Learning to play an instrument by taking music lessons offers many advantages. It can help you improve your memory, increase your self-confidence, and discover your musical talents. That is why many children and adults are joining music classes. Now if you want to discover your talent, you can start by choosing a musical instrument that you are comfortable with. To help you, here are some of the most popular instruments you can learn to play:
Piano
Invented during the 1700s, the piano began as an instrument for the royal and wealthy families of previous centuries. However, over time, as the middle class began to prosper, pianos became a mainstay in many homes. Various musical eras were greatly influenced by the invention of the piano, as many legendary musicians and composers were also skilled pianists. These include Johann Sebastian Bach (Baroque), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Classical), Frederic Chopin (Romantic), and Igor Stravinsky (20th century). Today, piano music lessons are quite popular with young and old students.
Guitar
The earliest versions of the guitar are the sitar, setar, and tanbur that were used in the ancient civilizations of Central Asia and India. Throughout the centuries, the use of this instrument spread throughout Europe, and different types have evolved such as Baroque and Renaissance, classical, flamenco and steel-string guitars. In the 1930s, jazz musicians’ need for a better-sounding string instrument gave way to the creation of the electric guitar. Today, the guitar is a musical instrument that is used in a variety of genres including jazz, classical, rock, pop, blues, metal, and R&B. Famous guitarists known for their signature sounds include Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, and Carlos Santana.
Battery
Drums have been used by ancient civilizations, but it wasn’t until the Age of Vaudeville that musicians played drum kits as part of an act. During the 1930s, musicians like Ben Duncan paved the way for the basic four-piece kit consisting of a floor tom, tom-tom, snare and kick drum. Advances in technology during the 21st century led to the inclusion of electronic equipment in a battery. These electronic devices include sound modules, tempo meters, and small public address systems. For a drum music lesson, listen to the works of Gene Krupa, Carl Palmer, Steward Copeland, Max Roach, and Ringo Starr for inspiration.
Fiddle
The violin is believed to have originated in Italy during the 16th century. The first violin makers were Andrea Amati, Giovanni Maggini and Gasparo da Salo. Outstanding luthiers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were Jacob Stainer, Giuseppe Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. At first, the violin was not a popular instrument. However, composers and musicians such as Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Antonio Vivaldi began to use this instrument, which made it popular with many musicians.
When planning to take music lessons, it is always best to choose an instrument that really interests you. Taking purchase and maintenance costs into account is also a good idea when selecting the right instrument. But keep in mind that no matter what type of instrument you choose, you will definitely gain a lot by taking music lessons.