Do you have some free time on your hands and you want to pick up a musical instrument? You may have visions of years of training at some prestigious musical college. However, making music doesn’t have to be a serious and demanding pastime. It can also be a fun, casual hobby that you can learn right at your overbed table. You just need to find the right instrument and learn how to play it, one step at a time.
Five Beginner-Friendly Instruments
Recorder
These lightweight and inexpensive wind instruments are a popular choice for beginners of all ages. In fact, you may be learning at the same time as your kids or grandkids. You might end up creating your own family band.
Harmonica
Want to play a wind instrument, but recorders aren’t your style? Harmonicas are fun and portable. They can be operated with just one hand and don’t require a lot of finger dexterity.
Bongo Drums
Do you love the beat of the music above all? A collection of bongos in different sizes and materials let you unleash your inner drummer. Unlike a full drum set, which requires serious floor space, bongos can be played at your overbed table.
Ukulele
This pint-sized version of a heavy, bulky guitar is a lot of fun. Once you learn a few chords, you can follow along with both island melodies and modern pop songs.
Electronic Piano
Electronic pianos, also called keyboards, come in a variety of sizes. Some are quite small and affordable. They simulate the sounds of different instruments as well as play metronomes and accompanying music.
Learning to Play
How do you learn to play a new instrument? Find a good set of lessons, practice regularly, and make it fun!
Take Lessons
A good lesson plan builds up in difficulty, starting with the basics and ending with complex songs. It’s helpful to use a variety of materials including songbooks, DVD or YouTube courses, and maybe even private coaching.
Practice Daily
Try to practice every day, or at least several times a week. Yes, you can spend all Saturday on your instrument. You’ll learn more, retain more, and avoid burnout with shorter, frequent sessions. Watch out for fatigue when you start. Does your ukulele give you hand cramps? Start with half an hour per session and slowly build endurance.
Follow Your Passions
You’ll learn more and be more enthusiastic when you’re playing the music you love. Not a fan of classical pieces? Try your favorite oldies rock or pop songs instead. If you have your heart set on mastering a complicated piece of music, learn it one chunk at a time.