Instruments that are the easiest to pick upMusic brings happiness and joy to people of all ages. While many dream of playing an instrument, very few are willing to put in the time and effort to learn one, thinking it may be too difficult or that they may be too old to learn. However, this is not the case. No matter what age you are, it's never too late to pick up an instrument. The key is finding an instrument that is easy to learn, fits your level of commitment, and matches your personal tastes. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the easiest instruments to learn, regardless of your age or natural talent.  DrumsMany people can find the drums intimidating, but they are actually one of the easiest instruments to learn. While it might take some time to develop hand and foot coordination, the basics are relatively straightforward. With practice, you can learn simple drumbeats for many genres, and the rhythm will come naturally as you play more. Drumming is a great way to express your creativity and make some serious noise. Anyone can learn to play the drums in no time if they put in the practice and dedication! It's important to start off with simple beats and work your way up. As you become more comfortable, you can create complex rhythms that will have your friends dancing along. The more practice you put in, the easier it'll be to find your groove. Don't be afraid to experiment with different genres of music - you never know what kind of sound you might discover! As long as you have fun and stay focused on improving, drumming can be an incredibly rewarding experience.  UkuleleThe ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to pick up, especially for beginners. It's small in size and only has four strings, which make it easier to memorise chords. The strings are also gentle on the fingers, which is perfect for those who are just starting to develop calluses. This instrument is perfect for beginners who want to play along with their favourite songs or perform at social events. The ukulele has a mellow, sweet tone that is great for both strumming and fingerpicking. It's also quite lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Plus, the cost of buying one is generally much lower than traditional guitars or other string instruments. For these reasons, it makes an excellent choice for anyone just starting out on their musical journey. Keyboard/pianoThe keyboard or the piano is also quite easy to learn. It has a range of sounds, and you can start by playing simple songs with just one hand. You can progress to playing more complicated pieces with both hands after time of practicing. The visual component can help beginners understand the basics of music theory, and you can find a wide range of tutorials and resources online. Playing the keyboard or piano can be incredibly rewarding. Pianos are also highly valued in live musicals, as they can serve as the backbone of an orchestra, providing a rich and versatile accompaniment to singers and other instruments.  HarmonicaThe harmonica is another great instrument for beginners as it can be cheap in price. The cost of purchasing a harmonica is relatively low compared to other instruments. It's compact, easy to carry around, and has a unique sound that can be used in many music genres. There may be a slight learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to play songs in no time. The harmonica can be an especially fun instrument to learn. It's great for travelling, as it fits easily into your pocket, and its sound is unmistakable and evocative. Learning how to play the harmonica may require some practice but once you get the hang of it you will soon be able to play lots of songs with ease. SingingFinally, don't forget about your voice! Singing is another way to enjoy music, and it's something anyone can do. You don't have to be a professional singer to sing along with your favourite tunes, and singing can even be a therapeutic outlet for stress and anxiety. There's also a wide range of resources online to help you improve your vocals.
No matter what instrument you choose, playing music is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether it's the ukulele, the keyboard, the harmonica, the drums, or your own voice, you can find an instrument that suits your preference and that's easy to learn. All you need is a little time and dedication, and you'll be jamming with your favourite artists in no time. Remember, play through your age and enjoy the journey of music-making! Blog post by Rosie Buckley
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Where do I find ads for musicians wanted?There are so many places to look: Social media, local music shops, ads in the back of music magazines and online, notices in music venues and rehearsal studios, word of mouth, the possibilities are endless – and it’s easy to get lost. The key is: to know what YOU want. Knowing what you want to achieve will make you better to work with, more positive and focused and undoubtedly help you reach your goals faster. What do I want to gain out of the experience?Some people think of it as a hobby and others as a career choice, either way, it’s about enjoying yourself. Work out how and where you see yourself playing and what kind of commitment you are prepared to make. If you’re not sure, talk to your tutor, other musicians and friends, get involved with workshops, join a drumming group or musical collective. Sometimes you need to find ways to bounce ideas around before making an initial commitment to a band.  What type of music do I want to play?This is not about playing one style but it’s helpful to give yourself a starting point so that finding people becomes easier. You’re likely to discover all sorts of sounds that inspire you and, ultimately, it’s about finding like minded people to play with. Most bands looking for members state music their musical preferences in their ads. Match your taste against theirs. If it fits, get an audition. How long before I find something?Some of you may feel ready to go out there and find your band, others might want to join workshops, collectives and jam with other musicians to get a better idea of which direction they want to go in, musically.
The advice is always the same - If you practice hard, give it your all and keep an open mind, you're likely to do just fine. Putting the work in will open doors to all sorts of opportunities and the more you put yourself out there, the more chance you have. Get involved, stay focused and things will fall into place. Don’t forget if you're a drummer, that compared to the other members of a band, drummers are in high demand, so use this to your advantage. And above all – ENJOY THE RIDE! I have only recently learned her namedue to her recent passing, but I was instantly inspired and curious to learn more about her. As it turns out, she was pretty epic. In a male dominated industry (and world), she was quickly promoted as the ‘fastest girl drummer in the world’ in the 1930’s, alongside blazing a path for women in music. Viola played a giant drum set that included a double bass drum, an instrument that would years later become a tool for hard-hitting rock drummers. Where did it all start? Viola smith took up drumming as a teenager in Wisconsin, when her father assembled the ‘Schmitz sisters family orchestra’ (there were 8 daughters)! Their band played in theatres during school holidays and Viola took lessons from drummers in the orchestra pits. They were soon in demand for weddings and fairs. By 1938, she formed another all-female orchestra - The Croquettes. They moved to New York in 1942, where Viola studied under legendary snare drum innovator Billy Gladstone.  In the same yearas men were being drafted to war and women taking their place in factories, Viola wrote a now-famous article for Down Beat magazine, arguing for the inclusion of women in the big bands of the day. She wrote:
“Many of the star instrumentalists of the big name bands are being drafted. Instead of replacing them with what may be mediocre talent, why not let some of the great girl musicians of the country take their places? “We girls have as much stamina as men. There are many girl trumpet players, girl saxophonists and girl drummers who can stand the grind of long tours and exacting one-night stands. The girls of today are not the helpless creatures of an earlier generation. “Some girl musicians who are as much the masters of their instruments as are male musicians. They can improvise; their solos are well-defined and thought-provoking and show unlimited imagination”. At the height of her success, Viola performed with Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb, as well as for the 33rd president, Harry Truman in 1949. Today in 2020, the drumming industry is still very male dominated, with very few female drummers pursuing it as a full time job. I feel it is important to read about these female pioneers and continue to play in their honour. Let’s keep drumming girls! |
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