Ever noticed how the most popular person at a party is the one playing an instrument? That's because everyone loves a musician. It doesn't matter if you're in an indie rock band or part of a Renaissance Faire quartet – there's something about an aptitude for music that speaks of an enlightened soul.
So the question, of course, is not
if you should learn an instrument; rather it's, what instrument should you learn? That all depends on what you want your instrument to say about you.
Piano.
Pianists are classy intellects who are wise beyond their years. They know the difference between pinot gris and pinot noir and enjoy Marxist Italian post-war cinema and reading the uncut edition of Tolstoy's masterpieces.
Where to learn:
Piano Made Fun for beginners to intermediates. Lessons start at $20 a pop.
Northgate Music Lessons offers a free trial lesson.
Keyboard
Although playing the piano and the keyboard require the exact same skills set, the piano says 'sophisticated' and 'refined', while the keyboard says 'Spandau Ballet' and 'wedding singer'.
Guitar
Whether you're strumming
Tears in Heaven or rocking out to AC/DC, your musical genius knows no bounds. This versatility stretches across all facets of life – you can cook
and ride a motorcycle, and you're sometimes found chugging beer while reading e.e. cummings poetry. Just, make sure you can play something before you start bragging. No one likes a strummer.
Where to learn:
JP Guitar Studio, where a half hour lesson will set you back $25.
Harry's Guitar Studio for instruction in acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
Drums
The drummer is the backbone of any band – can you imagine a band without one? Unfortunately, to the general population, your skills as a drummer translate to, 'Meathead who likes to pound stuff.' But it's fun to pound stuff.
Where to learn:
The Drum Room for drumming and percussion lessons. Prices start at $30 for a 30 minute lesson.
Obscure instrument that no one's ever heard of
You're an individual who marches to the beat of your own drum (pun!) You don't care that you'll never use your marimba playing skills in real life because it's all about the journey and not the destination. Or something.
Where to learn:
Mandolins in Brisbane. The mandolin is kinda like a violin that's played like a guitar.
Rivercity Steel Band , the only steel drum community in Brisbane, brings the Caribbean to you.
Download
this book to learn how to play the didgeridoo.
