Pocket musical instruments. Music for dummies: simple musical instruments

Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the coolest things you will ever do. Whether you're just finishing school and have decided that you'd like to play in a band, or have decided to learn how to play music now that the kids are grown, it's fun and rewarding and should be done. If you don't already know what you want to play, you're in great shape - that means anything is possible for you! See Step 1 to get useful tips about choosing the right tool.

Steps

Choosing from variety

Start with the piano. The piano is a common instrument to start with because it is easy to really see the music. Common to many cultures and styles of music, pianos and keyboards are a great choice if you want to learn an instrument no matter your age. Piano options that you can add to your repertoire later may include:

• Organ
• Accordion
• Synthesizer
• Harpsichord
• Harmonium

1. Have a blast on the guitar. From classical to metal, learning to play the guitar opens all doors to new styles of music. The guitar has had an impact on pop culture perhaps greater than any other instrument and has become the most popular choice for beginners around the world. Pick up an acoustic guitar to get mobile, or check out the electric version to start fooling around with your neighbors and playing some heady licks. Once you've mastered the basics of guitar, you can also add other instruments from the six-string company:

   • Bass guitar
   • Mandolin
   • Banjo
   • Dulcimer

2. Let's consider the use of classical tools. One of the most viable careers in music is playing classical string instruments in orchestras, string quartets, or other ensembles. Chamber orchestra instruments may be attractive to you if you have an interest in classical music. While they may have a conservative reputation, they are still widely used in folk music and other genres throughout the world. Classical strings include:

   • Violin. It is generally regarded as the "leading" instrument in the world of stringed instruments. It has a wide range, is comfortable to hold, and can be so sublimely expressive that no other instrument can even attempt to match it.
   • Alto. Somewhat larger than a violin, deeper and softer in tone than a violin. If you have longer arms and larger hands, you might be able to play the viola rather than the violin.
   • Cello. The cello is much larger than violins and violas, and you must play while sitting with the instrument between your knees. It has a rich, deep tone akin to male voice. Although it cannot reach the heights of the violin, it is a very lyrical instrument.
   • Double bass. It is the lowest sounding member of the violin family. In classical or chamber orchestras it is most often played with a bow and sometimes with fingers for effect. In jazz or folk music (where you will often find the double bass) it is mostly played with the fingers and sometimes with a bow for effect.

3. Get to know brass instruments. Both simple and complex, instruments from the brass family are basically long metal tubes with valves and keys that change the pitch. To play them, you hum your lips inside a metal mouthpiece to create sound. They are used in all types of concert bands and orchestras, jazz combos, orchestras and as accompaniment in old school rhythm and blues and soul music. Brass instruments include:

   • Pipe
   • Trombone
   • French horn
   • Baritone
   • Sousaphone

4. Don't forget about woodwind instruments. Like brass instruments, woodwind instruments are played by blowing. Unlike brass instruments, woodwind instruments have reeds that vibrate as you blow on them. They create a variety of beautiful tones. These are extremely versatile instruments for jazz or classical music. Woodwind instruments include:

   • Flute, piccolo or pipe
   • Saxophone
   • Clarinet
   • Oboe
   • Bassoon
   • Harmonic

5. Create rhythm by playing percussion instruments. Maintain momentum for the majority musical groups- this is a job for drummers. In some bands this is a drum kit, in other orchestras it is represented by a wider range of instruments played with mallets, hands or sticks. Percussion instruments include:

   • Drum set
   • Vibraphone, marimba and xylophone
   • Bells
   • Bells and cymbals
   • Congo and bongos
   • Timpani

6. Let's consider new musical instruments. People are making music on more instruments than ever before. You may have seen the guy on the street corner playing rhythm on twenty-gallon paint buckets and pot lids. Drums? May be. Drums, of course. Consider the game:

   • iPad. If you have one, you already know that there are some truly amazing musical instruments that defy categorization. Tap the screen and a voice comes out of a blue puddle on a green background. Change the app and now you're playing that vintage '80s synth that cost $50,000 and is now 99 cents and sounds better.
   • Do you have a couple of record players? Becoming a great DJ takes a lot of skill and a lot of practice, and anyone who tells you it's not music is wrong.

7. Check out this list. As you can see, there are more instruments than you can use for rhythm. Some of the difficult ones to categorize are listed below:

   • Erhu (Chinese two string violin)
   • Guqin (Chinese string instrument)
   • Sitar
   • Dulcimer
   • Koto (Japanese harp)
   • Bagpipes
   • Ukulele
   • English horn
   • Pan flute/pipe
   • Ocarina
   • Recorder
   • Whistle
   • Dudka
   • Mellophone (travelling version of the horn)
   • Althorn
   • Trumpet piccolo
   • Flugelhorn

   Choosing the right tool

   1. Experiment with a lot of different tools before choosing one. Pick up a trumpet, guitar or trombone and play a few notes. It's not music yet, but it will give you some idea of ​​whether it's fun to play and worth spending some time on.

      Look at your options. If you are starting out in a school band, check and see what instruments the group includes. Most concert bands in schools have clarinets, flutes, saxophones, tubas, baritones, trombones, trumpets and percussion to start with, and can prepare for other instruments like oboe, bassoon and flugelhorn.

      • You can begin to make a decision about choosing a tool from those that are available. You can also ask the manager what tools they are missing - they will be very grateful if you can fill in the blank.

   2. Keep your options open. You can play baritone saxophone, but the group already has three baritone players. You may have to play clarinet first, then move on to alto saxophone, and then move on to baritone when the opportunity arises.

      Consider your measurements. If you are starting in high school and you are shorter than the average student, the tuba or trombone is not Maybe be the right tool for you. You could try the trumpet or cornet instead.

      • If you are younger or still losing teeth, you may find it difficult to produce sound on some brass instruments because your teeth are not very strong.
      • If you have small hands or fingers, a bassoon may not be comfortable for you, although there are bassoons made for beginners with keys for small hands.

   Finding the right tool

   1. Play what you like. When you listen to the radio, Spotify, or your friend's favorite music, what instinctively brings you to life?

      • Do you finger-drum along with the bass line or do you get pumped up with frantic guitar solos? Maybe you should consider stringed instruments.
      • Do you constantly shake the air by pounding your fingers on the table? These are all great clues as to what your "natural tool" might be, and that includes hitting with sticks, hitting with your hands, or both!

   2. Think about what will be practical for your situation. You may have a natural attraction to drums, but your parents said, "No way - it's too loud!" Be creative - either offer digital drums that you can only hear through headphones, or rethink your needs and start with something soft like a set of conga drums. Play drums in a school band, but practice at home on rubber mats.

   3. Just pick one. While you can be very analytical about what to play, there is one more thing to try that has many benefits. Close your eyes (after reading this) and write down the first 5 tools that come to mind. Now look at what you wrote.

      • One of these choices is your instrument. The first one is on the first line: it could be an instrument that you really want to play, or it could just be an instrument that you associate learning music with.
      • With every successful choice, you pay more attention to what you wanted. By the fifth choice you can find the answer. It's clear that you like all the tools, but which is the best choice? It all depends on who you are and how you plan to learn.
   • If the instrument you want to play is expensive, try renting or borrowing it for a while.
   • This good idea to choose instruments that will allow you to explore all types of music. Instruments like the flute or guitar have many possibilities. Additionally, choosing a saxophone or trumpet will allow you to easily explore other instruments. For example, it is easier for a saxophonist to choose other reed instruments such as the clarinet, while for a trumpet player it is much easier to learn the French horn or another brass instrument.
   • Consider your personality. Compare yourself to an actor. Do you have to be the leading actor? Choose an instrument that plays melodies and often plays solo, such as flute, trumpet, clarinet, violin. Support artist? If you're in your element, working together as a group to create beautiful harmonious tones, then a bass instrument like tuba, baritone, baritone saxophone or string bass may be ideal.
   • Before you start, learn as much as you can about your chosen instrument to make sure it's something you want to learn.
   • Consider your local resources. Get in touch with local teachers and try to find a way to buy an instrument.
   • If you're not sure you really want to play the instrument you've chosen, rent it, and if you like it, you can buy it. If you don't, you can choose another tool.
   • Choose a rare instrument. Many people know how to play piano, guitar and drums, so to shine when playing them you have to play very well, but if you choose weird, unusual instrument, even if you play poorly, you can find teaching jobs or concerts.
   • Please note that many schools consider "drums" to be one instrument, meaning they do not tune to just the snare drum or drum kit. Therefore, you will have to learn and play all percussion instruments. This is a good thing. The more you know, the better you will feel.

Most musicians find it difficult to be without music for a long time, especially if music is an integral part of personality and an important aspect of life. Unfortunately, most tools are difficult to transport - they cannot withstand moisture, shock, and much more. Transporting a piano, for example, is a completely different matter.

But don't worry - there are a number of miniature musical instruments that can help you pour out your soul at the right time, anywhere on our planet.

Guitar

Yes - the guitar may not be the smallest stringed instrument, but it is a good resonator for a relatively low price and does not weigh that much either. If you also get a water-repellent cover, then you won’t have to worry (and get bored) on the road.

Mandolin

Mandolins require a little more maintenance and take longer to tune than other string instruments, but good choice instrument, because the mandolin is much smaller than the guitar. But for musicians with thick fingers, it is better to practice playing at home first.

Accordion

Of course, there are miniature models that are more convenient for transportation. The main thing is not to skimp on the price. Pay attention to the manufacturer, because the sound quality of the instrument depends on it.

Autoharp

A unique folk instrument is the autoharp. It is similar to a zither, but is much lighter, can be held in your hands or on your lap, and is also much more enjoyable to play because it has buttons like an accordion.

Ukulele

Famous this guitar popularly known as the “ukulele” is another good accompaniment instrument. Cheap, and most importantly universal. Of course, it cannot compare in terms of resonance quality with a mandolin or guitar, but the ukulele sounds very nice.

Violin

Yes, perhaps this is one of the most difficult strings (in terms of expression), but if you play the violin without problems, then it will be a wonderful companion for you on the road.

Erhu

Two string Chinese violin. This instrument requires good hearing and nimble hands. When traveling, this kind of instrument will clearly attract attention to you, and the main thing is to have a good case for it.

Longitudinal flute

Probably each of us has tried to play the longitudinal flute. It certainly doesn't have a very wide range, but it is light and creates a fun atmosphere with its sound, which is reminiscent of ballads and fairy tales.

Clarinet

Not the best lightweight tool on this list, but definitely transportable because it fits conveniently into a special case. But you need to be careful with its pads, they can easily get damaged, especially in subtropical zones.

Flute

It is a rather complex instrument - it is difficult to play well, but it is a little easier than the clarinet. As in the previous case, the pads will require additional care.

Harmonic

Harmonica is almost synonymous with the word “travel”. The harmonica is light, inexpensive, durable and fairly easy to learn to play. Moreover, they come in all kinds of tones, literally for every taste and ear.

Ocarina

The device is so light and sleek that you can even wear it as a necklace. A cheap ceramic (or wooden) instrument that's easy to learn to play, but doesn't have a very generous range.

Bonus – Your mouth

Don't forget - you can always use your ligaments and throat to imitate musical instruments, sing, whistle, quack, meow and buzz. Whatever comes into your head, because it’s much better than annoying and prolonged silence. Moreover, singing is a good exercise for the lungs and a chance to lift your spirits.

So instead of an extra pair of pants, take a musical instrument on the road and people will flock to you faster than for a new iPhone!

Music is food for the soul. But you can not only listen to it, but also create it yourself. Don't have time to learn notes and scales? No problem. There are several instruments that are easy to learn to play even without special training. The main thing is to feel a sense of rhythm.

Kazoo

This is a portable tube with a special membrane inside. You just need to blow into one end of the device, humming your favorite melody. And the kazoo, thanks to the membrane, will change the sound beyond recognition. The result will be an interesting melody that others will like.

Triangle

A simple tool in design. It's easy to play. But you need to get the hang of creating sounds of different tones and durations.

Bongo drums

These are two percussion instruments connected to each other. Bongo drums are played without the use of additional sticks - with the palms and fingertips. They are easy to master. The main thing is the feeling of a sense of rhythm.

Classic drum set

This musical instrument looks voluminous and complex. But in fact, people who feel the rhythm will find it easy to learn to play them. The main thing is to understand the tonality of each component of the installation.

Tambourine

This is a compact drum, some varieties of which have bells. While playing, the tambourine must be held in one hand, and the other hand must be struck on the sensitive membrane with the palm or fingers.

Ukulele

This is a smaller version of the guitar. To start playing this instrument, you just need to master three basic chords. The ukulele resembles a toy. Therefore, this instrument is often chosen for teaching children. After all, learning to play the ukulele is easier than learning to play the classical guitar.

Each musical instrument has its own advantages, which makes the choice much more difficult. music class for a child! How to choose the right musical instrument and activities for your child?

The baby happily sings along to songs from cartoons, bangs on the children's drum and plays the children's piano - activities that develop an ear for music give him real pleasure. And you decide that it's time to get serious about music.

How to choose the right musical instrument for your child?

Of course, perhaps the first principle in choosing should be the interests and talents of the child himself. But when choosing the first musical instrument for a child, you need to focus on the child’s age.

The variety of musical instruments is great, but to successfully master many of them, you will need qualities and skills that, due to age characteristics, preschoolers do not yet possess.

And, as music teachers assure, this is not a reason to give up classes! Just start with a musical instrument that is suitable for your baby’s age, and therefore the degree of development of fine motor skills, attention and memory. And gradually - with the development of the baby’s skills and abilities, as well as his musical knowledge - move towards making your child’s musical dream come true!

By age: what instrument should I learn to play?

Piano. This is a classic tool that many people choose - and rightly so. Learning to play the piano well develops an ear for music, fine motor skills and, most importantly, the child’s perseverance and ability to concentrate.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the piano is 3-4 years.

Recorder. The advantages of this instrument include not only saving space at home and pleasant sound. One of the main advantages of the recorder is its ease of learning. Pretty soon your child will be able to boast of his first successes and proudly play his first melody for you, sounding quite professional.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the recorder is 5-6 years.

Guitar. Almost everyone dreams of playing the guitar: after all, this instrument allows you to quickly become the life of the party and sing to live music. Guitars are for children - this is an important advantage when choosing an instrument for a child. However, experts do not recommend making the guitar the first instrument in children's music education: it is better to start with the piano, and return to the idea of ​​learning to play the guitar at primary school age.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the guitar is 6-7 years old.

Accordion. This instrument sounds wonderful and will certainly delight the baby’s grandparents, and to start learning to play the accordion, the teacher does not require perfect pitch. The disadvantages of the tool are how much it weighs - and this is not an exaggeration!

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the accordion is 7 years old.

Violin. Learning to play the violin is a more labor-intensive process than all other instruments. Of course, the effort is worth it, because violinists were and remain worth their weight in gold, and the lessons themselves will give your child the opportunity to seriously develop memory and motor skills. By the way, about an ear for music - in order to start playing the violin, the child will have to demonstrate excellent abilities.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the violin is 7-8 years.

Percussion instruments. A group of percussion instruments perfectly develops a sense of rhythm and coordination of movements, because drummers are real magicians! Your child can become a bright star in the school band, and regular music lessons on a drum set will stimulate his brain activity.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the drums is 8-10 years old.

Wind instruments. Trumpet, saxophone, trombone and clarinet are very romantic options for starting to learn music. Here, however, not only a well-developed ear for music will be important, but also the degree of development of the baby’s articulation - lip motor skills, and sufficient lung capacity. That is why it is better not to rush into learning.

When to start studying? The ideal age to start learning to play the wind instruments is 11-12 years old.

Did you want to send your child to play the saxophone, but now you see that he is still too small for this instrument? Teachers recommend doing the following: do not delay the start of music education, but be the first to master an age-appropriate instrument. For example, playing the piano will be an excellent “base” for further learning to play other musical instruments - the child will already be familiar with the concept of notes and melody. In addition, thanks to the classes, his ear for music, attention and memory will be sufficiently developed!

We present to your attention a list of the ten most difficult musical instruments to learn. Please note that the musical instruments listed are do not contain order. If you know of other musical instruments that are more difficult to master, be sure to share them in the comments.

The oboe is a woodwind musical instrument that has a melodious, but somewhat nasal, harsh timbre. It first appeared in the mid-17th century, when it was called hautbois. Today, the oboe is widely used in chamber music concerts, orchestras, in some genres of folk music, as a solo instrument, and can also be heard in jazz, rock and pop music.

One of the most complex musical instruments in the world is the “French horn” - a musical instrument from the wind group, descended from a hunting signal horn. It is used primarily in symphony and brass bands, and also as a solo instrument.

The violin is a bowed, usually four-stringed musical instrument descended from an ancient Indian stringed instrument called the Ravanahatha, brought to Italy by Arab traders between the 10th and 16th centuries. The name of the violin comes from the Italian word Violino, which literally means “small viola.” It acquired its modern appearance in Italy in the 16th century, and in the 18th century it was slightly modified. Instruments made between the 16th and 18th centuries are highly sought after by collectors, especially Stradivarius and Guarneri violins. It is a solo musical instrument.

An organ is a keyboard musical instrument that produces sound by releasing compressed air through a system of pipes. It is one of the oldest musical instruments, whose history is traced in ancient Greece as early as the third century BC. Organs are common in Catholic churches and some synagogues, and are often used to provide musical accompaniment to religious services. In the early 20th century, these instruments were often installed in movie theaters to provide musical accompaniment to films during the silent film era. The largest operating organ in the world is the Wanamaker Organ, which is located in shopping center Macy's Lord & Taylor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and consists of 28,482 pipes.

The bagpipe is an ancient folk wind musical instrument that has been part of the culture of Scotland and Ireland for centuries. It was especially popular in the Middle Ages, where it was used in military bands. It is believed that bagpipes came from Asia to Europe in the 9th century due to the fact that they were common in the Eastern Roman Empire. The sound of this instrument is very sharp and strong.

Another most complex musical instrument is considered to be the “Harp” - a stringed musical instrument known since ancient times in Asia, Africa and Europe, starting from 3500 BC. e. For many centuries it has been a political symbol of Ireland.

The piano is a string-keyboard musical instrument that is widely used in classical music. Its inventor is considered to be the Italian harpsichord master Bartolomeo Cristofori di Francesco, who designed the first piano in Florence in 1711. Despite the fact that the instrument is quite large and often expensive, its versatility and ubiquity have made the piano one of the most famous musical instruments in the world.

The accordion is a keyboard-pneumatic musical instrument, which was designed by the Viennese organ master K. Demian in 1829. It is a modern type of manual harmonica. The accordion is not used in classical and symphony orchestras, because of its specific sound, and is traditionally associated with folk music. More generally, the instrument is used as a solo instrument. Widely distributed throughout the world. The accordion is the official instrument of the city of San Francisco, California, USA.

The classical guitar is a stringed musical instrument with six strings and a wide variety of timbres. Used as a solo, ensemble and accompanying instrument. It has existed in its modern form since the second half of the 17th century.

Drum set - a set of drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments. Today it is perceived as a single musical instrument, although in fact it is a number of different instruments, each of which has its own history and existed long before the advent of the drum set. The instrument originated after the advent of jazz, around the 1890s, when New Orleans drummers began adapting their drums to allow one player to play multiple instruments at once. The number of instruments in the kit varies for each performer and depends on his playing style.