but also requires a ton of dedication and practice. Without constant work and a guiding hand, you will never improve. Feedback is key to improving your abilities. Thankfully, we have modern technology to help us learn.
For instance, Skoove.com is an excellent website filled with interactive piano lessons. With the help of technology, books and expensive classes no longer limit those wanting to learn the piano. Now, you can actually watch videos for tips and notes. All you need is a PC, a phone, or a tablet to get started. For those wanting a more ‘personal’ approach, Skoove also has tutors and instructors ready to help. They can critique your work, give tips on what to improve, and provide advice based on their years of experience.
It also helps to have small goals in mind. For example, playing a specific song on the piano is a great goal to keep you going. Skoove can also help in this regard, having over 400 different piano lessons available. You can try playing the classics, or even go for a more modern take.
Making Progress
While having guides and easy-to-understand lessons help, it will not matter if your mind is not fully into it. Keeping motivated while learning an instrument can be tough. You may feel discouraged by the lack of (or not fast enough) improvement. It is important to remember that without constant practice, you will never improve. And when you do start improving, you will truly appreciate the efforts you put in.
Having unrealistic expectations can also lead to a quick exit. Monitoring your progress is a great way to manage expectations. Finding a hobby (or an instrument, in this case) that you are actually passionate about can help maintain focus. It is easier to practice day in and day out if you are enjoying yourself while playing.
Resolutions are small promises to help improve yourself for the next year. Remember that while self-improvement is great, you cannot make it a permanent part of your routine if you do not enjoy it.
