Some truths about making music

TRUTH 1: Everyone is musical and nearly all of us have the ability
to sing and to play an instrument. Of course some of us have
more aptitude than others. That’s natural in exactly the same
way that some people are more gifted than others in sport, or
any other area of learning.

TRUTH 2: Because everyone is musical, everyone can develop
their musical skills to the point that they are able to. Very few of
us will become professional musicians but most of us can have a
life of enjoyment and achievement through making music.
TRUTH 3: There is no one way to learn to play an instrument.
Over the years various methods and approaches have been
developed. Each approach will suit one person but not
necessarily another. Individuals need to find a style and
approach that best suits them.

TRUTH 4: Music is often best enjoyed when it is shared with
others. That ‘other’ can be a teacher or a member of the family.
They can be friends, or a class of other players, a band or a
whole orchestra. The important thing about making music is that
you make your music with other people as soon and as often as
you can.

TRUTH 5: All music is made up of the same core elements such
as melody, rhythm, harmony and tone. These precepts of music
are evident in all styles from classical to rock. There is no best
music through which to learn nor is there any right order as
to which style should come first. Success and enjoyment are
more dependent on the learning approach and the student’s
motivation and goals than whether you are playing Blur, Bhangra
or Bach.

TRUTH 6: There are two major aspects to music, playing an
instrument and understanding and being musical (some people
call it music theory). These two elements are not separate
subjects and should be integrated in the process of learning and
developing as a musicia