If someone were to ask, “What is something that uplifts the human spirit and transports you from one port to another in an instant?” I would undoubtedly say music. There are moments when words fall short, and only the sound of an instrument can traverse mountains, walk through deep valleys, and transport you to a different realm.
I am sure that, like me, many people are captivated by the enchantment of instruments, finding solace for their souls. Considering the human being as composed of both body and soul, listening to an instrument nourishes and refreshes the soul.
But how does one relax and satisfy the body? Many have proposed various ideas on this matter – activities such as sleeping, eating, or enjoying a scenic view are known to rejuvenate the body.
However, one stands out above all and not only refreshes the body but also caresses it. Yes, I am talking about playing an instrument. Being on both the receiving and producing ends is the most magnificent way to engage with playing an instrument.
In my research over the years, I discovered the immense value of playing instruments in the earliest eras of human history. Moreover, individuals engaged in playing instruments not only experienced spiritual fulfillment but also created magnificent works.
When I read that instrumental music could alter the heartbeat rhythm of a baby in the womb, my interest in this skill grew. Imagine manipulating unique notes to move hearts, soothe minds, and refresh souls.
Contemplating where to start, I realized that the first step is choosing an instrument. Unfortunately, the plethora of options at this stage can be confusing. However, understanding yourself and gravitating towards an instrument that resonates with you when you listen to it, as if it captivates you, opens the path.
Thinking about using my body actively in instrument selection made the decision even easier. Considering percussion, keyboard, string, wind, and brass options, I contemplated which one would give me more joy. Ultimately, by quickly selecting the instrument that suited me, I entered the realm of playing instruments.
The Intricacies Of Instrument Techniques
The first step in starting to play an instrument is getting to know it. Just as getting to know a person is essential for building a good friendship or marriage, getting to know an instrument is crucial for spending quality time with it.
To achieve this, I began acquiring technical information about my instrument. Among the technical details were:
- How many parts does my instrument consist of?
- How do the parts of my instrument come together?
- Where does the sound originate, how is it transmitted, and how does it exit the instrument?
- What adjustments do I need to make on my instrument to produce a better sound?
- How should I hold my instrument or use my body to achieve higher performance?
- What are the notes and the points from which the notes come out of my instrument?
By asking various questions like these, I started learning the technical intricacies of my newfound companion, my instrument. One might ask, “Why did you ask so many questions? Was it necessary?”
However, starting this endeavor without knowing instrument techniques is like walking a path without knowing where it leads. I knew that without understanding how to hold my instrument and where to produce which note, I would get bored during this process and wouldn’t be able to progress.
Additionally, each instrument has its own technical subtleties, and there are significant technical differences between percussion and wind instruments, even within the percussion category.
Technical Exercises And Practice Routines
Being intimately involved with an instrument and using it proficiently require plenty of technical exercises. For example, in keyboard instruments, practicing the rapid execution of notes when fingers touch the keys is beneficial.
For wind instruments, consistently practicing to produce the desired note accurately is essential and should never be taken lightly. Making technical exercise successful while playing an instrument requires establishing practice routines.
I lean towards consistency in this regard. Making a routine of practicing specific exercises for playing an instrument during a set time period makes it easier to achieve the desired results. Establishing routines is not only crucial for playing an instrument but also necessary for any newly acquired skill.
When I started playing an instrument, creating daily routines and choosing time periods where I could dedicate myself to the instrument was one of my priorities. Therefore, I noted down the times when I would be alone with my instrument.
I listed which exercises I needed to do every day. When I implemented my program, it became like the gears of a clock, turning adeptly and rapidly, creating the framework for my instrument education process.
Strengthening Instrument Performance
Balancing hand-eye coordination while playing an instrument, using the instrument skillfully and accurately producing notes are situations that can be enhanced through performance strengthening.
Performance strengthening exercises can be considered a step beyond technical exercises. Once technical exercises for playing an instrument are done amateurishly, this stage signifies mastery.
By this point, you have become intimately familiar with the instrument and have learned to play a piece. During this phase, it is essential to engage in rhythm exercises to enhance performance.
Additionally, practicing intonation by producing the correct notes and sounds on the instrument is part of performance strengthening. Paying attention to articulation, which enables the simultaneous production of different notes with a few touches, and focusing on nuances that may seem similar but differ with small subtleties also contribute to performance strengthening.
Advanced Skills In Playing An Instrument
Music is a fantastic art form that arises from the combination of a person and an instrument. To reach an advanced level while playing an instrument, I believe one must immerse oneself in the instrument.
The more you concentrate on an instrument and skillfully use the techniques you have learned, the more your professionalism increases. When you get lost in the rhythm of music and understand the nuances of speaking through the instrument, advanced skills naturally follow.
For example, when it comes to performing a piece flawlessly through performance strengthening exercises, it is essential to practice notes extensively. However, when you internalize this and grasp the notes, you can perform a piece you hear on the street with your own instrument without getting stuck on notes.
To achieve advanced skills in playing an instrument, it is beneficial to receive training from experts in the field. While personal experiences take precedence when playing an instrument, the experiences of individuals who have dedicated years to the field also contribute to reaching an advanced level.
Applying Instrument Techniques
Although instrument techniques are theoretically known, more performance and dedication are required during application. While understanding notes and their output locations is crucial, if this is not translated into practice, playing an instrument can end in disappointment.
Therefore, increasing the number of exercises and routines is necessary for implementing technical knowledge. Moreover, maintaining the continuity of exercises and routines will play a crucial role in the development of playing an instrument skill.
Continuing to play an instrument, being open to developments, and strengthening performance, equivalent to the bone taking on flesh, lead to reaching an advanced level. As playing an instrument advances, music begins to bring joy to the player.
From this point on, the most exciting part begins. Experimenting with new pieces, even composing, and sharing them with people, evoke unique emotions.
See you in the next post,
Anil UZUN