Learning music is an exciting journey, but choosing the right method can make all the difference in your progress. With so many ways to learn—traditional lessons, online courses, self-teaching, apps, books, and group classes—it can be difficult to decide which approach works best for you.
The best music learning method depends on your goals, learning style, budget, and the instrument you want to play. In this guide, we’ll explore different music learning methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best one for you.
1. Why Choosing the Right Learning Method Matters
Picking the right method is crucial because:
🎵 It determines how quickly you progress – Some methods are more structured, while others are flexible.
🎵 It affects your motivation – Learning should be enjoyable and engaging.
🎵 It influences your technical development – A good method helps you build strong musical skills.
🎵 It fits your lifestyle – Some methods require scheduled lessons, while others allow self-paced learning.
By choosing the right approach, you’ll enjoy learning music and stay committed to your musical journey.
2. The Most Common Music Learning Methods
There are several ways to learn music, each with different benefits. Let’s look at the most popular methods.
A) Traditional Private Lessons
Private lessons with a music teacher are one of the most effective ways to learn. A teacher provides personalized guidance, corrects mistakes, and structures lessons based on your skill level.
✔ Best for: Beginners and advanced students who want personal feedback.
✔ Pros:
✓ One-on-one attention from an expert
✓ Faster improvement with real-time corrections
✓ Personalized learning plan
✓ Motivation and accountability
✔ Cons:
✗ More expensive than other methods
✗ Requires scheduling and commitment
🎵 Ideal for – Students who want structured lessons and professional feedback.
B) Online Music Courses and Video Lessons
Many websites and platforms offer video-based music lessons, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Popular platforms include:
✔ YouTube (free lessons) – Great for casual learning but lacks structure.
✔ Paid platforms (Simply Piano, Yousician, Udemy, Skillshare, etc.) – Offer structured courses with progressive learning.
✔ Best for: Self-motivated learners who prefer flexibility.
✔ Pros:
✓ Learn anytime, anywhere
✓ Affordable compared to private lessons
✓ Wide range of lessons for different instruments and styles
✔ Cons:
✗ No personal feedback from a teacher
✗ Some courses lack depth or structure
🎵 Ideal for – People who enjoy self-paced learning and don’t need one-on-one instruction.
C) Self-Teaching with Books and PDFs
If you’re highly motivated, teaching yourself through books and online resources can be a great way to learn.
✔ Best for: Learners who enjoy studying on their own and have strong discipline.
✔ Pros:
✓ Cost-effective—many free and affordable books available
✓ Learn at your own speed
✓ Can combine with other learning methods
✔ Cons:
✗ No real-time feedback
✗ Can be difficult to stay motivated
🎵 Ideal for – People who prefer reading and following structured lessons without a teacher.
D) Learning Through Apps
Music learning apps have become very popular because they make learning fun, interactive, and accessible.
Popular apps include:
🎵 Simply Piano, Flowkey (for piano)
🎵 Yousician (for guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, and singing)
🎵 Perfect Ear (for ear training and sight-reading)
✔ Best for: Beginners who want a gamified learning experience.
✔ Pros:
✓ Fun and engaging—feels like a game
✓ Tracks progress automatically
✓ Good for practicing regularly
✔ Cons:
✗ Can be limited in depth—good as a supplement, but not a complete method
✗ Lacks personal feedback
🎵 Ideal for – Beginners who enjoy interactive learning and want a fun, easy start.
E) Group Classes and Workshops
Group lessons are a social and interactive way to learn music. You can find group classes at music schools, community centers, or online workshops.
✔ Best for: People who enjoy learning with others and want a sense of community.
✔ Pros:
✓ More affordable than private lessons
✓ Encouraging and motivating group environment
✓ Great for learning ensemble playing (choirs, bands, orchestras)
✔ Cons:
✗ Less individual attention compared to private lessons
✗ Progress depends on the group’s pace
🎵 Ideal for – Beginners who want an affordable and social learning experience.
F) Learning by Ear (Playing Without Reading Music)
Many musicians learn by listening to songs and figuring them out by ear rather than reading sheet music.
✔ Best for: People who have a good musical ear and prefer to learn songs instead of theory.
✔ Pros:
✓ No need to read sheet music
✓ Great for creativity and improvisation
✓ Helps develop strong musical intuition
✔ Cons:
✗ Harder to learn advanced techniques without structure
✗ Takes longer to develop precise skills
🎵 Ideal for – Musicians who prefer informal learning and improvisation.
3. How to Choose the Best Music Learning Method for You
Now that you know the different options, here’s how to decide which method works best for you.
A) Consider Your Learning Style
✔ Do you learn best with personal feedback? → Choose private lessons or group classes.
✔ Do you like to learn at your own pace? → Online courses or self-teaching might be better.
✔ Do you prefer visual and interactive learning? → Try music learning apps.
✔ Do you want to develop a strong musical ear? → Learning by ear is a great option.
B) Think About Your Goals
✔ If you want to become a professional musician, structured lessons with a teacher are the best choice.
✔ If you want to play for fun, apps or online courses are great options.
✔ If you want to compose music or improvise, self-teaching and ear training are valuable skills.
C) Evaluate Your Budget
✔ Low budget? → Use free YouTube lessons, apps, and books.
✔ Medium budget? → Invest in an online course or group lessons.
✔ High budget? → Private lessons with a professional teacher offer the best guidance.
D) Test Different Methods
There’s no single “best” method—try different approaches and see what works for you.
✔ Combine online lessons with self-teaching.
✔ Use an app as a fun supplement while taking formal lessons.
✔ Experiment with learning by ear even if you use books or sheet music.
4. Common Mistakes When Choosing a Music Learning Method
🚫 Thinking there’s only one right way to learn – Many musicians use multiple methods.
🚫 Skipping structured learning entirely – Learning only through random YouTube videos can be confusing.
🚫 Not being patient – No matter the method, learning music takes time.
🚫 Ignoring technique – Even if you self-teach, focus on correct posture and playing techniques.
5. Conclusion: Find the Best Way to Learn Music for You
Choosing the best music learning method depends on your goals, learning style, and budget. Whether you take private lessons, learn through apps, use books, or teach yourself by ear, the most important thing is to stay motivated and practice consistently.
The best approach is often a mix of methods, so experiment with different ways of learning until you find what works best for you. Enjoy the process, keep practicing, and have fun making music! 🎶