How much time does it take to learn to play a musical instrument well?

Question

Can someone become a great musician simply through practice, practice, practice? Or is there something more that is required to play an instrument really well, like being born with an innate talent for playing music? What is the most difficult instrument to learn? I played the clarinet in the past for a very short time, but I ended up losing interest. Yet now I feel like learning to play an instrument again, but I don't even remember how to read music.

Answer 1

you can learn to play well in a couple years. if you practice enough and depending on the instrument. i think to play really inspiring music it is something you are born with. playing well just hitting right notes in the right place, understanding how those things go together is just about practice. playing music that touches people in their heart or crotch is another thing.

Answer 2

To answer your first question, yes there's more. It takes dedication and commitment. I used to practice 2 hours during the week and 5-8 hours for the weekend. Put hours to your practices.

Now, you want to check out a sight-reading book from the library. Start with a basic book, not so complicated. And if you would like to learn more in depth, check out a music theory book. It will help you understand the formations of scales and other elements.

I think there's no such thing as to what instrument is hard to learn. So, clarinet didn't work out. Try a sax; soprano, alto, tenor, baritone. Since you're used to the woodwind mouthpiece. Mostly because it's related to the saxes.

You can always try a brass instrument. I play trumpet myself. And it's great to play. It's not as sexy as the sax, but it's a powerful and leading instrument to work with. You can scream them high notes and stuff. But hey, there's more to that. There's the shape of your tone--intonation; and other stuff that will make you a good musician.

Well, I hope this helps a bit. Good Luck to you, girl. Peace!

Answer 3

It depends on how well you want to get. You can become pretty good at an instrument in about three years if you practice enough, but it can take people many years to learn to play an instrument really well. If you want to become really good at an instrument, you should get a good private teacher. However, even without a private teacher, you can learn to play an instrument pretty well on your own.

Answer 4

You're never too old. I only learned/started guitar when I was 16/17 as well. I think it's easier to learn some stuff on keyboard but guitar is fun too. Guitar is harder to grasp in the beginning. As far as choosing, I'm really not sure. I love both a lot. I think you should go with guitar but either one is a great choice. Also, if you go with guitar, I suggest acoustic first because if you are ever planning on playing electric, it's easier to switch from acoustic to electric rather than the other way around.

Answer 5

playing instruments take lots and lots of practice but the most important thing of all is the you should have a superier mucitian that can teach you how he learnd how to play and get all the notes right . please forgive my spelling errors

Answer 6

learn to read music and practice that is really all you have to do that is all i did and i am pretty good

Answer 7

I've wondered whether I should start to play again myself.A co-worker keeps coaxing me,he's never even heard me play.For me, it was practice, practice , practice ,......then it became easier.

Answer 8

a very wise teacher once told me that when you begin to dream the thing you are learning...in my case it was a language...you are starting to incorporate the learning into your being..........

Answer 9

depends on the person & their talent ...