Solid reasons to pick up an instrument this semester

Face it: at some point you’ve dreamt of making it as a music artist. You’ve probably also convinced yourself you’d win The Voice following numerous singing sessions in the shower.

But what if you actually decided to tap into your musical side and picked up an instrument? And no, I’m not referring to that one song you learnt on the recorder in primary school. I’m talking about a guitar, keyboard, bass or any other instrument you can get your hands on.

If you want to begin shredding like Tom Morello or hitting the high notes like Elton John, read on.

You can procrastinate while feeling productive

You’re a uni student, so procrastination is second nature. In saying that, you always endure a deep feeling of regret when you’re binge-watching Netflix instead of writing that essay.

But if you’re procrastinating by learning an instrument, it doesn’t feel like you’re wasting time. And all that procrastinating will pay off when you finally go viral for that YouTube cover of Wonderwall – or maybe when you get 100 views from your family and friends.

Beat writer’s block

You know the feeling: you’re several hours into trying to write that report and you can barely squeeze out 200 words. For once, it’s not because you got distracted by cats on the internet – your brain just feels like it’s forgotten every word in the English language.

If you’ve got your instrument at hand, you can distract yourself for half an hour and exercise your brain. It’ll stimulate your mind in a different way, and also give you a breather from your essay – this’ll help get the words flowing when you start it up again.

It’s a conversation starter

I know you’d rather be at home comfort eating and watching re-runs of Seinfeld, but you’ve been dragged to this party you have very little interest in going to. Music is often a good topic to start a conversation with, and what better way to show your taste in music than by talking about your favourite songs to play?

If there are any other musicians in the room they’ll probably gravitate to your conversation, and before you know it, you’re learning about the differences in sound between a Gibson Maverick ES electric and a Gibson Les Paul Standard. And let’s face it: who doesn’t like coming across as a smarty pants occasionally?

You can show that you’re cultured

Sure, the last glass of wine you had came out of a cardboard box, but if you can play the guitar no one’s going to know. Your ability to play a couple of popular covers, especially of vintage songs, will make you seem like you’re all worldly and shit.

Want to come across as a real music connoisseur? Pick up a guitar and begin learning your pentatonic and blues scales. They’re super simple, but virtually every single guitar riff and solo is based off them. That’s right – Slash began his guitar career by learning his scales.

It’s an attraction point

Come on, guys, when’s the last time you met a guy or girl who wasn’t impressed by someone behind a keyboard or with a guitar slung over their shoulder?

Look, I know Valentine’s Day is over, but it’s never too late to play them your cover of Thinking Out Loud. And you may get the favour returned a little later… wink, wink, nudge, nudge – say no more!

Elliott Richardson

Elliott is a second year Communications student at UWS who enjoys far too much sport and thinking up overseas trips he doesn't have the money for.