Top 5 Things to Know Before Your First Music Lesson

1. Research Instrument and Music Genres That Interest You

If you’re torn between piano and violin, let’s explore some of the key differences and considerations that can steer your decision:

Cost Comparison

• Keyboard/Digital piano – $250 to $1,500+
• Traditional upright piano – $2,000 to $10,000+
• Beginner violin outfit (instrument, bow, case) – $200 to $1,000+

Without question, violins are significantly more affordable than most keyboards and pianos. You can purchase a very playable beginner violin outfit for under $500 if you know where to look and don’t mind buying used gear.

Ergonomic and Physical Factors

Learning any instrument presents unique physical and coordination challenges. Here are key ergonomic considerations with piano vs violin:

Hand Size

• Children learning piano need hands big enough to comfortably reach one octave (8 notes)
• Smaller hands can maneuver well on 1/2 or 3/4-size violins better suited for kids

Finger Dexterity

• Piano focuses on fluid movement between keys
• Violin demands building calluses and finger strength to press strings down

Limb Independence

• Piano utilizes both hands simultaneously to play chords, melody, and basslines
• Violin requires separating bowing and fingering across both arms

Don’t let hand size or dexterity concerns deter you! Teachers provide specialized exercises and techniques tailored to every student’s developmental needs.

For example, young piano students with small hands play simplified arrangements and broken chords until their hands grow. Violinists use finger exercisers and lighter string gauges to build dexterity without pain.

The learning curve is manageable with consistent practice focused on your strengths and weaknesses.

Music Theory Background

Understanding how to read sheet music provides a strong foundation applicable to any instrument. Piano may be better suited to initially learning the music theory basics around notes, rhythm, scales, and sight reading.

Guitar focuses more on playing by ear early on before gradually introducing music notation. That said, I highly suggest asking your guitar teacher to incorporate sight reading and theory workbooks right from the start.

Here’s a quick overview of core music theory areas beginners should tackle:

• Note names and values
• Key signatures
• Time signatures, tempo, rhythm
• Major, minor, and pentatonic scales
• Basic chord construction (triads vs seventh chords)
• Common chord progressions in major and minor keys

Don’t let the terminology intimidate you! The concepts become very intuitive when learned incrementally alongside your instrument training. Theory and playing skills develop together in parallel.

Teacher Availability

One pragmatic consideration for selecting either piano or guitar is simply teacher availability in your local area. Some rural regions have limited options, especially for niche instruments like harp, organ, or accordion.

Search online music schools filtering by your city and instrument type. See how many qualified teachers pop up. If piano instructor options outnumber guitar teachers 4 to 1 in your area, then piano may win out.

Other Common First Instruments

Beyond guitar and piano, other popular first instruments for beginners include:

• Cello – Intense focus on posture, bow technique, and finger placement
• Drums – Development of limb independence and rhythmic feel
• Voice lessons – Breath control, expanding vocal range, protecting vocal health
• Flute – Embouchure development, breath support, and finger dexterity
• Saxophone or trumpet – Training both facial and finger muscles unique to winds

Ultimately, select whichever instrument authentically resonates with your musical passions, even if outside the common beginner instruments. Cello, harmonica, banjo, and ukulele offer incredibly fun alternatives.

The right instrument matches your listening tastes and the types of music you wish to play. Now let’s explore popular music genres connected to some of these instruments.

Music Genres by Instrument

Once you select an instrument, identify what music genres inspire you to want to learn. Do you envision strumming Ed Sheeran songs on guitar? Or classical pieces on the piano? Jazz saxophone? Thrashing out metal riffs on an electric guitar?

Here are the most common music styles linked to popular first instruments:

Guitar

• Pop, rock, folk
• Heavy metal, punk
• Blues, jazz, country
• Classical, flamenco
• Reggae, bossa nova

Piano

• Classical
• Jazz
• Pop, rock
• Blues, ragtime
• Choral accompaniment

Drums

• Rock, pop
• Funk, soul, R&B
• Jazz, blues
• Metal, punk

Violin

• Classical
• Folk
• Country
• Bluegrass

Research popular music styles connected to the instruments you’re interested in learning. This will give you a better sense of what excites you sonically and can even influence the type of teacher you search for later.

For example, a drummer who loves progressive rock and heavy metal would likely not mesh well with a jazz pianist teacher. Seek instructors experienced in the genres you want to play.

Questions to Consider

Before selecting your first instrument, ask yourself these questions:

• What artists or bands do I want to emulate?
• Can I see myself practicing this instrument daily?
• Does the instrument work within my budget for both rental/purchase and lessons?
• Am I choosing this instrument simply because my friends play it too?
• What aspects of this instrument are intriguing to me? The sound? Look? Playing style?

Answer these questions honestly before committing to an instrument long-term. Select based on your authentic musical passions, not just peer or social pressures.

2. Find the Right Music Teacher for You

Selecting the instructor that best matches your learning style, musical interests, and personality goes a very long way. Teacher-student compatibility often makes or breaks progress for new musicians.

Here are key factors to evaluate as you search for your perfect music teacher match:

Credentials & Experience

Search for instructors boasting strong educational backgrounds and teaching tenure:

• Formal music degrees – Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees indicate deeper knowledge and credibility
• Years of full-time private lesson-teaching experience
• Impressive student reviews and testimonials on their website or teacher profiles

While degrees don’t automatically make better teachers, they do signify a higher commitment to musical education. I suggest beginners avoid self-taught instructors lacking proven backgrounds.

That said, real-world performing experience also has immense value! The best teachers blend both academic and practical experience into their curriculum.

A teacher with 20 years of stage and studio experience who also formally studied music education makes a wonderful mentor. They transfer hard-won knowledge from their career into customized lesson plans.

Teaching Methodology

An instructor’s teaching style and methods either click with your learning approach or painfully clash. Pay attention to these aspects:

Personality Match

You want an instructor who makes you feel comfortable yet challenged. Your personalities don’t need to precisely align but must foster mutual trust and respect.

Customized Curriculum

Quality teachers tailor lesson plans and song selections to your personal goals and strengths. Cookie-cutter approaches lead to student burnout and poor retention.

Patience

Learning an instrument necessitates ample encouragement and breaking techniques down step-by-step. Find a mentor attentive to your pace of absorbing new skills.

Communication Method

The best instructors convey concepts in multiple ways, not just repeating the same vague instructions. They rephrase, demonstrate, and relate each idea to your musical interests so understanding clicks.

Passion for Teaching

While impossible to quantify, you can sense when a teacher loves their job and cares about your advancement. That passion is contagious and keeps you motivated!

Location Options

You typically face a choice between in-person lessons at the instructor’s studio or online lessons via video chat. Here are the pros and cons of each format:

In-Home Lessons

• Offer personalized attention in a casual environment
• Convenient without commute time
• Parent attendance easier for young students
• Limited instruments and lesson resources

Teacher’s Studio

• Access to more instruments, amps, tools
• Recording equipment for playbacks/critique
• Structured environment focused solely on learning
• Interaction with other students

Online Lessons

• Extremely convenient to learn anywhere
• Access to teachers beyond your geography
• Lower-cost lessons without studio overhead
• Slightly less personal connection

I suggest starting with in-person lessons to receive hands-on guidance on technique, and then assessing if online lessons could work well after building foundations. Students under age 10 tend to benefit most from continued in-person lessons.

Adults with developed practice skills adapt better to remote lessons. But never hesitate to ask your online teacher for a video call to demonstrate techniques live on your instrument!

3. Set Realistic First Lesson Expectations

Anxious excitement before your first lesson is very normal. In your mind, you’ve likely imagined flawlessly playing songs soon after beginning lessons. Hold that eager vision lightly understanding there’s a learning progression to navigate first as a beginner.

Just be aware that playing full pieces of music from start to finish is usually a longer-term goal after months of consistent practice. Early lessons focus on slowly integrating new techniques, not rushing into advanced repertoire.

What Will I Learn My First Lesson?

• Proper instrument positioning and posture
• Notes and finger/fret positions
• Single notes, then basic chords
• Simple melodies/riffs to coordinate fundamentals
• Assignments for establishing good daily practice habits

The first 2-4 lessons focus on technique foundations, not playing full songs. Learning proper hand form, notes, chords, and scales through repetitive exercises may seem mundane at first but quickly pays off.

Walking before you run applies perfectly to instrument lessons. Master key beginner competencies like consistent tone quality, steady rhythm, and ergonomic hand alignment. This unlocks your ability to then coordinate everything together into complete songs.

Challenges to Expect

Learning to translate music instruction into precise physical actions on an instrument takes great patience and persistence for new students. Prepare for some typical beginner difficulties:

• Sore fingertips from pressing guitar strings or piano keys
• Wrist tension or fatigue from poor posture
• Remembering note names or finger positions
• Struggling through practice plateaus where advancement stalls

Embrace these challenges as normal parts of the learning process. Your instructor equips you with techniques and resources to overcome them. Be patient with yourself as muscle memory develops.

For example, every new guitarist experiences painful fingers and hand cramps. This is an unfortunate right of passage! Focus on proper finger positioning and lightly holding chords to minimize discomfort until calluses form.

Piano students must balance sitting up straight while keeping their wrists and hands relaxed. Proper hand form and finger curvature help alleviate strain. Your teacher corrects posture issues and monitors fatigue.

How Much Material is Covered?

Instructors blend teaching by ear with reading notation. Expect to cover 2-3 very simple beginner songs or exercises during your first month of weekly 30-minute lessons. The focus is laying foundations, not overwhelming you!

I measure new student progress by consistent practice times, not the sheer amount of content covered. Thirty minutes of attentive daily rehearsal hugely outweighs a sporadic weekend practice binge!

4. Vetting and Trial Periods

Thoroughly vet potential music teachers before committing long-term. Most offer an introductory trial lesson at no cost or reduced price. Consider trialing 2-3 instructors to compare teaching approaches.

Come prepared with questions to assess competency and teaching philosophies during the trial. Ask about:

• Musical upbringing and performance experience
• Years of teaching and student retention rates
• Methods for tailoring lessons to your learning style
• Communication preferences (email/text/phone)
• Backup plans for online lessons when sick

Also, request brief student testimonials and contact info you can reach for candid feedback.

This vetting process requires an investment of time upfront. But finding the perfect teacher match is infinitely worth it to maximize your learning experience and progress!

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Beyond just selecting the right instructor, there are additional steps you can take to set yourself up for success:

• Purchase quality equipment – Invest in a reliable instrument, accessories, and learning materials. Cheap gear often leads to frustration.
• Create a dedicated practice space – Designate a specific area for focused practice free from distractions. Make it comfortable and inviting.
• Schedule consistent lesson times – Block off weekly lessons at a recurring time that fits your schedule. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
• Communicate openly with your teacher – Share your goals, struggles, and successes. Ask for feedback and guidance regularly.
• Celebrate small wins – Acknowledge each milestone achieved, no matter how minor. Tracking progress maintains motivation.
• Join a community of learners – Connect with other students for support, accountability, and inspiration. Online forums and local jam groups help.

Taking a proactive, holistic approach to your musical journey lays the foundation for long-term growth and enjoyment. Learning an instrument is a marathon, not a sprint. Set yourself up for success from day one!

5. Practice Tips for Beginners

Success in learning an instrument requires regular, mindful practice between lessons. Even 15-30 minutes daily is infinitely more valuable than a single 2-hour marathon session once a week. Consistency breeds skill.

Here are my top practice tips for new students:

Create a Schedule

Set a consistent daily practice time and stick to it. Treat practice like any other important appointment. Block off 15-30 minutes minimum and gradually increase as your stamina improves.

Find a Quiet Space

Designate a specific practice area free from distractions like TV, phone notifications, or foot traffic. This focused environment trains your brain to enter a learning mindset whenever you pick up your instrument there.

Start with a Warm-up

Begin each practice session with 2-5 minutes of physical and mental warm-up exercises. Gentle stretches, breathing techniques, and finger dexterity drills help you transition from daily life stresses into a centered learning mode.

Use a Metronome

Practicing with a metronome dramatically improves your timing and rhythmic accuracy. Set the tempo slower than you think at first to prioritize precision. Gradually increase the metronome speed to build control.

Break It Down

Isolate small sections of songs measure by measure. Master just 2-4 measures at a time instead of always playing from start to finish. Slowly link small chunks together to develop muscle memory.

Listen Actively

Play along with recordings of pieces you’re learning whenever possible. Active listening builds critical connections between your ears, brain, and muscle movements. Sing rhythms and melodies out loud too!

Record Yourself

Video or audio record snippets of your practice to objectively assess your performance. Note areas where you tend to rush, drag, or play wrong notes. Self-critique accelerates progress more than mindless repetitions.

Stay Positive

Learning an instrument is a gradual process with peaks and valleys in motivation. Stay patient and positive despite the inevitable bad days or frustrating passages. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.

Have Fun!

Remember your original inspiration for wanting to learn an instrument. Mix “work” like exercises and theory with “play” time jamming your favorite songs. Musical joy and discipline go hand in hand.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and mindset, your first music lesson will be an exciting start to a lifelong journey of growth and creative fulfillment. By researching your instrument options, finding a compatible teacher, setting realistic expectations, and establishing consistent practice habits, you set yourself up for musical success.

Remember that every master musician started as an eager beginner too. Embrace the inevitable challenges as opportunities to problem-solve and build character. Trust the learning process to unfold week by week.

Most importantly, let your genuine passion for music drive your daily commitment to improving. Your effort will pay off immensely in both personal satisfaction and your ability to uplift others through the universal language of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest instruments for beginners?

The easiest instruments for beginners are the violin and piano. They are affordable, accessible, and teach foundational music theory.

How much do intro music lessons cost?

Private teachers charge $50-$90 per 30-60 minute lesson. Instructor rates depend on experience level and location.

How long until I can play songs?

Expect to begin playing very simple songs within 1-2 months. However, mastering full pieces takes 6+ months for most beginners. Manage expectations and practice diligently.

How do I know if I’ve found the right music teacher?

Look for instructors with strong educational backgrounds, years of teaching experience, and positive student reviews. Ensure their teaching style, personality, and communication method align with your learning preferences.

What should I expect to learn in my first few lessons?

In your first few lessons, you’ll learn proper instrument positioning and posture, basic notes and finger positions, single notes and chords, and simple melodies or riffs. You’ll also receive assignments to establish good daily practice habits.

How often should I practice as a beginner?

Aim for 15-30 minutes of focused practice every day. Consistency is key to building skills and muscle memory. Gradually increase practice time as your stamina improves.

What are some common challenges beginners face when learning an instrument?

Common challenges include sore fingertips, wrist tension or fatigue, difficulty remembering note names or finger positions, and struggling through practice plateaus. Embrace these challenges as normal parts of the learning process and work with your instructor to develop techniques to overcome them.