The Stages of Learning an Instrument

By Kat


Instruments are great...sometimes. Of course, music has its perks, being a great form of expression and wondrous when you master it. But learning an instrument, of course, has its downsides.
While learning the flute, you have to consider adjusting your embouchure, having consistent tone, having deft fingering, breathing at the right points, having the right articulation...instruments are all the same- there are a lot of perks to learn and not much time to learn them. Plus, there's all the costs associated with music exams, and textbooks, and repairs...it's never easy.

While learning an instrument, I went through the following stages:
- Excitement:
"I'm so excited! I'm going to learn a new instrument and I'll play music and I shall become the GREATEST MUSICIAN IN ALL THE LAND and I shall accomplish this goal by the end of the week oh man I will practise so much until I master this art!"
- Overestimating:
"An eighth grade piece you say? How curious. Print that off for me please, I shall get it done by the end of the week! You know what, photocopy that whole book for me. I will be far too bored if I only have one piece to master."
- Annoyance:
"Why. Why. Just. Why. I thought this was the right fingering what is this but these keys are right I've tried this ten times why is it still not working?!??!"
- Ragequit:
"WHAT THE HELL I'VE TRIED THE SAME LINE THIRTY TIMES BY NOW WHY CAN I NOT GET IT WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM DO THE KEYS NOT WORK I DON'T EVEN I DON'T I GIVE UP. I'M FINISHED.
- Improvement:
"It's a slow road, but I think...I think I might be getting there."
- Achievement:
"I did it! I finally did it! I'm so proud of myself! I shall flaunt this piece forevermore! I shall show up everyone else in my class!"
- Routine:
"Looks like it's practise time again. Bah."

So there you are. Whether you are starting an instrument, in the middle of one, or at the end of your long journey, I wish you good times with your instrument friend. Despite how much its smug face might seem to hate you sometimes. it truly does mean well. Just cooperate, work hard, calm down, and I promise that piece will be mastered soon enough.