Mastering an instrument is an incredibly rewarding experience—but some musical instruments are easier to play than others. Perhaps you’ve been practicing for a while, and you’re looking for a greater challenge. Why not step outside of your comfort zone and pick up a new instrument? There’s no shortage of new things to learn in the world; don’t sell yourself short! Almost anyone can learn to play the instruments listed below, even though they’re more challenging than most.
The French horn.
Of all brass instruments, this one is considered to be the most challenging. For one, it’s quite heavy; if you lack the strength to hold it, playing it will be difficult. You’ll also need strong cardio to manage the breath control that the French horn requires. The placement of your lips needs precision; one wrong move and the note goes out of tune. As challenging as the French horn is, it’s also very loud, which means your mistakes will be magnified—this makes it more intimidating to new players.
The harp.
Listening to someone play the harp is a relaxing, tranquil experience. Playing it is something else altogether. It takes a high level of dexterity, dedication, and persistence to learn this instrument. You’ll need to master hand-eye coordination to be a successful harpist. Level harps have between 20-30 strings, while pedal harps have up to 47. If you gain a proficiency with the harp, you’ll be playing the music of the angels.
The organ.
If you have a background in piano lessons, it will come in handy when you’re learning to play the organ. But instead of one keyboard, you’ll be dealing with two or three. They produce a wide range of tones, from somber melodies to powerful chords. Unlike the piano, organs have no sustain pedals; your fingers need to hold the notes to keep them going.
The violin.
Playing this string instrument is just as intricate as the music it produces. With a guitar, you have frets to guide your finger placement, but these are absent on a violin. It’s also difficult to hold properly; it needs to balance under your chin in a way that lets your fingers move along the frets. This instrument is infamous for its steep learning curve—your housemates may not appreciate the racket you make as you’re learning how to play.
The accordion.
Remember when you were a kid, and you tried to rub your stomach while tapping your head? If you were able to do it well, you might consider picking up the accordion. It’s hard enough to play one instrument, but the accordion combines three instruments in one! One hand plays the keys while the other manages the bass buttons. Using both hands, the player moves the bellows in and out, as well. Talk about multitasking!
The drums.
Mastering this percussion kit takes a certain type of player. You need an unshakeable grasp on rhythm to manage drums, cymbals, and foot pedals. Have you ever noticed the intense concentration on a drummer’s face as they play? They are typically drenched in sweat—not only is this instrument mentally taxing, but it requires physical endurance as well.
Whether you choose a difficult instrument or one that’s easier to grasp is up to you. At The Academy of Music, we offer Thompson music lessons. If you need help learning a challenging instrument, we’ve got your back. Visit our website to learn more about our online and in-home lessons.