How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians

How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians Suzy S. The New York Times posted an interesting infographic last week describing the other, less-publicized trends of the 1 percent including the estimate that only 1 percent of the adult population plays a musical instrument each week. So where do you fit in?   For those of us who have a musical background, it may seem crazy to think that there are so many people out there who havent felt the excitement of playing a song for the first time, the gratification of learning a new language (music!) or the electricity of harmonizing with another musician.   If youve never felt that, whats holding you back? We recently came across a great article from the Music Made Easy blog comparing learning music to traveling and exploring somewhere new, which is the perfect way to think about it.   It can definitely feel like that for the beginner musician but that shouldnt stop you.   It just requires careful preparation and a road map, of sorts. The articles continues on to list out the things you would need to plan if you were traveling, for example: Work out how to get there (Transport) Work out where I want to go once I’m there (Procure a map) Work out how to get around (Navigation) Work out how to deal with possible pitfalls (Inside knowledge) Work out how I’m going to sustain my travel (Fuel) Work out how to obtain day-to-day necessities (Supplies) Next, how would these relate to starting music lessons? 1. Transport = Understand how to practice effectively With effective practice you can get to where you want to go. 2. The Map = Keep a practice diary With this you will be able to see where you have been and where you are headed. 3.  Navigation = Reflective learning This tool can help you to plan the best way to progress. 4. Inside Knowledge = Reacting to your inner critic This information will show you how you can begin to let yourself create great music. 5. Fuel = Motivation This will give you guidance on how to keep your motivation levels up in order to keep learning. 6. Supplies = Performing and recording These aspects are necessary to keep yourself happy and comfortable in music so that you can continue to play. While the article points out there is no final destination in music, if youre armed with this kind of knowledge and preparation, you can come out of your travels with a new skill-set, and the satisfaction of reaching a goal.   And just as you would look back on the memory of a great vacation, you can look back on how much you learned and how much fun you had during the process.   So the question is: Are you ready for the adventure? Your turn: what are your goals, and whats holding you back?   How are you working to overcome your fears?   Leave a comment below or join the conversation on Facebook! Ready to try your hand at music lessons?   Search for instructors near you and learn more about TakeLessons here. Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. Photo by Chris Blakeley.