Self-Taught Musicians: The Journey of Learning a Musical Instrument

Thanks for the A2A, David. While there are indeed gifted individuals who have become proficient in playing a musical instrument without formal instruction, it’s rare. Most of us, despite our best efforts, require some form of guidance and resources to hone our skills. I have taught myself to play several instruments, but there has always been a support network, whether nearby or miles away on the Internet.

My journey with music began when I was deeply drawn to metal music at an exceptionally young age. Interestingly, learning to play the drums came naturally to me, which was quite a surprise. However, for those of you who are eager to learn an instrument, never give up, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you. Believe in yourself, and you might surprise yourself with your capabilities.

My Musical Background and Learning Journey

I took private lessons on the piano, clarinet, trumpet, violin, oboe, and viola. However, I did not take lessons on the alto recorder. Instead, I acquired the Enjoy Your Recorder: Trapp Family Singers Recorder Method for F recorders and learned the fingerings systematically. I reinforced my learning by playing and eventually leading a small recorder consort at my church. We practiced once every fortnight at a member's home, making it not only a valuable learning experience but also a fun social gathering. We often performed for worship services and I acquired a lot of recorder music, which further enriched my understanding of the instrument.

Challenges and Solutions

Apart from Enjoy Your Recorder, the recorder does have its own set of challenges. Its simplicity can sometimes be a hindrance, especially when it comes to playing the higher register. For example, covering the bottom hole with half the thumb doesn’t always work for me when reaching the highest notes. Sometimes, it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but inconsistency is not ideal for performances. Contrast this with the clarinet or oboe, where using keys reliably helps with transferring between registers.

I also aim to master the fingering for C recorders, like the soprano and tenor. If you only play one recorder, whether C or F, you can only read sheet music for half the recorders. Since I know the F alto, I can read the music for the other F recorders, namely the sopranino and bass.

Private Lessons vs. Inborn Talent

In general, private lessons are highly recommended. Some individuals, like my gifted jazz cousin Bix, managed to teach themselves due to their innate musical abilities. Bix did receive piano lessons but not on cornet, and he still could play back whatever he heard. He learned cornet by listening to records and live musicians, which led to the development of unique techniques and an intuitive sense of harmony. He later sought lessons from a symphony trumpet player, but the teacher found it impossible to teach Bix since he was already freed from printed music due to his exceptional musical imagination and recall. Paul Whiteman recounted in his memoir, Bix, blank measures were often left for Bix to improvise his own unique version of the music.

While Bix’s story is inspiring, it’s always beneficial to have guidance, whether it's from a teacher or through private instruction. If you're an aspiring self-taught musician, don’t hesitate to seek help. You might just find that your journey to mastery is smoother and more enjoyable with the right resources and support.

Conclusion

Learning a musical instrument is a lifelong journey. Whether you choose to go solo or seek guidance, the key is persistence and a willingness to learn and improve. Embrace the challenges, embrace the opportunities, and let your love for music guide your path.