How to Approach Learning as a Music Novice
Curious about learning music as a beginner in Cambridge Ontario? Start here 🎶
If you’ve ever wondered “How can I learn to sing?” or asked ChatGPT “How to learn piano” — then you’re in the right place.
There are many methods and techniques in music education, but we like to start with the basics. Whether it’s through lessons or our group classes, we help beginners to try different instruments, build confidence, and celebrate quick wins.
Here are three easy ways to start your music education as a beginner.
PS. We offer group classes right here in Cambridge and North Dumfries. We keep learning fun and social in our groups for children and adults!
Choose an instrument to start with.
This step is easy. Dream a little bit!
What do you imagine yourself playing/singing? Are you playing more than one instrument? Pick one instrument for now. Remember, you can always change your mind later!
If you’re learning in a music class setting, chat with your peers or instructor to get their opinions!
If you’re still not sure, you can rotate instruments before you buy.
This way, you can try:
Piano
Ukulele
Drums
Guitar
Or more!
Some businesses will offer instrument rentals, while others might offer music classes that rotate through multiple instruments. Our Adult Learn-An-Instrument program (Ages 18+) lets you explore instruments over weekly classes! No rental cost, no stress.
Make home learning easy.
Think about what you’ll need to succeed. There may be some that are unique to your personality, your learning style, or your space. But we always recommend a few things to beginners:
Create a space or corner to always practice in. Add a stand, comfy stool, a metronome, or your tuner if needed.
Keep your instrument in a visible spot, ready to go. When you can see it, you’ll play more often!
Find a simple way to track your progress. You can add stickers to a calendar, use magnets on a fridge, or even track your learning streak on your phone or in an app.
Small steps that lead to big wins make a big difference. So, pick the first easy step for your instrument! This makes the successes happen early, keeping your momentum strong.
Here are some examples of easy first steps to practice.
Learning to sing? Start here.
If you want to learn to sing, begin with gentle, smart habits.
Start with your posture; stand tall and relaxed, with your shoulders loose and rolled back.
Do lip trills or hums for 30 seconds.
Trying to sing three-note patterns.
Sip water and sing a comfortable range.
Learning to play guitar? Start here.
When you begin to learn guitar, start slow and build muscle memory through short, regular sessions.
Warm up your fingers, hands, and wrists before picking up the guitar.
Learn the names of parts of the guitar: neck, bridge, fret, etc.
Pluck each string individually with your thumb or a pick.
Then try putting one finger at a time on the fretboard and pluck each string again.
Create a (fun) routine.
All musicians need a sustainable way to keep learning, and this is especially true for beginner musicians. Figuring out a daily or weekly rhythm for practice is the best way to make progress.
Keep your routine fun and balanced, with a bit of warm-up and one simple skill to learn or practice. Not only does the learning benefit your brain and your health, but the routine will enhance your productivity and focus!
As the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) explains, routines reduce the amount of decision-making so you eliminate distractions and free up your brain to focus on more meaningful tasks. Like learning that next song!
Consider making these things a part of your routine:
Try habit stacking to learn music! Put practice before or after another habit that you do automatically, like before making coffee or after walking your dog.
Make celebration part of the routine, too! Set simple goals and celebrate out loud.
Share wins at home with family or friends, or in class.
Want to make your learning even easier? Join us in class!
We keep our classes friendly, practical, and fun.
After arriving at the studio and meeting your classmates, we’ll warm up before diving into new topics and skills each day.
We’ll play and explore activities in a group to practice our timing, get creative, train our ears, and more.
All while learning more about our instrument!
Children aged 8-11 can focus on one instrument in a beginner group session.
And adults 18+ who are brand new to music can explore multiple instruments over several weeks.
Ready to start? Explore our group classes for hands-on guidance in Cambridge, Ontario and Ayr, Ontario.