Have you taught yourself to play an instrument? What have your experiences been?

Answer 1

I was taught the violin by public school teachers ... they were great, but my attitude sucked ... consequently, I sounded like I was killing a cat.

I put the violin down for years, until my sister decided to play violin in public school. She wouldn't take violin lessons unless I went with her and played with her. Since I was doing it of my own accord, I improved 100% and actually made music instead of making dying cat sounds. I even dabbled in third & fouth hand positions (but I sucked) Well, my sister too tired of the violin and we both ignored it ...

Again, I picked up the violin, and bought music & CD's which let me be lead violin accompanied by the other quartett ... ah-ha ... I sound like a professional ... no teachers, just my pure desire to take what I've learned and imitate what the professionals did ... weeeee.

Answer 2

As a kid, I thought I wanted to play an instrument, but I didn't know what. I took lessons at school for trumpet and saxaphone. To the world's betterment, I soon gave up either.

I lost any interest in playing anything until my junior year in high school. My dad, one day brought home a strange looking guitar. It was rather large, painted blue and white with two "F" holes on either side of the strings. It was a hollow body acoustic, with an electric pick up.

I was in love, and taught myself a hand full of chords. I had an interest in folk music, so, naturally, I learned quite a few songs. I carried that big blue beast everywhere and played avery chance I got. During my first year of college, I could be seen, putt putting downtown on my Honda 90 with this guitar strapped to my back

Along the way, I tootled a bit on a recorder and various hand made flutes, but the guitar was my true love. I genuinely grieved when it was stolen.

Some few months later, I got another. It was a wide necked folk guitar, and I quickly got back into the rythym. I even took a night school class in finger picking, which greatly improved the quality of my playing.

I got my next big boost in learning by hooking up with a handfull of enthusiasts and wannabees. We played and "jammed" about 4 or 5 times a week. I found I learned more from these guys in a few months than I had taught myself in the previous 10 years. If I leave any advice for people reading this question, I hope it is this: Once you have learned a few basics of the instrument, find a group of like minded people and play together as much as you can. You will each have your own strengths and will learn from each other. It works, and it's great fun.

Answer 3

I taught myself Drums n percussions. First i started of playin Bongo :) when i was 5. I use to play cassettes n try to get the rythm (which would sound annoyin for my mom). Later i grabbed the art of calculatin the tempo n moved on to playin octopads when i was 7. When i was 8 i played the drums for the first time in my life for a church praise n worship session. Ppl started to appreciate me. Once i started gettin noticed it was great force me to learn more n get better n better. Found a band called Bootstrapz while in school. Went on playin for the band n made some good money by playin for rock competitions. When i hit the college played for one more band called Nomads. Released coupla albums with em. N now.... Am into Djing n Psytrance production. N i can proudly say that i learnt it all on my own. N all the things that i taught myself has stuck in my head n i've developed m y own unique style... since i did not learn from any1.

Answer 4

Yes I am self taught on three instruments and have become proficient enough to play in several bands. Drums I played for almost twenty years I sucked for three years before I got decent. Harmonica I've played more than twenty years I only stunk it up about a year. It's easier because you can practice anytime it's in your pocket.Currently teaching myself guitar I'm two years in still sucking,Seriously considering lessons. I'll give it two more before I do. The neat thing about teaching yourself is (you probably have to put in twice as much practice time) you really get to know your instrument inside out. And you tend to develop your own sound or style.

Answer 5

My first instrument was clarinet. When I was in highschool I taught myself to play trumpet and then saxophone. It's a much easier switch from a woodwind to a woodwind than a woodwind to a brass! I can still play on a trumpet, but not really well. It's difficult to hit the higher notes-- you have to be able to move a lot of air!

When I taught myself sax (alto) I ended up joining the Jazz Band and I ended up playing alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone at different points. It was fun to be able to double up on instruments. However, even playing the saxophone was difficult because it requires a different embouchure...

But still I ended up being the saxophone section leader in marching/concert band one year and it was a great experience. Definetly go for it! Especially if you can borrow the instrument to learn on from a music instructor. If that's the case you have nothing to lose in at least trying!

Answer 6

I've taught myself how to play guitar. I started over ten years ago and have not looked back since. You have to be willing to challenge yourself into getting better, ya know like self motivation. Get instructional booklets and depending on the instrument try to learn as many different styles as you can to start developing your own sound. It is definitely possible to teach one self to play an instrument, but it takes a lot of patience and extreme dedication to improve. I hope this helps. Cheers!

Answer 7

I taught myself how to play the Tenor Saxaphone. It was great at first but then it got a bit boring. It's fun to play but it really is a pain in the a-r-s-e to carry as it gets really heavy after a while. It's worth trying though and it doesn't take long to learn.

Answer 8

I taught myself to play guitar and have been playing now for 25+ yrs. It is a lot of fun, and very occupying when you are bored. And if life in general becomes a burden it is a great place to hide for a while. It is my own private Idaho.

Answer 9

I've taught myself several.....Played in bands for years! Very rewarding! Take the time to do it right.....Learn from everyone. Might be smart to take a Fundamentals of Music class.

Answer 10

I taught myself tuba, bass guitar, irish penny whistle, and the piano. I played the trumpet before then. It all came pretty natural to me, though. I think it's because my father talked about music ever since I was a baby though...