A resolution for a new year...

Learning music for the New Year

Every year, around this time, we often start thinking about new resolutions for the new year. Joining a gym, quitting smoking, saving up for a treat, or doing some cleaning at home are some of the most popular ones that often remain just that—resolutions.

Precisely, it's in the act of decluttering or treating yourself where we'd like to delight in this post and let our thoughts flow through the keyboard and express them…

When we decide to start playing an instrument, whatever it may be, we have an idea in our minds of how it sounds (or should sound). We've heard a song that moved us, we've seen a performance that fascinated us, or a friend convinced us to join their band. But once we get into the "mess," we realize the reality—what we had in our head is far from what we experience day-to-day, and that idea won't be so easy to make a reality.

Once we realize it won't be that easy and we have a long road ahead, we can find ways to address what we don’t know.

We’d like to share some ideas to help you achieve your new year's resolution.

• Find someone to guide you on the journey. Just like when you start something new for the first time, it's important to surround yourself with good professionals to ensure your foundations are strong, precise, and well-built. The same goes for learning an instrument.
• Make time for yourself. Everything moves quickly (we mentioned it in a previous post about Pomarico). But we can always (and should) find time if we want to progress and improve. F
• ind the right equipment. Seek good advisors to help you find the gear that best suits your needs. Because having an "idea" of sound is not easy to capture.

And returning to new year's resolutions along with finding equipment, let's ask ourselves: How much would you spend on equipment to get that ideal sound, the sound that fascinated you?

We're fully aware that the instrument doesn’t make the musician, but it helps—especially for those just starting, for whom a good purchase can make a difference in staying committed to practice.

Yet, there's often a repeated phrase when it comes to musical instruments: "This is so expensive, and it's old!" or "It's just a piece of brass" (to put it briefly and succinctly).

It's true, the price of musical instruments can be an initial barrier for many. But if we think a little more deeply, there’s a story behind each instrument—an intricate art and almost artisanal effort that makes it much more than a simple object. The value isn’t just in the materials but also in the knowledge and passion that goes into its creation.

The Art Behind an Instrument

A musical instrument isn’t just a functional object; it’s a medium through which emotions, stories, and dreams find their expression. Instrument makers spend hours perfecting details that may seem minimal but can make a big difference in sound.

To think of an instrument as "just a piece of brass" is to simplify something that is, in reality, a piece of artistic engineering. This brings us to reflect on how our new year's resolutions, such as learning to play an instrument, shouldn’t be limited by preconceived ideas about prices, but instead guided by the value they will bring to our lives.

Investing in Passion

Now, back to the question: How much would you be willing to invest in that ideal sound? The key word here is "invest." Many times, we think of the initial cost but forget that a quality instrument can be a lifelong companion. Moreover, a good investment from the beginning can avoid frustrations and save money in the long run. It’s not about buying the most expensive instrument but about finding the one that truly aligns with your needs and inspires you to keep playing.

When we start something new, the equipment we use can make the difference between giving up at the first hurdle or feeling motivated to continue. A clean sound, a precise response, even ergonomic comfort—all these factors can be crucial for turning a new year's resolution into a consistent reality in our routine.

The Emotional Relationship with the Instrument

Once we find the right instrument, something magical happens—it becomes an extension of ourselves. The time we spend with it isn’t just practicing technique; it’s a dialogue between the musician and their tool. This relationship is crucial for keeping motivation alive and continuing to grow as a musician.

We must not forget that many new year's resolutions fail because we lack an emotional connection with them. Learning to play an instrument, on the other hand, gives us the opportunity to establish a deeply personal relationship with something that evolves alongside us.

Letting Go of Immediate Perfection

Another important aspect to remember is that great achievements never happen overnight. It’s easy to get discouraged when the first notes don’t sound as we imagined, but that’s where true learning lies—in accepting that progress will be gradual.

The search for the "ideal sound" can become a source of frustration if we don’t allow ourselves to enjoy the process. Every step we take, even the mistakes, is part of the journey. So, if one of your new year's resolutions is to learn an instrument, remember that it’s not just about the destination, but about the journey you embark on in pursuit of it.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

To make this journey successful, it's essential to create an environment that fosters learning. Here are some practical ideas:

1. Establish a routine: Set aside specific time each day or week to practice. Consistency is key to improvement.
2. Surround yourself with inspiration: Listen to music by artists who play the instrument you’re learning. This will help keep motivation alive and help you visualize what you want to achieve.
3. Find learning companions: If possible, find someone who is on the same journey as you. Sharing experiences and progress can be a great source of encouragement.
4. Allow yourself to celebrate small victories: Every song learned, every technical improvement is a step forward. Give yourself permission to enjoy those moments.

The Perfect Closure to an Imperfect Year

At the end of the day, learning to play an instrument is much more than just fulfilling a new year’s resolution. It’s a way to connect with yourself, find a space for expression amidst the chaos of daily life, and discover a side of you that perhaps you didn’t know.

So, as you continue to reflect on your resolutions, remember that it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried and failed in previous years. What matters is that you’re willing to try again, to challenge yourself, to grow, and above all, to allow yourself to enjoy the journey.

And if, in this process, you decide to treat yourself to an instrument that inspires you, don’t see it as an unnecessary expense. Think of it as an investment in your happiness, your creativity, and a version of you that’s waiting to take the stage—even if it’s just in the privacy of your living room.

This year, don’t let your resolutions stay on paper. Turn them into melodies, into chords, and into moments that truly make your heart sing. What better way to start the year than by letting music be your guide?