Nobody could really answer this query with a straight answer; it truly depends on you. There was once a famous Chinese foal who went around asking how deep the stream was but couldn’t get a definitive answer. Aunt Squirrel claimed it was deep enough to drown some of her family members, while Uncle Bull insisted it was shallow enough to barely cover his legs when he crossed it. The foal, needing an approximation, found a stick and measured himself against it. Then he used the same stick to compare himself with his interlocutors.
I once knew someone who had an extraordinary talent for deciphering musical notes, effortlessly playing a dozen instruments without any formal training, yet never aspiring to be a musician What Is A Musician? - For some individuals, the role of a musician may be difficult to comprehend. They may struggle to understand: 1 - the nature of a musician's talent or job, 2 - why musicians work around the clock, and 3 - the concept of a fanbase and the boundaries musicians set with fans. Let's delve into each… . They had an exceptional sense of hearing and were a respected town instructor with a natural inclination for music.
I also witnessed an experiment where a music teacher offered basic singing lessons to an adult who had no musical ear. The student was asked to practice various exercises three times a week for several months, starting with producing mostly random sounds. Within two months, there was a noticeable improvement in his ability to produce and assess sounds.
Between these extreme situations, similar to most great performers, including your favorite musicians, I’m sure you have a love for music. So, don’t worry about counting the years of practice. Instead, enjoy practicing music in a meaningful way, such as attending concerts of your favorite bands regularly, incorporating it into your daily routine, and sharing the experience with your friends. You can also delve deep into learning about your musical idols. If every moment spent with a guitar in your hands brings you joy, you will soon move beyond simple desires like “I want to play this or that song” and focus on more challenging and technical aspects.
However, it’s important to note that you can still live without practicing your instrument daily. But be cautious, I’m not suggesting you slack off; quite the opposite. What I mean is that you cannot fake your love for the instrument you wish to play, and anything done without belief and enthusiasm is futile. This straightforwardness is one of the challenges associated with musical practice. Regular practice is your most reliable tool to genuinely measure your love, just like the stick in the story, rather than a mere gauge of skill.
Your daily routine may involve various forms of practice, including individual study. It’s also beneficial to learn from peers who are more advanced than you, if your instructor is not within your reach. Seize opportunities to play in one or more bands and embrace public performances when they arise; these are invaluable experiences that contribute to your musical growth. Your understanding of music and your ability to hear it will evolve significantly during this time. Additionally, your music companions and the instruments you play may undergo transformations. And perhaps your silent haven is the beloved old store where you acquired your trusted PRS guitar, amplifiers, and guitar effects pedals.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME