Add Music to Your Life

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boy playing violin in orchestra class

Purpose

Music can make you smile, invite the Spirit, and improve the lives of those around you. Why not learn more about how to make your own music?

Learn musical skills, such as conducting, singing, or playing an instrument.

Learn how to conduct music. It’s a lot easier than you might think. For example, hold up your right hand. Now drop it down. Move it to the left. Move it to the right. Raise it up again. Congratulations! You just conducted a 4/4 beat, one of the most common beats in music. Check out the Conducting Course on LDS.org for more tips.
Practice finding the beat in songs. This will help you when you sing or play an instrument. Try tapping out the rhythm of a song on your leg, a table, a bucket—anything that helps you hear the beat. You might even like it enough to try playing the drums!
Join your ward or branch choir. Commit to sing with them in at least one performance, and attend all the practices to prepare for that performance.
Create a playlist of positive and uplifting music. Not all of it has to be spiritual, just make sure it is appropriate. You can find lots of free uplifting music here.
Learn to sing or play an instrument. Most music shops rent affordable instruments, or you can buy an inexpensive used one to start with. There may be free or inexpensive classes available in your community, or you could look online for lessons and instruction. Give it at least six months, because it usually takes that long to find out whether singing or a particular instrument is the thing for you.
Create your own goal.