5 Skills Every Musician Should Learn
Certain skills are universal to all musicians, regardless of the instrument they play or their musical aspirations.
1. Aural Skills (a.k.a. Ear Training)
Aural skills involve learning to recognize chord qualities and progressions, fix intonation issues, and identify pitches within a melody (think solfege—do, re, mi, etc.) solely by listening. Developing a strong ear allows musicians to play more expressively, improvise with confidence, and communicate effectively in musical settings.
2. Music Notation and Basic Theory
In conjunction with learning music by listening, musicians should also learn to read music from a page. Understanding notation, key signatures, time signatures, and basic harmonic relationships provides a deeper comprehension of how music works. Even if a musician plays primarily by ear, having a foundation in music theory opens up new creative possibilities.
3. Rhythm
Rhythm is the backbone of all music, and strong rhythmic skills help musicians stay in sync with others. Whether playing intricate drum patterns, strumming a steady groove on guitar, or simply clapping along in time, understanding rhythm improves precision and musicality. Practicing with a metronome or playing along with recordings can significantly enhance rhythmic awareness.
4. Performance
It’s likely that every musician will find themselves in a situation where they are asked to perform, whether it’s for a small group of friends around a campfire or a large audience at a professional venue. That’s why confidence and stage presence are vital for any musician to cultivate. Performing regularly—whether in a formal setting or just for fun—helps develop comfort in front of an audience and improves musical delivery.
5. Collaboration
Music is inherently social, and collaboration is one of the most valuable skills a musician can develop. Playing with others sharpens listening skills, fosters creativity, and provides motivation for growth. Musicians who rehearse and perform with a band or ensemble often progress at an exponentially faster rate than those who practice alone.
These skills do not exist in isolation but work together in various musical situations. For example, when playing in a band, a musician must listen carefully to others (aural skills), stay in time (rhythm), follow written music if needed (notation), perform confidently (stage presence), and communicate effectively (collaboration).
At Learn Music, we teach students the skills they need to succeed in every musical situation—using the music they love. Schedule a trial lesson with us today by clicking here!
About Learn Music:
Learn Music was founded in January 2014 with the mission of building a custom curriculum for each student, incorporating the music they love. The school helps students become exceptional musicians through private instruction, performance, and collaboration. It is owned by Cornelius native Adam Wilson and his wife, Rachael.
We would love the opportunity to teach you music! Whether you’re interested in in-person or online lessons, our team is here to help your student grow and thrive.