In addition to learning the mechanics of playing an instrument, here are some various points of awareness one develops, or not, as musical skill and playing experience evolves. This is not in an exact order, as people develop however they do, nor is it every possible awareness: it’s just a bit of an overview. A person could stop at any point, have strengths and weakness along the way or continue to the highest level.
- Learning the mechanics of the instrument. (Technique)
- Learning the most basic theory of the music involved, e.g., what the note names on the instrument are called, what a chord is.
- Establishing ear training, recognizing sounds, of what one is playing and hearing. (This can occur at any time.) This brings about duplication and understand.
- Stabilizing a balance between technique, theory and ear recognition.
- Creating music: strumming a chord, improvising, jamming, playing along with the instructor and other musicians.
- Playing songs and/or pieces, which can begin at any point.
- Discovering what is fun or not.
- A further balance and enhancement of technique, theory and ear recognition.
- Songwriting, if that is a direction.
- Basic composition, if that is a direction.
- Self discovery of style, creativeness or lack of, and interests.
- Development of personal taste and musical preferences.
- More writing and creation if those are a direction.
- Learning more songs and/or pieces.
- Playing with others.
- Getting used to playing with others and getting over any introversion and embarrassment. (Not everyone has these, though most do to a certain extant. Some people are just plain bold from the start! I could tell you some amazing stories from workshops I’ve run throughout the years about this topic!)
If one continues, various levels applying to solo playing or playing with groups are:
