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Want to Learn to Play a Musical Instrument?
Dec 13, 2024
Mia Mercado, author of "Weird But Normal," shares her heartwarming journey of relearning the French horn as an adult. Amanda Schlegel, a music education professor, discusses the unique challenges adults face in music learning and the joy it can bring. Sarah Hotchkiss opens up about her experiences with piano and its transformative power. The conversation dives into overcoming fears of inadequacy, the emotional rewards of making music, and creating a supportive community that fosters adult learners on their musical paths.
57:44
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Quick takeaways
- Adult learners face unique challenges in learning musical instruments, including financial considerations and fear of inadequacy, but these obstacles can lead to personal growth.
- Rediscovering a musical interest transforms learning into a hobby that fosters self-expression, emotional well-being, and connection within community settings.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Adult Learning
Learning to play a musical instrument as an adult presents unique challenges, such as time commitment and the fear of inadequacy. Many adult learners feel intimidated, especially when they compare their current abilities to their younger selves or to those who play instruments proficiently. They may also face financial considerations, which can make the idea of picking up an instrument seem daunting. However, despite these obstacles, the journey of learning can lead to personal growth and the rediscovery of passionate engagement with music.
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