Yes, being a Multi-Instrumentalist IS possible!
Hi! I’m Joanna. I grew up learning classical piano. I stopped at 13 because back then piano = exams. A decade later I found myself the sole available keyboardist in a small church congregation having to dust off my dormant piano skills. Most of all: I needed to play what I heard.
Pronto.
Fast forward to October 2021, I joined HearandPlay.com to play the piano by ear. Two years later, I found myself leading a worship team of children and youth in the Philippines in a coastal community. They had no instruments at home, but they were musically gifted. Plus, donors had sent a full set of keyboard, drums, guitar, bass, a cajon, bongos and tambourines.
There was so much potential.
It was a story waiting to happen.
I learnt to be a multi-instrumentalist, music arranger and teacher. Pronto!
I know the pain of wanting to have more to say through music but not having the vocabulary to say it. And trust me, I know how it feels to want to get there pronto.
1. Lend Me Your Ears!
I’m starting this space to help multi-instrumentalists like me build mindsets and practice habits to become the leaders their teams need them to be.
Pro tip: While being a multi-instrumentalist IS possible, most that I have spoken to have said the same thing: it is only possible to become a master of ONE (i.e. 10, 000 hours of practice).
2. Music is a Language
Music is a language. We learn by listening, speaking, reading, and writing. There are tons of material out there that teach specific music fundamentals, but this is NOT one of them. This site provides frameworks and mindset shifts for you to learn how to learn (and love learning!) music effectively. If you play in a band, this will help you become a valuable contribution to your team.
Side note: as a “product of the product”, I highly recommend checking out HearandPlay.com’s VIP Coaching Program and the Gospel Music Training Centre for more!
3. Bite-Sized Practice Nuggets
From one musician to another, bite-sized practice is the way to “eat an elephant”.
You can expect emails once a week. Take the time to implement that “practice nugget” throughout the week.
4. Don’t Give Up!
Learning an instrument can be hard sometimes. I get it. It takes time, dedication, commitment, and perseverance. But you know what? It is worth it. There is someone on the other end of your story waiting on you to show up!
"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them". - Matthew 25: 29
You got this, Musician!