Happy new year! If you have ‘take up a new hobby’ jotted onto your 2025 resolutions then why not consider something musical? Learning and playing music has SO many great benefits and it’s a lot of fun too. Here are a few things to think about if it’s something you’re considering.
Choosing Your Instrument
The first step is deciding what type of music you want to play. Are you drawn to the guitar, piano, or perhaps drums? If you’re a complete beginner then it’s worth spending some time thinking about whats the most appealing and fun looking to you. You might have had some lessons as a child in a particular instrument and already know you like it so could pick back up on that. Think about things like the costs involved (some instruments and setups are a lot pricier than others) and the kind of time you have since some instruments will take a lot longer to learn even the basics.
Buy/ Rent What You Need
Once you’ve chosen your focus, it’s time to gather the basics. If you’re learning an instrument, you’ll need to purchase or borrow one to get started. Learning materials, like books or online tutorials, can also be helpful. If possible, invest in something well made, as it will make the learning process more enjoyable.
Taking Lessons and Learning Techniques
Lessons can make a big difference when you’re starting out. While you could go down the completely self taught route, if you’re a total beginner and dont even know where to start then book a few lessons! They will give you some great tips for how to get started, techniques, troubleshooting and a lot more. They can also give you feedback to improve your skills faster. There are lots of music tutors that work online or in person so have a look to see what’s available and if you can find anyone that you like the look of to give you some pointers, at least early on in your journey.
Creating a Musical Space
Having a dedicated space for your hobby helps you focus and stay consistent with your practice. If you’re playing a loud instrument or singing, soundproofing can make a big difference. Adding rugs, thick curtains or acoustical wedge foam reduces noise for others and improves the sound quality in your space as well. This improved acoustics lets you hear the true tones and nuances of your music, helping you to fine tune your skills and play with better precision which will be important as you get better at your instrument. A soundproofed space also creates a calm environment without distractions that lets you fully immerse yourself in your music. Having a dedicated space for your music hobby is important, not just for you but for the people around you. Playing an instrument or practicing vocals can be loud, and without proper soundproofing the noise can disturb family members, roommates or even neighbors. When you take some steps to reduce the sound that escapes your space, you can practice freely without worrying about bothering others. Soundproofing generally helps keep the peace at home too if you have a loud musical hobby. It allows others in the house to go about their day without being interrupted by your music, especially if they’re working, studying or relaxing. For neighbors (particularly in apartments or houses close together!) it shows consideration for their space and prevents any complaints about noise.
Enjoying the Benefits
Playing music isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to improve your wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, improve your concentration, and boost your confidence as you see your progress. Music also connects people. Whether you’re playing for family and friends or joining a local group, it’s a chance to share your passion. Remember to enjoy the process, learning music takes time, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Celebrate small milestones and don’t worry about being perfect.
What instrument would you most like to learn?