Life after divorce can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time to rediscover yourself. Picking up a new hobby, like learning an instrument, can help you heal, relax, and even find joy again. Music is a powerful tool for emotional recovery—it keeps your mind active, relieves stress, and gives you something to look forward to.
If you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument or are curious about how to start, this guide will walk you through everything you need. It’s never too late, and with the right resources, you’ll be playing music in no time.
Why Learning an Instrument is Great After Divorce
- Stress Relief: Playing an instrument can lower stress and boost your mood.
- Improved Focus: Learning notes and rhythms keeps your mind sharp and focused.
- Building Confidence: Mastering a song or skill can give you a huge confidence boost.
- Social Connection: Joining music groups or classes can help you meet new people.
How to Choose the Right Instrument
Start by picking an instrument that excites you. Here are some beginner-friendly options:
- Guitar: Perfect for singing along to your favorite songs.
- Piano: Great for classical, pop, or jazz music.
- Ukulele: Lightweight, fun, and easy to learn.
- Drums: Ideal if you enjoy rhythm and energy.
- Violin: A bit challenging but very rewarding for classical music lovers.
Not sure which one to choose? Visit a music store or watch YouTube videos of people playing different instruments to see what inspires you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Learning an Instrument
1. Get Your Instrument
- Purchase or rent an instrument. Websites like Guitar Center and Sweetwater offer beginner packages, often with free shipping.
- For budget-friendly options, check out Amazon’s musical instruments section for affordable deals. Look for beginner-friendly guitars, ukuleles, or keyboards.
2. Take Online Lessons
Online platforms make it super easy to learn from home. Here are some excellent options:
- Yousician: An interactive app for guitar, piano, bass, and more.
- Fender Play: Ideal for guitar and ukulele beginners.
- Piano Marvel: A step-by-step guide to learning piano, even if you’ve never touched one before.
3. Join Online Communities
Learning with others makes the journey more fun:
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “Beginner Guitar Learners” or “Piano Enthusiasts.”
- Reddit Forums: Join subreddits like r/LearnGuitar or r/piano for tips and support.
4. Watch Free Tutorials
YouTube is a goldmine of free lessons. Some great channels include:
- Guitar: JustinGuitar for beginner guitar lessons.
- Piano: Piano Lessons on the Web.
- Ukulele: The Ukulele Teacher.
5. Practice Daily
- Start with just 15 minutes a day and gradually increase your practice time.
- Use a practice journal or app like Music Tutor to track your progress.
Resources to Help You Succeed
Books
- Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method (Guitar)
- Piano Adventures Primer Level (Piano)
- Ukulele for Dummies (Ukulele)
Magazines
- Guitar World: Great for tips and tricks.
- Pianist Magazine: Covers piano tips for all levels.
Podcasts
- Learn Guitar with David Brent: Simple lessons for beginners.
- Piano Parent Podcast: Practical tips for learning piano.
Affiliate Links for Tools
- Amazon’s Beginner Guitar Kits: Comes with guitar, picks, tuner, and case.
- Fender Play Subscription: Learn guitar or ukulele with easy lessons.
- Music Stand from Sweetwater: Perfect for sheet music.
