It seems that there are two types of people in the world: those with talent and those who suck at music.
At least it seems that way. You know who I’m talking about – that annoying musician for whom everything comes easily.
They play numerous instruments, have very creative ideas, and just seem to be crowned from on high with musical ninja skills.
For the rest of us, it’s ridiculous hard work and little progress, right?
This, I believe, is a myth. Sure, some may be more genetically predisposed to music. But good musicians are good because they immerse themselves in it. And this is something you can do, whether you believe you are talented or not.
What Music Isn’t
Music isn’t about reaching the top. It’s not a competition. It’s a joy. It’s a gift from God.
And this blog post was written for those who lack confidence. This is for those who feel like giving up. Maybe you started late.
Whatever the case, stop disqualifying yourself because you’re not as good as so and so. Stop convincing yourself you have nothing to offer.
You may never become the best musician on earth or a Nashville session player who can charge top dollor for global tours, but you can grow.
You can be used by God. You can learn to enjoy music and make creating it a part of your life. This I believe to be one of God’s great gifts – the gift of music. Are you ready?
7 Musicianship Tips
1. Prioritize Enjoyment – As a music teacher, one of my goals is to inspire my students to enjoy music – to bring out the happiness of creating sounds and exploring new musical worlds. I find it interesting how few students actually enjoy what they do. I think this is mainly because we are more mindful of our performance of music than we are the music itself.
Young musician, please slow down and enjoy your music. Don’t get stuck in the tense world of criticizing and comparing. With every sound you make, don’t think, “I wish I could do better.” Think – “Wow, how fun is this?”
2. Notice Details in Music You Hear – We’ve already talked about how great musicians are great listeners – they listen to music intentionally and learn from it. We all enjoy certain kinds of music – our iTunes libraries can say a lot about us.
But the main question is “why”? Why do you like that artist? Why do you like that album? Why do you like that song? Why do you like that melody, tone, voice, or intonation?
There are no right or wrong answers here. “Right” or “Wrong” are words I don’t like to use when it comes to music. It’s more about what you like and learning how to articulate “why”. Noticing details in the music you hear will help you learn specific lessons from other musicians and artists.
3. Learn the Number System – One of the best (and quickest) ways to grow as a musician is to learn the Nashville Number System. This is a method of music notation that includes all the available chords in any given key. For starters, learn all these chords in Major keys: I ii iii IV V vi.
Build a chord on each of these scale tones. Your I, IV, and V chords are major, while your ii, iii, and vi chords are minor. I can’t go into much detail here, but suffice it to say, relating to music in this way will skyrocket your musicianship.
4. Associate Chords With Images and Feelings – Once you’ve learned the Nashville Number System, the next step is to identify what each of those chords sounds like. One of your greatest assets as a musician is your ear. And no, this isn’t just for the rare, perfect-pitch people. You can learn this too. It starts with immersion.
Immerse yourself in what a I chord sounds like. What image comes to mind when you hear a iii minor chord? How does a V chord make you feel? This may sound like an impossible feat for you, but I assure you, it is not. Give yourself some time and space to be immersed in the sounds of I ii iii IV V and vi chords.
Remember step 1 – enjoy the process and resist frustration and stress. Before you know it, you’ll be able to identify each chord in any key just by hearing it. And that, my friends, is a great accomplishment that will open you up to eons of musical possibility.
5. Create a Schedule – Apart from an instrument, the next best tool for a musician is a calendar app. You’ve got to create a schedule where you can practice. If you rely on the whims of “feeling inspired” or waiting for a season of life where you’ll have more time, you won’t grow. It starts with committing to it and creating a practice schedule for yourself that you can keep.
Think of it like an appointment on your calendar with a very important person, only that person is yourself. I’ve found that I usually make time for something I really want. Even in the face of a ridiculous schedule, I’ll accomplish what I choose to focus on.
Some thoughts on practice: short and often is better than long and sporadic. A 30 minute slot every day is better than a 2 hour session a week. Short bursts also make it more enjoyable and more appealing to keep the appointment. And remember, don’t forget step 1.
6. Find an Outlet – Personal practice is great. Enjoying music by yourself is wonderful. But music was meant to be shared. You’ll never grow faster than when you’re counted on as a musician – where you have responsibility to a worship team, small group, band, or even just a friend.
Most people hate playing music for others. It’s such a vulnerable, personal activity. But you need it. Find an outlet where you can share what you’re learning with someone other than your teacher. Look for an environment where you can rub shoulders with musicians who are way better than you. And please, don’t forget step 1.
7. Take Risks – The last idea I’ll share is to be a risk taker. Don’t think of music as a list to memorize and master, but rather a world to discover. It’s not about the finish line, it’s about the journey. It’s not about arriving, it’s about adventure. Go explore. And please, whatever you do, don’t forget step 1.
OK – now it’s your turn.
What are your greatest struggles as a musician? Or, what has brought you to where you are today?
Join the discussion in the comments. It’s just better that way.
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Thank you for such an encouraging article. Chord progression has always been a weakness for me, and this article gave some very helpful tips.
As a worship leader who doesn’t play an instrument, I can attest, this is great info. A few years in high school band can only get you so far. In my experience, #2 and # 6 are vital. Listening well to all music is important. I always try to surround myself with people with more skill than I have. That way, I can explain to them what I hear in my head and they have the ability to reproduce it. Now I just need to work on learning more than the 6 guitar chords I know and one day I might play with them.
Good stuff, Shawn. I’m sure you’ll be rocking with the big dogs in no time 🙂
Great stuff, brother. You’ve written a provocative title, and I think that’s good. The trap and bondage of comparison is a strong tool of the enemy in all of our lives, especially artists. Yesterday morning I was battling self doubt when I received your post. In my negative head space I thought, ‘huh, I need more talent.’
The lies of the Enemy are an insane slippery slope for our minds. God has given me so many blessings. But that isn’t what I was believing this morning.
My best musicianship comes when I am walking in the freedom of Christ’s love and when I am fully satisfied in Him, not what I fear someone else might think of me.
Your list is great and helpful. Love the first item and the repeated admonishment to never forget number one!
Sorry to have a counselling session in your comments thread! (HA!)
Oops, in the first paragraph I wrote “yesterday morning” and in the second I wrote “this morning”. It was all yesterday. I wrote the comment yesterday and sat on it for 24 hours, unsure if I wanted to be that honest! 🙂
Learning the Nashville Numbers System and other related right now as well. Good stuff!
great article …I practice every day, sometimes I work on part of a song, or play through a couple songs for the week ahead using my loop, Also I practice for my regular lessons, been taking them in person for 8 yrs. I usually struggle with making barre forms and alternative forms of chords. I just keep practicing. read your site often, it is encouraging. thanks.