It’s never too late to learn something new in life. No matter how complicated it looks, there’s always a way to work it out. The same goes for music; whatever your age, you’ll always be able to learn something new if you put your mind to it.
Does learning to play a musical instrument top your life’s wish list? For most of us, the thought of playing a musical instrument is always exciting. However, our careers, family responsibilities, and social obligations often prevent us from pursuing our interests. It is only when you retire from your responsibilities that you become aware of the unfulfilled desires in your life. So, in case you haven’t been fortunate enough to receive music lessons in your youth, you can still consider the pros
Does it Get Tougher When You’re Older?
The honest answer is yes, it does. For the grown and mature mind, comprehending something completely new can be a bit difficult, but in no way impossible. It will only take a little longer than it would have if you were young. Playing any musical instrument involves hand-eye coordination, steady fingers and elbows, controlled breath, and a focused mind. It’s all still manageable, but only at a slower rate. Which is why you shouldn’t really compare yourself to anyone younger at your learning level.
That said, the level of difficulty of your learning a new instrument is directly proportional to exactly how you want to play that instrument. Do you want something to play comfortable songs with at family or social gatherings? Or do you want to try to do something more serious, like composing your own songs? The former needs very basic training and is easy to start, while the latter can take up quite a bit of your time and money. You’ll have to decide when you pick your instrument.
Choosing a Musical Instrument for Adult Beginners
To put it simply, the easiest instrument to learn for you is the one which you feel like playing from your heart! Yes, if you are really interested in playing something, you will eventually develop a talent to play that instrument. On the other hand, you can rarely excel at playing an instrument you have no interest in. Hence, if you’re really passionate about any instrument, pick it up. If you don’t have any particular instrument in mind, then you can pick any of the following ones.
One final thing that needs to be taken into account is the genre that you are interested in. Different music forms, such as jazz, rock, country, classical, etc., all adopt various musical instruments, which are irreplaceable to the particular music form. Lastly, all the musical instruments are not suitable for everyone. Your mouth shape plays a vital role while playing mouth instruments, like a harmonica. Hence, first check if the instrument that you decide to play suits your physical abilities.
Some of the Easiest Instruments to Learn for Adults
Percussion Instruments
Djembe Drum
One of the simplest percussion instruments to learn and practice is the djembe. It is also very easy to carry around, and can be quite a hit at any party you go to. The only problem with the djembe is that your hands will be sore when you initially start practicing. But as with all instruments, there’s nothing a little practice won’t solve.
Basic Drum Set
The drums will take some time to get used to, but once muscle memory sets in, playing them can be a very rewarding experience. It keeps you in shape, and you play some funky beats along the way!
Stringed Instruments
Guitar
If you are a fan of rock music, you sure could consider learning to play the guitar. However, at an entry-level, go for an acoustic guitar and learn to play folk music. Guitar is one instrument that can be played at solo performances. What’s more, you can even sing while playing it!
Autoharp
An autoharp is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something unconventional and easy. It’s a great instrument to play chords on, and doesn’t even tax your fingers as much as a guitar.
Wind Instruments
Trumpet
The trumpet belongs to the brass family of musical instruments. Trumpets are mostly in demand in jazz music. They are pretty easy to learn even at the beginner’s level, but require a strong pair of lungs. Apart from that, it is very easy to transport and fun to play. While choosing a trumpet, go for one that does not have a painted surface, because the paint tends to chip off after some time.
Flute
The flute is another musical instrument that is very popular. It offers the most inexpensive option of learning for beginners. However, playing a flute may not be easy for some people as it greatly depends upon the shape of your lips. If you have something called ‘teardrop’ lips, then you may not be able to play it, as the upper lip tends to block the air.
Other Instruments
Piano
If you can’t afford, or don’t want, a grand piano, then even a common synthesizer will be sufficient. Getting a tutor will be just as easy, they’re pretty common.
The piano holds a unique stance while learning. It is quite easy to begin with. The chords and simpler note plays can be learned fast enough. But it gets much tougher on the intermediate and advanced levels. But again, it is one of the most common instruments, so you’ll have no shortage of learning material for it.
Xylophone
A sweet sounding percussion instrument that’s incredibly peaceful to play, the xylophone is definitely an easy instrument to learn. Of course, there are increased complexities on higher levels, but as a beginner, you should have no problem adapting to the xylophone.
Although we now have this list, I’ll reiterate that learning an instrument will be easy if you’re actually into it. The more you love it, the easier it gets. For example, many people will agree that the drums take years of practice, perseverance, and physical strength. But for someone with better motor skills and a natural sense of rhythm, the basics can be done in a few months. That’s why, in the end, the instrument will only sound as good as your love for it.
