10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Learning an Instrument ❌🎼

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Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common mistakes and speed up your progress when learning an instrument.

Learning a new instrument can be an incredibly challengeing and rewarding undertaking. Beginners can often make common mistakes that can decrease progression which can lead to frustration and ultimately giving up. Below we have listed 10 common mistakes that beginners often make so you can avoid them:

  1. Not understanding Why Musicians Practice Scales And Arpeggios
    Beginners sometimes jump straight into playing scales without properly understanding how they are constructed and how they help musicians understand keys. Scales not only develop technique, finger strength, and muscle memory; but they help musicians gain a deep understanding of which sharps and flats are in all 12 keys both major and minor.

  2. Not Practicing Consistently
    Many new musicians start off motivated and practice intensely and seeing results quickly. Although as they progress the learning material gets more difficult and without consistent practice progress will be slow. Regular practice sessions, even shorter ones are much more effective than inconsistent long practice sessions

  3. Playing Too Quickly, Too Soon
    Rushing through songs before you have deeply learnt the material can lead to inconsistent mistakes within performances. It's important to prioritise proper technique, making sure you use the correct notes, fingering and rhythms.

  4. Lack of Patience With Progress
    Many beginners expect quick results and become discouraged if they don’t progress quickly. Learning an instrument is hard and takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and don’t take shortcuts

  5. Focusing On The Next Thing You Have Seen On Social Media
    It can take along time to learn concepts on a deep level. For example you could spend a year or more just on drop 2 chord voicing. Many beginners see something potentially more advanced than they are ready for and learn it until the next thing comes along. This can really affect progress. Some ideas need to be learnt in all 12 keys and maybe aren’t that applicable in real world situations.

  6. Only Being Able To Play In One Key
    This is aimed at pianists or keyboardists. There is nothing wrong having a favourite key or keys, but one of the most common mistakes beginners make it not taking things through all 12 keys. This becomes slightly more complex for classical pianists as you would take fugues through all 12 keys but you need to find a way to become comfortable in all 12 keys,

  7. Ignoring Basic Theory
    It is true that you can become an incredible musician just by using your ear and not using theoretical knowledge but this is the exception not the rule. Most musicians will reach a plateau without music theory knowledge. Good music theory helps in so many ways, such as being able to decipher chord progressions quickly, sight read faster and so much more.

  8. Inadequate Ear Training
    Improving your ear is just as important as increasing skills and techniques on your instrument. Beginners often skip ear training exercises as they don’t understand how important it is for a well rounded musician. A good ear helps with tuning, improvisation, harmonic recognition and confidence when performing new pieces.

  9. Not Using A Metronome
    One of the most obvious signs of a beginner playing their instrument is inconsistent tempo. Rhythm is effectively fifty percent of all music, yet for many beginners it takes a back seat in their practice regime. Using a metronome when you are playing pieces and performing scale/technical exercises can really improve your rhymical consistently.

  10. Not Taking Lessons/ Seeking Feedback/Recording Yourself
    Beginners sometimes aimlessly practice without direction, purpose and proper guidance. Understanding your goals and getting structured practice routines from a teacher or mentor can help. Recording yourself to listen critically can help beginners understand areas that need improvement.

Bonus Mistake

Comparing yourself to other musicians (especially online). Music is a personal journey that is individual for everyone. There will always be someone better than you who is improving faster and sounds more impressive. It is important to focus on your improvements and try to see other people as inspirations and not put yourself down.

If you can avoid these common mistakes and remain focused on consistent improvement the learning process will be much smoother and more fun. If you want piano lessons with then please get in touch and we can help you on your journey.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.