Throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic people have turned to new hobbies to cope with stress, break up the day during lockdown, and, for those who returned to the work or school outside the home, have an outlet.
We’ve seen a number of trends surface in the past few years (raise your hand if you made sourdough during the early days of quarantine) including music.
As a self-care tool, playing music is incredibly powerful. It’s been shown in studies to help boost brain function, enhance focus, teach discipline, and build self-confidence.
Over 16 million people began playing guitar in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic
According to “Fender’s New Guitar Player Landscape Analysis,” a study commissioned by YouGov®, 16 million people (7% of the U.S. population) learned to play the guitar during the first two years of the pandemic.
Some 62% of the study participants shared that Covid-19 was an important reason behind starting guitar and 77% say it allowed them to practice more than they would have normally. Additionally, 53% of beginners responded that they spend 2 hours or less practicing a week, but on average, they believe practicing 4 hours a week for 1-2 years is what it will take to “get good” at guitar.
Motivation for playing guitar has also shifted, with 67% of new players in the study reporting that they have full-time careers and play guitar as a hobby and means of self-improvement rather than seeking fame or stardom.
To cater to this massive wave of new players, using these findings, Fender launched the Beginner’s Hub, a network of online resources that includes tools to help a new player get started and stick with their practice to improve their skills. Instruments and online tutorials and other resources are included to help them master their guitar, bass or ukulele.
Here are a few tips for those starting a new instrument,
-Pick an instrument you’re excited to play, rather than what you think you should play.
-Set aside time to practice. Put it on your calendar if that helps.
-It’s okay to start slow. If your schedule only allows 20 minutes of practice a day or only a few days a week, start there and build the habit over time.
-Have fun with it! Playing music should bring enjoyment to your life.
