How can neurodivergent individuals approach learning an instrument? First and foremost, it's important to choose an instrument that resonates with you. Whether it's the guitar, piano, drums, or something else entirely, selecting an instrument that speaks to you is crucial for long-term success. If you're unsure where to start, try listening to various genres of music and paying attention to the different instruments used.
🔴 Red Section = Insights
🟡 Amber Section = Improvised
🟢 Green Section = Recommendation, which is Tutorful this week
🎵 December (Transition) from Jon's Annual album, which you can listen to on all streaming platforms or jonhartmusic.com
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Hey and welcome to the Neurodivergent Musician Podcast. I'm your host, Jon Hart along with Luna my guitar and today i’ll be talking about learning an instrument. Each episode is broken up into a traffic light format where I’ll share insights in the red section, improvised babble in the amber and recommendations you might find handy in the green.
Before we delve into the topic of learning an instrument, let's first discuss neurodiversity. Our brains are all wired differently, which can come with unique strengths and challenges. As a neurodivergent musician myself, I've experienced how my brain's unique way of processing information from tutors, courses, and resources has both helped and hindered my playing over the years.
So, how can neurodivergent individuals approach learning an instrument? First and foremost, it's important to choose an instrument that resonates with you. Whether it's the guitar, piano, drums, or something else entirely, selecting an instrument that speaks to you is crucial for long-term success. If you're unsure where to start, try listening to various genres of music and paying attention to the different instruments used.
Once you've selected an instrument that ignites your passion, the next step is to find a tutor who understands neurodivergent learners and can work with your unique strengths and vision. An initial relaxed lesson can help break down any barriers by allowing you to express your needs and wants to the tutor. If you're a younger learner, you can have a parent help you write down or draw what you need. Visual aids, analogies, and other methods can also make a significant difference.
It's important to avoid tutors who try to impose their own musical style and background onto your learning unless it's specifically requested. Your neurodivergent learning experience is all about you, and a great approach is to learn and play the music you love while having your tutor teach you the necessary skills and techniques to play those songs or pieces. This can help you maintain dopamine levels and enjoy the process of playing music. Once you're hooked, you can then delve deeper into the technical aspects of playing your instrument.
Another essential aspect of learning an instrument as a neurodivergent individual is finding ways to work with your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if you have a strong auditory memory but struggle with reading sheet music, recording yourself and listening back to the recording can help reinforce what you've learned.
It's vital to remember that learning an instrument is a lifelong journey, and there will be challenges along the way. Embracing your neurodivergent traits and finding ways to work with them can help you become a successful and fulfilled musician. Setting realistic goals for yourself each school term or season and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, can also help with the momentum. A mini performance, whether online or in-person, can be a great way to showcase your progress.
Finally, it's important to note that there's no "right" way to learn or play an instrument. Music is a creative and expressive art form, and finding your unique voice as a musician is a personal journey. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, styles, and genres, and remember that there's always something new to learn and explore. Your learning journey is subjective, and taking it one step at a time and adding 1% of progress each day can help you build momentum and reach your musical goals.